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Constipation usually occurs because there is an insufficient amount of water in your stool, making it hard and difficult to pass. This happens when the peristalsis (muscle contractions) of the intestines stops due to the effect of the general anesthesia used during hernia surgery. Increasing your fluid intake may help to soften the stool and prevent you from straining during a bowel movement. Fiber-rich food prevents constipation by pulling water from the colon, which makes the stool softer and easier to pass.  Make sure you have a daily fiber intake of at least 21 grams by eating foods like: raspberries, apples, pears, bananas, oranges, figs, strawberries, raisins, popcorn, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, bread, lentils, almonds, pistachios, green peas, broccoli, turnips, brussel sprouts, tomatoes, carrots and potatoes. You can also take Metamucil, a fiber laxative and supplement. Metamucil can be taken after eating or on an empty stomach. Have a glass of water after you drink Metamucil for better absorption. Men, 19 years and older can take 38 g/day. Women, 19 years and older can take 25 g/day. Pregnant and lactating women should consult with their doctor before taking Metamucil. Pregnant woman are usually prescribed 28 g/day and lactating women are usually prescribed 29 g/day.  If approved by their doctor, children can also take Metamucil. Children 1-3 years old can take 19 g/day; children 4-8 years old can take 25 g/day. Boys 9-13 years old can take 31 g/day; girls 9-13 years old can take 26 g/day. Boys 14-18 years old can take 38 g/day and girls 14-18 years old can take 26 g/day. You do not want to strain yourself or lift heavy objects, especially the first few weeks after surgery, as this can cause the surgical incisions to tear. Light exercise like walking will help to reduce the time it takes for food to move into the large intestine. This will ensure the water absorbed from the stool is limited. Exercises also stimulate the natural contraction of the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. If these muscles contract efficiently, the stools will move out much quicker.  Exercise an hour after a meal as this will force blood flow to increase towards the stomach and the intestines, which will then help your body to properly digest the food. Walk for at least 15-30 minutes a day at a slow pace so you do not disrupt the surgical site.  Do not do any strenuous activities like running, jogging, or playing contact sports during the first four weeks after surgery, as these actions can possibly rupture the surgical incision. Bedridden patients can dangle their feet on the bed and do arm and feet circling for at least 30 to 45 minutes daily to help promote the return of peristalsis (muscle contractions) in the gastrointestinal tract. The early return of peristalsis can help reduce constipation. Smoking cigarettes can further reduce the peristaltic movement of the intestines, which are already depressed due to the general anesthesia used during hernia surgery. The nicotine in cigarettes is a potent vasoconstrictor, which means it makes your blood vessels constrict or narrow, thus reducing blood flow to the intestines. If blood flow is reduced, then digestion and peristalsis or the rhythmic movement of the intestines are also reduced. This causes the digested food to remain in the intestines for a longer period of time. During this time, the colon continues to absorb water from the digested food, which will lead to a firmer or hard stool and constipation. Do not self-medicate. Some stool softeners can cause intestinal bleeding, dependency and can alter the normal environment of the gastrointestinal tract if they are used for too long. Consulting with your doctor will help you find the right stool softener to treat your constipation.  Colace works by increasing the amount of water that the stool absorbs, making is softer and easier to pass. The ideal dosage of Colace is 50 to 500 mg once a day. Do not exceed two tablets a day and do not take Senna for more than a week, unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor.  Patients 2-6 years old should take half a tablet (4.3 mg) of Senna orally at bedtime, and not exceed half a tablet a day. Patients 6-12 years old should take one tablet (8.6 mg) orally at bedtime and not exceed one tablet a day. Patients 13-18 years old should take two tablets (17.2 mg) orally at bedtime and should not exceed four tablets a day. Senna should only used by pregnant and breastfeeding women if it is prescribed by their doctor.  The prescribed adult dose (18 and older) for Bisacodyl is usually 5 to 15 mg (1 to 3 tablets) orally once a day, with or without food. Do not exceed more than 15 mg a day. Children under 18 and pregnant and breastfeeding women are usually not prescribed with this medication unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor. Taking laxatives can affect your body’s ability to absorb other drugs such as antacids, mineral oils, castor oils, antibiotics, blood thinners, heart and bone medications, so always check with your doctor to find the right laxative prescription for you.
Drink eight or more glasses of water a day. Eat a high fiber diet. Avoid straining yourself or picking up heavy objects. Do light exercise. Stop smoking. Talk to your doctor about Colace, the most recommended stool softener. Ask your doctor about other brands of stool softener like Senna (Senokot, Ex-Lax) and Bisacodyl (Correctol, Doxidan, Dulcolax).The prescribed adult dose (19 and older) for Senna is two tablets (17.2 mg) orally at bedtime once a day, with or without food. Let your doctor know if you are taking other drugs or medications.