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Posted 7/19/2011 6:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I am new to this forum, but have Scleroderma and Colonic Inertia, as a result, am currently waiting to have an Temporary Loop Ileostomy. I hopefully should have it in the next month, I'm on a waiting list at a hospital, so it should be soon.

I was wondering whether someone can answer a question for me.

I sometimes take strong pain medication,f or my scleroderma and fibromyalgia. Would taking this medication cause me to have an obstruction when I have the ileo. As many of you know pain meds can make you a bit constipated at times, so I am wondering whether there will be a problem after the ileo.

Many thanks

Cleo wink

Posted 7/19/2011 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
you have to consult your dr about this. maybe both your general dr, the surgeon and maybe also the one that treats your scleroderma and fibro. maybe all together they can work on a plan to fix you with most right medications for you. good luck!!
Posted 7/19/2011 9:30 PM (GMT 0)
I take co-codamol and tramadol for arthritis and sciatica and as I have a high output stoma it actually helps slow things down for me. However, you are right to be concerned as in a normal stoma it can cause things to thicken up and slow down too much.

Discuss it with your surgeon/doctor as there may be other medication options that aren't so good at slowing things down and also drinking plenty of fluids helps as well, more than you would normally just so dehydration doesn't compound the situation.
Posted 7/19/2011 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
Talk to your doctor of course but my thought on it is that it is so watery when you have your ilostomy, that any thickening agent would be good. After surgery I was on a lot of pain meds and it didn't cause a problem. Mostly you want to look out for time release medications. Good luck.
Posted 7/19/2011 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
Liza, do you mean take time release medications or to avoid them. Just clarifying as I avoid all time release medicines as they would come out of ileo still in original coating as they are meant to be absorbed in colon.
Posted 7/20/2011 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
I've just had this problem.. I'm now 9 days post end ileo surgery but have had some issues with 'constipation' for want of a better word and a blockage behind my stoma from (as well as other things) taking codeine. I'm off it now and the output is much better.

From what I can gather it's 'opiate' type meds which cause the bowel to slow down.. that said if you're having a loop ileo you may be absolutely fine as things whizz through much faster. I had a loop ileo before and took codeine with no problems. Check with your nurse or surgeon. Good luck with your surgery and keep us posted. Sarah
Posted 7/24/2011 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so much for your advice, it is much appreciated. I try and avoid stong pain medication, but if I need it, I take it in the evenings, so I can sleep. So it might be ok.

I will though speak to my doctor,

Thanks again
Cleo
Posted 7/24/2011 4:50 AM (GMT 0)
I've been told to avoid Timed Release meds all the time --- not enough transit time for them to release properly. Basically a waste of meds and money :)
Posted 7/24/2011 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
I think ileo output is watery enough so that pain meds should not be an issue. If it does thickening output too much, just drink grape juice, or orange juice or eat chocolate and that should thin it right down. So does alcohol but you would not want to drink that if you are on a pain killer. Good luck, Rosemary
Posted 7/24/2011 8:36 AM (GMT 0)
Cleos,

Hello, I'm Serenitee, it is so nice to meet you & Welcome to The Healingwell Site. This is an amazing forum & community with wonderful members. I have made many friendships here.

I just got my Loop ileostomy a little over 2-months ago. I take quite a few meds (mental health & Pain meds) valium w/compound vaginal suppositories, vicodin, tylenol-3, Urinary Pain relief, migraine meds. And I have had no problem with blockage or really slow output. Sometimes my Urinary Pain meds can cause a thicker consistency but I drink gallons of water & a cup of coffee w/creamer will fix a thicker stool quick...Lol

Best of luck to you.

Your Healingwell Friend,

Serenitee

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