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Posted 6/20/2012 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
Here's a tip no one told me, perhaps because it's a bit embarrassing. If your doctor puts you on time release morphine, directly from picking up the morphine to pick up a stool softener to go with it. They are NOT kidding about the constipation side effect! Fortunately I figured this out early but from what I've read on the net this can get rather ugly for some people.
Posted 6/20/2012 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
Kaely,

That can be a side effect from many of the narcotics, unfortunately. This isn't something I've had to deal with, despite being on massive doses of oral meds.... thank goodness! But I'm glad you picked up on the problem early... before things got too severe. Many here eat prunes, do a stool softener, etc.

Good luck to you!
Posted 6/20/2012 3:11 AM (GMT 0)
I'm ok, I caught it in time. I just thought I'd put up the post for those who don't know. My doctor didn't say a word about that particular side effect.
Posted 6/20/2012 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
Yes,…I agree with Tina, as this is a very common problem when taking narcotic pain relievers. It has been discussed here on the forum many times, and if you do a search, you can fine many post on it.

I take a combination of "Metamucil" and "Prunes" on a daily bases to keep regular. Lot's of "Fiber" will help as well, so make sure you pay attention to your diet. And of course,... Water…Water…and more Water!…drink lots of it!

One thing I do when taking a new med, is read up on it,... and look for the side effects. It's a good thing to practice as your Dr/PM continues to try different med's for pain relief.

SE wink
Posted 6/20/2012 5:17 AM (GMT 0)
I had horrible constipation with Oxycontin and hydrocodone. Now that I am on fentanyl it's almost 100% better.
Posted 6/20/2012 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
Oh yes......I can sympathize. I have lived with constipation for years. I take docusate, 4 tabs daily, but it does little to help. Also use fibogel and if all else fails a laxative. Not nice but seemingly goes hand in hand with opiate pain meds. I am on fentanyl and also oxycontin at the moment. It's just something else us poor chronic pain sufferers have to contend with!!!

Jane
Posted 6/20/2012 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
Yep...unfortunately many medications from opiates to muscle relaxers can cause constipation so it's a common problem for many of us CPers...

I have a bowl of Shredded Wheat every single morning. I make sure I get plenty of fiber in other foods throughout the day.

I also drink lots of water (room temperature during Spring/Summer and hot in Fall/Winter for easier digestion)

I also make sure I get my 45 minutes of exercise each day. I walk my doggy which makes it easier as I can't use any excuses with him! LOL

And then when needed....I use Miralax which I'm so thankful moved to "over the counter" a few years ago as this is the perfect solution for me. As it isn't a stimulant like other things which can be bad for your colon. It just uses the water/liquids you drink to help you stay more regular.

I suggest that if anyone has to use a laxative to use the Senna ones that are natural and not with any stimulants as they can cause your colon to not know how to work on their own anymore. Or if a stimulant is absoluted needed...then only once in a blue moon...(Oh boy...the jokes around those words are endless!!! LOL!!!:))

Or a natural water enema is even better than a stimulant if needed.

Hey..we have to giggle a bit about this subject...just like the childrens' book, "Everybody poops"!....(Well...we are hoping to!)
Posted 6/20/2012 3:50 PM (GMT 0)

      Snowy..brings up a very good point,...and that is "exercise" Walking should be enough, but if you can do more, then so much the better.

  SE wink

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