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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Are pains around your diaphragm normal post surgery?

    I had a laparascopy over a month ago now. I recovered very well until I started to get severley constipated. I went to the doctor after one day I was stuck on the toilet floor in severe pain. I was experiencing pains where my diaphragm sits. I also felt nauseous. I didnt vomit and didnt go to the toilet. when I went to the doctor I had x-rays, ultra sounds and blood tests. All came back clear. I am still constipated and experince bad back pain and also every now and then get those pains around my diaphragm. Is it possible after over a month post surgery I can still have trapped CO2 and be constipated?
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  • Women's Health Queensland Wide provides free health information for Queensland women. View Profile

    Symptoms of constipation can include but are not limited to bloated abdomen or abdominal cramps. The most common causes of constipation include a change in routine, inadequate fibre in the daily diet, insufficient fluids and lack of exercise.
    A period of illness, particularly an illness resulting in hospitalization and bed-rest, typically may result in constipation. Factors include change in routine, reduced food intake, pain (especially after abdominal surgery), and pain-relief medication such as morphine or codeine. Short-term treatment with laxatives maybe required. Whilst CO2 can and does cause irritation and discomfort it would have settled by now. If you are straining to pass a bowel motion perhaps this is causing your back discomfort. You might need to see a physiotherapist just to make sure.
    Perhaps you need to look to your diet/fluid intake and exercise to get your bowel back on track.
    Brenda
    Women’s Health Educator
    Health Information Line, Women’s Health Queensland Wide
     
    Women living in Queensland can also call our Health Information Line - a free information and referral service for Queensland women - on 3839 9988 or 1800 017 676 (toll free outside Brisbane).
     
    Please note that all health information provided by Women’s Health Queensland Wide is subject to this disclaimer
     

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