I m in a lot of pain. I had my appendix removed in hospital on Wednesday morning and was discharged Wednesday night. It s now Saturday morning and the pain in operated area is now worse and my stomach is very swollen. Could this be because I am very constipated and have not had a bowel movement for over a week and certainly not since operation due to the painkillers (endone) which I have been on which are full of codeine? What do you recommend I do about the pain and also the constipation . Would be very grateful for your advice. Thank u
Hello, Welcome to Chat Doctor. I appreciate your efforts for medical consultation in so much distress. Well, its already 4 days since surgery and presence of pain with not passing stools clearly directs the cause towards constipation, and as you were taking codeine as painkiller it also contributes to constipation. Now coming to relieve this, I think you should start taking laxatives and if not relieved than Dulcolax suppository may be required Wish you good health.  Regards