Many people are constipated after surgery. This can be due to the pain medicine and a lack of activity. Be sure you get plenty of fluids, and take a fiber supplement such as methylcellulose (Citrucel) or psyllium (Metamucil) or a stool softener like docusate (Colace).
After surgery, your caregivers will frequently ask whether you have passed gas. This is because passing gas is a sign that your bowels are returning to normal. You may not have a bowel movement for four to five days following surgery.
You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your surgery. This is common. Try to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements.
You should not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or make any major decisions for at least 24 hours after surgery. Your anesthesia may make you groggy and it will be hard to think clearly. The effects should wear off in about 24 hours. Limit activities that could make you fall or put more pressure on your face.
It is common to have constipation after surgery, even if your surgeon didn't mention it during discharge. As high as 30 percent of women experience severe constipation in the days following the procedure. Dr.
Postoperative ileus is a prolonged absence of bowel function after surgical procedures, usually abdominal surgery. It is a common postoperative complication with unclear etiology and pathophysiology. It is a benign condition that usually resolves with minimal intervention.
The use of saline irrigation eight to ten (8-10) times per day in each nostril can be quite helpful to moisturize the nose and clear debris. Also, if you can take decongestants, these will help. They can be either in a spray (Afrin) or pill form (Sudafed).
Do not lie flat. Raise your head with two or three pillows. This can reduce swelling. Try to sleep on your back for the month after surgery.
Septoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure, so most people can go home the day of surgery. Swelling may last two to three days, but full recovery may take up to three months.
Anesthesia paralyzes your muscles. This stops movement in the intestinal tract. Until your intestines "wake up," there is no movement of stool.
Many people experience constipation after surgery due to the following factors: Medications. Pain medications, diuretics, muscle relaxants, and anesthesia can cause constipation in some people. Opioids, in particular, can reduce bowel movements.
Perform stimulation with your finger every day until you start to have a regular pattern of bowel movements. You can also stimulate bowel movements by using a suppository (glycerin or bisacodyl) or a small enema. Some people find it helpful to drink warm prune juice or fruit nectar.
Walking encourages the peristaltic movement of the bowels, relieving gas and constipation. A heat pack may also provide relief. If you are allowed to drink, hot peppermint tea is a great remedy to help gastrointestinal motility and relieve painful gas pains.
The stress of surgery and direct bowel manipulation cause a surge in sympathetic stimulation, overriding parasympathetic stimulation and slowing bowel function. The effects of this are most pronounced in the colon, where it may take 2 to 3 days for normal peristalsis to return in the postoperative period.
Luckily, one week post-operatively, it is safe to resume sleeping on your back or side, provided that you are careful to avoid putting pressure on your nose. While it is safe to lie flat on your back or carefully on your side, it is important to understand that doing so may prolong swelling and bruising.
Avoid bending, lifting, or straining for one week after surgery. Avoid bending, straining, or any activity that increases pressure on your face or nose for the first week after surgery.
Nose blowing - You may sniff (even vigorously) if you feel you need to clear your nose. Realize that the interior of the nose will be swollen for four to seven days and may not clear—even with the most forceful attempts. Blowing your nose too early in the healing process can cause bleeding.
Postoperative care:
Do not blow your nose or attempt to clean it for the first week. After five days you may blow your nose and sniff in very gently. If you have to sneeze, do so with your mouth open. You may lubricate the inside of the nostrils by very gently applying Bacitracin ointment with a Q-tip.
Sometimes, the doctor may use packing in your nose, so it may be necessary for you to breathe thru your mouth for a few days. Your mouth will be very dry after surgery because of some of the medications you received.
You may think that cutting back on food will help “clear out” your colon. That's not the case. Do this: Eating, especially healthy whole foods that contain fiber, helps your body move stool.
Apples and pears – Containing high levels of fibre, fructose and sorbitol, apples and pears are popular fruits that help you to empty your bowels. Also, apples and pears contain high levels of water content, which helps with digestion and with avoiding constipation. For best results, eat them raw.