Codeine constipation

Ugh can’t believe I’m sharing this…
I’ve an under active thyroid which impacts on systems including bowels, have had haemorrhoid surgery, anal abscess and constipation had been a constant. Now I’ve discovered INULIN. Please look it up, I just add it to my breakfast ( oats blueberries and Greek yogurt) every morning.
It’s sorted me out.

Not a laughing matter but that made me smile Janie.
Rachb I hope things start moving very soon, and woukd second the suppositories which are ( very) quick acting.

Dried apricots work like a dream for me. Maybe ten to clear a "backlog" and then about seven a day to keep regular.

RachB, get some glycerin suppositories! You push them up ( I used 3!!) and they melt the “brick”and away it comes. Put them in and sit down quickly!!I mean on a hard chair, Cos they make you want to ‘go’ immediately, but don’t because keeping them in softens/melts the brick ! Be careful they are really slippery, mine pinged off across the bathroom and was covered in purple carpet fluff!! Just rinse and start again!

Just as a quick update: I had to stop taking the codeine a week ago because of the severe constipation and 'things' still haven't returned to normal!

I've just been on the toilet for over 90 minutes and couldn't go at all... my poor bottom!

I had the dreaded codeine constipation after foot op despite being given movicol , had to resort to Exlax !

I think I am going to have to stop the codeine - I simply cannot go to the toilet!

Don't laugh but I've honestly just been sat there for an hour and nothing happens... had to take three magazines with me as a distraction and that didn't help either!

I hope so too, rachb2020. My DGS had been having some problems in that department, bless him. He's little so one kiwi sorted him out, no problem.

I've run out today, so will have to get to the shop asap tomorrow, so I'll be uncomfortable.

a glass of water before you get out of bed, hot cup of tea or coffee and then get to the toilet pronto

Extra strength sennokot xx

I actually stopped eating when I was prescribed codiene. It made me feel really poorly. I stopped taking it and had three days of awful detoxing until I could be clear of the after effects of taking it. Never again

I've been attacking the kiwi fruits today! Hopefully I will finally get some 'movement' that doesn't end up with my face turning purple whilst on the toilet!

Start off with 4. They don't give me a tummy ache or any other side effects you might get with laxatives. Just... an ordinary poo.

I will give kiwis a try.

It is a real struggle. If I'm not able to go in the morning when I need to it ruins my whole day

I'm on 3 kiwis a day. Sometimes I eat them, today in a smoothie.

Scientifically known to be a great regulator/laxative.

tinyurl.com/kne2erk3

I am currently on paracetamol and codeine for hip pain and my GP has put Laxido on prescription to deal with any constipation. DH also had it prescribed by the hospital when he was going through his chemotherapy. Fibogel is nicer.

I am having a nightmare with this at the moment - I knew codeine could cause constipation, but not this bad!

It doesn't hurt as such when I try to go (fortunately!), but it takes AGES and the straining can't be good for my poor bottom!

Casdon

Strong coffee is a great laxative, it stimulates your colon.

... it does!

And if you add a couple of teaspoons of honey (that's if you can tolerate sweet coffee) it helps a lot. Honey is a mild laxative.

My gastro consultant said everyone should spend 10 minutes on the loo in the morning after a coffee - when the bowel is most active. He said just sit, read and relax... and don't strain or fret!

As someone who suffers from constipation somewhat, I can assure you that using colace glycerin will benefit you. Constipation has been bothering me for years, and I've tried a variety of vitamins and medications. I don't do it every day, maybe twice a week, but it works. Doctors also advised me to walk or exercise regularly. In my opinion, everyone should drink more water and eat more vegetables and fruits throughout the day. In my case, stool softeners were effective. Because they work nicely, my doctor prescribed them anytime I'm constipated.

I have just googled the nhs site on constipation and found it very helpful. Hadn’t realised there are different types of medication depending on the particular symptoms.

A friend recommended something she takes but it wouldn’t be right for my particular problem so it’s worth a look.

It’s really important that the OP speaks to her GP as some things could make things much worse.

Many people have mentioned Fybogel (or Fy Bogel, as we call it) which can help. It bulks the stool up.

Lactulose can soften the stool.

Eating nuts also really works and seems to combine the above two attributes. Quite a few nuts, actually!

Putting prunes in a warming drawer or low oven to slightly dry them out (for several hours) results in delicious snack which tastes like black wine gums but is full of fibre.

Liquorice also works for some.

Good luck!

NB
Several of the above are quite high in carbohydrates, so check if this applies to you.

Sultana bran with fruit. Drink lots of water. Go easy on the eggs. Plums work wonders for me.

Travels I stopped taking codeine etc over 2 weeks ago after my operation so woukd have thought I shoukd be ok, but yesterday was a day I would hate to have to go through again, I will try to get some medical advice as well.

Thanks for all your answers everyone. I do eat plenty of fruit and veg plus bran flakes with fruit of some kind. Unfortunately two of the meds I take both cause constipation . I resorted to using senakot tabs for a couple of days which eventually worked. Am defo going to ring gp for consultation as can't go on like this.