Increasing your fluid intake may help to soften the stool and prevent you from straining during a bowel movement.
Make sure you have a daily fiber intake of at least 21 grams[4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source 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. [5] X Research source 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. [6] X Research source
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. [7] X Research source Walk for at least 15-30 minutes a day at a slow pace so you do not disrupt the surgical site. [8] X Research source 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. [9] X Research source The early return of peristalsis can help reduce constipation.
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.
Colace works by increasing the amount of water that the stool absorbs, making is softer and easier to pass. [10] X Expert Source Roy Nattiv, MDBoard Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 18 December 2020. The ideal dosage of Colace is 50 to 500 mg once a day. [11] X Research source Always use a gentle laxative before trying out a stimulant laxative. [12] X Expert Source Roy Nattiv, MDBoard Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 18 December 2020.
These are known as stimulant laxatives. They work more quickly, but they have a higher addictive potential. [13] X Expert Source Roy Nattiv, MDBoard Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 18 December 2020. 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. [14] X Research source 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.
In men and women, the inguinal canal is found in the groin area. In men, it is the area where the spermatic cord, which holds up the testicles, passes from the abdomen to the scrotum. In women, the inguinal canal contains a ligament that helps to hold the uterus in place.
A hiatal hernia is most common in people over 50 years old. Congenital birth defects may cause a child to develop a hiatal hernia.
Umbilical hernias usually go away on their own, once the child reaches one year old. If the hernia is still present after the child turns one, surgery will be required to correct the hernia.
This procedure uses a tiny camera and miniaturized surgical equipment to repair the hernia using small incisions. The hernia is repaired by sewing the hole to close the abdominal wall. A surgical mesh is also used to patch the hole.
Open surgery requires a longer recovery process. But, the patient can resume his normal daily activities six weeks after surgery.
