Painkillers & Constipation

Passion fruit works well for me. Always take one with me if we’re going away somewhere that involves a long car journey.

I have one word for you Movicol. Prescribed by DHs gastroenterologist but available to buy OTC. Not violent action but softens and is great. It will work. Good luck

I’m on Pregabalin which causes constipation and sometimes cocodamol and maximum dose paracetamol. I also take a Dosulepin every day. The medication makes me constipated and my doctor recommended Senna which really is the only thing that helps. She said she had patients who had to take seven to get things moving, but I take two or three and it works for me. Until I can get off the painkillers I will need to take them. Nothing else works. Fruit, juice, vegetables, nothing, it has to be Senna.

Prune juice helps me.

I was prescribed co codamol post hip replacement and stopped after a few days because of severe constipation. A friend ended up in hospital for a week after taking them for just a few days. Can you just cut back on them.
Or try some suggestions on here. Good luck. 🤞

Yes cocodamol does that to you - codeine is the culprit. However, try drinking warm water, prune juice OR take senna tablets . Good luck!

The suppositories from a pharmacy will sort out your current problem, then you can work on diet, fluids, fruit etc.
I find fried onions, particularly in curries are helpful!

Laxido - from pharmacy - worked really well for a relative of mine recently.

I was told Lactulose softens and Senna pushes through, so I take both when in need. Another suggestion is Milk of Magnesia, it was unavailable for a long time but now back on the market. I buy it in Boots. Good luck!

Lactulose always works for me. You might just not be taking enough of it to clear a complete blockage. Try a full one of those little plastic cups at least. And then don’t stray too far from the loo for a few hours.

Thank you everyone

I still can't go unfortunately - it hurts my bottom so much to try to (it is so sore!) and it is stopping me from being able to push properly

Very constipated after my first chemo cycle...caused by the anti sick meds.
So bad I rang 111 and spoke to a very sympathetic doc who prescribed Lactulose and sent the prescription to the pharmacy.
But to get things moving I used Boots glycerine suppositories which soften it all and enabled me to go. Thank God.
Then I followed all the usual advice of plenty of fruit such as pears and stewed apples..not bananas...tinned prunes loads and loads of warm water and the Lactulose. Sending you much sympathy. It is really horrid and made me cry.

RebeccaJames I used Sudocreme on my mom's sore bottom when she was constipated. But it worked. Hopefully this will make you 😊. My dad wouldn't say he was constipated he said "teeth marks on the toilet seat again. "

I don't know if you can get suppositories on prescription or over the counter but they would work to relieve the immediate problem and then a mild laxative at night after than might help .

I remember as a child my nan had dried sennapod ( can't think how's it spelt ) that she put in an old mug and poured boiling water over to steep all day . They smelt awful but they helped my nan. Then always took a tablet at night when they came out .

HelterSkelter1 we crossed posts same idea about suppositories nice to know you can get them .

Yes they are available OTC at Boots, but were in short supply last week. I like to have a box in the bathroom cupboard just in case.

I hope the OP is able to get out to get some or someone else can for her.
I was given no warning at the hospital that the chemo meds can cause such a problem.
I recommend the suppositories so often now people must think I have shares in them!

Thank you - I will try some sudocreme - my bottom is so sore from all of the time I have been trying to go.

I will see if I can get some suppositories.

I've just tried to go again - I always find it more difficult to go first thing in the morning and my bowels are still refusing to move

My husband had codeine once after an operation and had exactly your problems which were very very difficult to resolve. The next time he had an op he said he couldn't face the codeine and would rather be in pain...

I think it affects some people very very badly indeed.
Thinking of you.

And yes, he had the loo step, the Movicol/Lactulose and the suppositories... We also both (normally) eat mountains of fruit and veg and mainly wholegrains. It's truly awful to be like this but made worse by the fact that you are already "in recovery" from something else!
Double whammy.

I hope something works for you ASAP.
🙏

Sodium docusate works well for me

Another vote for chocolate, if you are having to take codeine or any others strong pain killer, it’s easily the most pleasant way of keeping things moving

Thanks everyone - I'm going to try a strong cup of coffee to see if that works. I am desperate to go!

In Europe they seem to be keener on inserting things from the bottom end rather than taking medication. I had this problem once in Syria and boy was the pharmacist surprised. Visitors usually have the other problem where you go too much. She recommended glycerin suppositories.. They are a non invasive way of emptying your bowel without pain and straining. You need to insert them a complete finger length inside. Try to keep them in at least 15-30 minutes. Stay near the loo.

Sorry to be graphic.

To really get things moving try double strength senokott and then you will "go for England". But be sure to not go out that day!

Don't strain too much. Try some liquid soap rubbed in and wait, gets peristalsis going for me. I would only use this as last resort. Don't strain.
Warm water, prune juice or lactulose.
I take a few warm prunes every morning. Keeps me regular.
Maybe get a suppository tomorrow rather than keep trying.

Lots of supermarkets stock the suppositories even if they don't have a pharmacy. You really need to clear the exit end if you haven't been able to go for so long. Then you can start thinking about what you eat and drink.