Constipation Tricks

Does anyone have any good ideas for post-op constipation (with narcotic use)? I see this so much and want to give my patients the best advice I can.

We give our patients "crappuccino." Milk of mag, prune juice, and molassses...all dumped into a coffee cup, mixed with a bit of warm water, and microwaved to a nice "coffee" temperature...

:no: :barf02:

I just love the barfy smiley...

Specializes in Case Mgmt; Mat/Child, Critical Care.
cotjockey said:
We give our patients "crappuccino." Milk of mag, prune juice, and molassses...all dumped into a coffee cup, mixed with a bit of warm water, and microwaved to a nice "coffee" temperature...

OMG! "crappuccino"...

I don't know why but that just sounds hilarious!! ?

"Crappuccino" is just disgusting...smells and looks like what it makes you do...tastes bad, looks bad, works soooo good!

Specializes in Rehab, Neuro, Travel Nurse, Home Care.

I mix Lactolose with warm prune juice. It works really fast, but this after I tried water, ambulation, and stool softners.

The patients I am referring to are all on stool softeners, I always suggest prunes/juice, coffee, ect, and I am just looking for more tips - exactly like what you all have provided, Thanks!!!

The Bomb!!!

MOM 30cc

Lactulose 15cc

Cascara 15cc

Mix. Shake. Administer and then stand back.....

Specializes in MICU/SICU.

Walk 'em, if at all possible. If not, sit them up in a chair. Most uncomplicated postops can get OOB into a chair at least...

And, try not to take away thier morning coffee :)

Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

Love this thread for all of the cocktail names! Opioids require a stimulant laxative on top of a stool softener. Otherwise it's all mush and no push. We use senna-S in hospice.

I've seen great results with a "brown cow" laxative recipe: warm prune juice mixed with Milk of Magnesia. It's gentle and effective. You can find the full recipe and more details here - https://www.simplerecipebox.com/brown-cow-laxative-recipe-unleash-the-power-of-nature/.  From my experience, adding a bit of coffee also helps.

Don't fleet enemas work?

+ Join the Discussion