Stool Softeners & Laxatives

After your surgery you may be constipated, making it hard for you to go to the bathroom and have a bowel movement. During recovery, it’s important that you don’t strain or try really hard when you’re going to the bathroom, so your doctor may have you take a stool softener, also called a laxative.

A laxative makes it easier for you to have a bowel movement and helps you avoid straining when you use the bathroom, which puts less pressure on your heart. When taking a laxative, the side effects are minor, if you have any at all, and a full list can be found on the label of the medication.

Unless you’ve been told to limit your liquids, drink plenty of liquids because that helps the laxative work better.

If you have any questions about the laxative you are using, please talk to your care team.