Fever after surgery

[gopackgo]

I had incisional hernia surgery done last Saturday and last night I started developing a fever and now this morning it has reached about 100 degrees. I have called the doctor and talked to the nurse about it and she is going to talk with the doctor and call me back. I have been on Lortab all week for the pain and know that it can make you constipated, so I have been taking laxatives for that, but nothing has happened in that category. I am also having pain in my side and don't know if this has anything to do with the constipation. Can a person develop a fever if they are constipated?

Thanks

[smithn]

Originally Posted by gopackgo

I had incisional hernia surgery done last Saturday and last night I started developing a fever and now this morning it has reached about 100 degrees. I have called the doctor and talked to the nurse about it and she is going to talk with the doctor and call me back. I have been on Lortab all week for the pain and know that it can make you constipated, so I have been taking laxatives for that, but nothing has happened in that category. I am also having pain in my side and don't know if this has anything to do with the constipation. Can a person develop a fever if they are constipated?

Thanks

If you have not had a bowel movement since the day of your surgery and have pain in your side then yes, you can run a fever because of this. If it truly has been a week then you are at risk of developing a bowel obstruction.

Take a look at your incision - do you note any increased swelling, redness, or is it warm to the touch? Has it worsened in any way? If so, then you may have the start of an infection that needs immediate attention. If not, then you need to do what you can to get your bowels moving. Drink a good deal of water. Have someone pick you up some Metamucil (if this is something you can take) and take it as directed. A Fleets enema is something you could try also but if you are a diabetic or have any kidney problems, check with the doctor before using it.

[gopackgo]

Thanks for your quick response. I do notice that my incision site is quite warm to the touch. I just drank some magnesium citrate and hopefully it isn't too late for that to start working. Having a bowel obstruction would really be bad! It truly has been a week since my last BM.
The surgeon's office did call back and told me to start taking Dulcolax. I see him on Monday for my post-op anyways. Seems like I have been taking a lot of laxatives to get things moving. Can the bowels get so obstructed, that laxatives won't work to get things moving?

[Dee77]

You need to get in to see him-sounds like an infection from the surgery since incision is warm. hernia can cause constipation also. it could possibly be a staff infection. Maybe. laxatives should work-but if your one that takes to many than it wont work.

[smithn]

Yes, you can become so obstructed that your bowels won't move at all. Or, you don't have much in your bowel due to eating small amounts after surgery? At any rate, mag citrate is a bit harsh so soon after surgery since it usually produces extreme diarrhea and cramping and you don't need that kind of pain and/or straining when you have an incision like yours. If your incision is "quite warm" then you need to go in and have it checked right away. If you have developed an infection then you need to get started on an antibiotic soon since infections of this type can spread quickly and develop into further problems. Better to be safe than sorry - have it checked out. As long as you aren't having abdominal pain, vomiting or severe nausea, then I wouldn't worry so much about forcing the bowel movement to happen. Bowel habits are always off a bit right after surgery, for most people.