Opioid Effects on Ileostomy After Knee Surgery

I will have a knee replacement in January 2025. Oxycodone is the pain medication most often prescribed post-surgery for at least the first few days. I know oxy/opioids cause constipation. What's the effect with an ileostomy since there is just the small intestine? Has anyone had a knee replacement who has an ileostomy?

Had my right knee replaced. Titanium. Brand new joint.

Oxy was the best. No issues with ileo.. no pain. No "runs".

Just moving around though was an issue. Walking, cycling (stationary bike supplied by orthopedic surgeon).

Will you have help at home?

Yes, I will have help. I'm pretty active usually, so I hope I do well with this. I'll be anxious to get back to pickleball. My main concern was what the oxy would do to bowel motility. Most people take docusate with oxy to help with constipation, but since ileostomy patients are not supposed to take a stool softener, I just wondered if it will cause any blockages for me.

What do you do to keep your bag from flopping around? If I wear something too tight to contain it, then it wants to not move to the bottom and goes to the filter at the top.

My underwear is Jockey cotton and holds the bag just fine.  If my output is more liquid some days, I just empty more often 

My Ostomy Journey: LeeAnne | Hollister

I've had to take pain medications before and had a stool softener given to me. I only ever ended up taking it once. I never really had a problem with taking the pain meds and having an ileostomy. I wouldn't worry about it causing a blockage. As long as you take the med as prescribed. Don't overtake your pain meds, just use them as they are meant to be used.

Hey there, I've taken this pain med, and one, there isn't a coating or capsule, so no blockage, and it breaks down in the body, and two, it didn't cause problems with my ileostomy. You will be safe taking it, no worries.

Thanks!

Thanks a lot!

...FYI: RE: the oxy... As you know, it's a narcotic. It will kill the pain. As Lee mentioned, take it as prescribed. The stuff was so strong... my arthritis pain vanished. Of course, I felt so much better on it. My rheumo didn't like it that I suggested taking a maintenance dosage to kill the arthritic pain.

He laughed, "Not on his watch." 😡🤬😖

People will tell you it's addictive. It's well-known to be. 🤔

Naah...not to worry. Had it done...the surgery. No worries.

Yes, I will have help.

Thanks for answering.