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Posted 11/16/2010 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
 

   Lets talk about constipation.

 

     We know we all have to deal with it. There isnt a single one of us who doesn't have to deal with this on a daily or weekly basis. I think often times when someone new to the chronic pain community and life style has begun "Long term medication" they don't realize that they have also begun the constipation nightmare.

 

~~> http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/

 

     ".....The clinical definition of constipation is having any two of the following symptoms for at least 12 weeks—not always consecutive—in the previous 12 months:

  • straining during bowel movements
  • lumpy or hard stool
  • sensation of incomplete evacuation
  • sensation of anorectal blockage/obstruction
  • fewer than three bowel movements per week ...."

 

       This topic comes up every week here it seems. What I would like to do is get everyone to post what they use for "traffic Jams" and a link to "information / dictionary" that explains the "treatment" (if you can, if not do not worry about including a link). IE Prunes, Fiber, Colace, Exercise, Water.. et al.

 

Thanks so much,
         dani
Posted 11/16/2010 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
 

      What a great idea! Loved the term "Traffic Jam's" smilewinkgrin

              I have tried most of the OCT sure-flow formulations, but found that prunes work the best for me. It may take a while to make the necessary adjustments to find the correct intake, and it depends on your consuption of the meds and certian foods.

        Prunes taste great, and I love the fact that it is a all natural product. I do get mixed up, on the stool softener and the laxitive differences, so I will be interested to see the different comments on this.

      I also try to have at least two bowel movements a day, and think it is important to at least have one. Plenty of water is also a good idea as well.

     SE wink

      NEXT! smilewinkgrin

Posted 11/16/2010 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
I am actually using nothing at this point - I'm not finding constipation to be much of a problem right now. The only thing I've been doing is eating yogurt with Flax and Pumpkin Seed Granola every day (and usually 2X per day - it's all I've been able to eat lately as I struggle with some food issues).

Prior to now, I was using an OTC stool softener but I never got the real relief I was looking for. I finally came off all laxatives my doctor and I talked about and just haven't used anything since. I am trying to drink more water, but it's hard when nothing appeals to my taste buds.

Pam
Posted 11/16/2010 7:30 PM (GMT 0)
This is not "normally" a problem, but I'm sure it will be again after the next "procedure". I'll be back to my prunes then....they are the absolute best for me. I also like to eat bananas when I'm having problems. NEXT
Posted 11/16/2010 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
I thought bananas were natural "traffic jams" in themselves? I eat dried apricots. I just don't like prunes, 5 apricots a day seems to do the trick for me, but my GP suggested a bath with epsom salts is good too. Seemingly we absorb the epsom salts through our skin and it helps relax us as well as helps relax our bowel. If I'm particularly bad I take coloxyl with senna but I know its not good to rely on them they help if my diet hasn't been good!!!
Best wishes to all, golitho
Posted 11/17/2010 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
Daily stool softeners. When very bad I take 3 tbsp of mineral oil and 1/4 cup of water. In extreme situations I take senna.
Posted 11/17/2010 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
I can't eat prunes because of the gas they produce, since stomach fundoplication which makes it impossible to burp and hence intolerance to gassy foods. I'm allergic to the sulfite preservative in dried fruits like apricots. Water just runs through the kidneys. Yogurt doesn't work unless I eat enough to get sick. Stool softeners only help a little. So I'm left with Miralax, which I dislike the taste, senna, which you can't take every day, or Benefiber, which works but is hard to control the dose.
Posted 11/17/2010 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
I've been lucky that I don't have a chronic problem. Prunes are a good solution for me as long as I don't eat the whole container, as I love the little ones like candy! I've been making a lot of banana bread lately with whole wheat flour and find when I eat a slice or two of that things go very smoothly, so to speak. ;-)

PaLady
Posted 11/17/2010 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
I've been having this problem ever since I started w/ pain meds around 15 years ago. I hate it! Especially at times like right now when I have a hemroid problem! OUCH!!! I have one now that is the size of a black olive! I'm thinking I better go to the doc and get it cut! I've had that done almost as many times as waiting for them to explode on thier own! Sorry if I'm being to graffic for some of you, I've never been one to hold back or be shy!
Anyway, I just thought this is probably a problem that is related to the "traffic jam" which many others here know all too well!!!
Hugs, Love and Peace!!!
Pete
Posted 11/17/2010 2:13 AM (GMT 0)
Pete, according to my mother never get a hemroid-ectomy. She was in horrible pain for weeks and they came back!
Posted 11/17/2010 11:34 AM (GMT 0)
No, I never had one! I've had the doc just cut them to release the pressure or just wait for them to rupture by themself. This is a big-un though and Prep H isn't helping much! I forgot to mention, it's the external type, kinda like having a bubble in a tire> I need a Blow Out!! I am dreading every B/M cause that hurts the worst! Anyone have any advice???
Hugs,
Pete
Posted 11/17/2010 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
 

  Pete,

 

   There is a pad with "witch hazel" as one of the ingredents. It helps to..lower the pain and discomfort of bumps in the road during heavy traffic  :-)   Let me find it. All us ladies get them from the hospital after we have had children. I think "health food" stores have the really potent stuff, so you might want to check in one for stronger versions.

~~>  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_hazel_(astringent)

~~>  http://www.amazon.com/Tucks-Medicated-Hemorrhoid-Cooling-Pads/dp/B000GG850U

*Big Hugg*

      dani

 

Posted 11/17/2010 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
    I use Senna , take one every day and that combined with the juicing of veggies and fruits every day has thankfully kept me regular since my surgery August 23rd . I think the veggies really help a lot but I've also been able to drastically cut down on my pain meds , maybe 10% of what I used to take so that must have a big effect too . Bottom line this has not been a problem for me , thank heaven for that ! But a great idea for a post as its a common issue with pain med users like us , I'm sure I'll deal with it again at some point , Thanks Mikel

Post Edited (MIKEL99) : 11/17/2010 5:18:32 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/17/2010 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
Boy was I having trouble with this....my PM doctor told me to take miralax every day! I kind of forgot about it back then....but as things got worse and I got tired of taking harsh laxatives every 3-4 days and suffering, I decided to try it! It is a miracle! I take the generic form....it is polyethene glycol 3350. It is over the counter and I just mix it in water, because it has absolutely no taste. As long as I don't forget to take it....I have bowel movements like a normal person....or like I used to... lol....every morning with my coffee! The cost for the generic is about 18.00 for the monthly dose size! I would highly recommend it!

Hugs (maybe a little squeeze will help move things....lol)
Beckey
Posted 11/17/2010 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
My gastroenterologist recommended miralax - there is no taste or gritty texture and it dissolves completely - I've used it in cold and hot beverages with no problems in either. It can take a few days to work, but there is no cramping or discomfort like there can be with other remedies. For a very rapid "natural" clean out, a large bowl of grapes, or as I discovered one day completely by accident, eating about 8-10 stalks of celery will do the job nicely in about 6 hours. Your insides will rumble and fuss a bit, but all that fiber goes right through. smilewinkgrin
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