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General Surgery/bowl movements
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Question
My girlfriend had surgery January 18.She hasn't had a bowl movement since in over 30 hours.What should i give her to help her,and is this normal?
She most probably has an ileus, the normal peristalsis of the bowel often slows for a period of time folowing surgery. If she is on any type of codeine related pain medication, it will slow down her intestinal transit as well. She should call her physician and discuss the situation. As you are not her doctor, refrain from interjecting advice without the counsel of her physician. You may be sorry later if she develops a problem.
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Answers by Expert:
Curtis J. Edwards, MD, FACS
Expertise
Can answer general and vascular surgery questions, trauma, burns, some plastic surgery questions, general gastrointestinal surgery and gastrointestinal medical questions and questions regarding aviation medicine.
Experience
Board certified general surgeon. Seventeen years practice experience in general, vascular, and no-cardiac thoracic surgery and endoscopy.
Organizations
College of Surgeons, AMA, Aerospace Medical Assoc., Civil Aviation Medical Assoc.
Education/Credentials
BA, MD, American Board of Surgery, Fellow American College of Surgeons, seventeen years practice all phases, including teaching.
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