Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Constipation is when you are not able to routinely open your bowels and it can become difficult or painful to pass bowel motions.
Tips:
- Make sure you have plenty of fibre in your diet. Good sources include wholegrain cereals and bread, fruit and vegetables, and extra beans, pulses, and lentils
- Make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Aim to drink at least two litres a day, especially if you are increasing the amount of fibre you eat. (Eating more fibre without drinking enough fluid can make constipation worse)
- Try natural remedies like prune juice, prune syrup, dried or tinned prunes, and syrup of figs
- If you are able to eat the following, it may be wise to ask relatives to bring in bags of dried fruit or other high fibre snacks such as wholegrain crackers or biscuits
- If constipation is due to the medication you are on, it may be possible to adjust the dose, or have a laxative. Talk to your doctor about this
- Being mobile (if it is safe to do so) can help. Try taking a short walk if you are able to
- Constipation can be caused by some medication, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if they think this could be the case
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Dietetics service.
About this information
Service:
Dietetics
Reference:
HH/007
Approval date:
1 November 2025
Review date:
1 November 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.