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What Are the effective strategies to prevent medication-induced constipation and minimize the risk of hospital readmission"

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Ten years ago, I underwent surgery to address a blockage issue, during which the surgical team discovered and treated an infection that had originated from my hospital stay. Unfortunately, during the process of cleaning up the infection, they unintentionally tore holes in the mesh that was used. Since then, I have been experiencing ongoing complications as a result of this mesh-related problem.

Additionally, I was recently discharged from the hospital after a week-long stay due to a small bowel blockage. The blockage had reduced sufficiently for small pieces to pass, and my vital signs remained stable throughout my hospitalization. During my stay, I maintained an active routine by walking approximately two miles per day within the hospital premises.

However, it has now been a week since my discharge, and I am currently taking Miralax and magnesium to help with bowel movements. While small pieces are passing, I have not yet had fully formed bowel movements.

Unfortunately, I unintentionally took my Monjaro medication, which is known to potentially cause constipation. To avoid potential hospital readmission, I have switched to a liquid and smoothie-based diet. However, I am experiencing cramping. Despite this, I am still having bowel movements consisting of water and small pieces.

Please advise on the best approach to mitigate potential constipation caused by the medication, ensuring that I do not require readmission to the hospital.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ghulam Fareed is a skilled medical gastroenterologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders. He specializes in managing conditions like acid reflux, hepatitis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease. With years of clinical experience, he focuses on accurate evaluation, advanced endoscopic procedures, and long-term gastrointestinal health management.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am currently reviewing your case history thoroughly and will provide you with a detailed response shortly. Please refrain from responding to this conversation until you receive my comprehensive reply.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for reply.

I recently underwent surgery to clean up an infection, and as a result, the small bowls have become partially displaced from the fascia due to the holes in the mesh created by the surgeon. This displacement is causing an obstruction.

During my hospital stay, I underwent a CT scan and two dye contrast X-rays. After five days, the healthcare professionals removed the NG tube and discharged me on the sixth day. However, my bowel movements are not fully formed, which is a concern for me. I am wondering if I took Monjaro, a medication, too soon without waiting for a full recovery.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ghulam Fareed is a skilled medical gastroenterologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders. He specializes in managing conditions like acid reflux, hepatitis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease. With years of clinical experience, he focuses on accurate evaluation, advanced endoscopic procedures, and long-term gastrointestinal health management.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Regarding your questions:

Yes, it is possible for bowel obstruction to occur as a result of this procedure. In fact, any abdominal surgery can potentially lead to obstruction due to the formation of intra-abdominal adhesions, as we discussed previously.

With regard to your concern about Monjaro, there is no direct evidence linking it to bowel obstruction. However, you can consider increasing your laxative intake to prevent the occurrence of hard stools. Additionally, it is advisable to follow dietary precautions such as avoiding dry meals (such as BBQ) and consuming a low-fiber diet. Remember to drink plenty of water to maintain hydration.

Thank you

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 27, 2023
Reviewed At May 8, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ghulam Fareed is a skilled medical gastroenterologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders. He specializes in managing conditions like acid reflux, hepatitis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease. With years of clinical experience, he focuses on accurate evaluation, advanced endoscopic procedures, and long-term gastrointestinal health management.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ghulam Fareed is a skilled medical gastroenterologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders. He specializes in managing conditions like acid reflux, hepatitis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease. With years of clinical experience, he focuses on accurate evaluation, advanced endoscopic procedures, and long-term gastrointestinal health management.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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