Painkillers & Constipation

Thanks everyone - I massively appreciate all of the advice on my embarrassing issue.

I managed to go yesterday thanks to the suppositories that people recommended

I have always found that eating a big bowl of green or red seedless grapes (in the evening) does wonders for me ( the next morning.) when I have bouts of constipation.

Movicol is best for me when I have to take codeine based analgesia.

Hi Rebecca - I only just saw this. Co-codamol is (in)famous for this problem, and some docs seem to think the results are almost amusing?!

You've had masses of advice, hopefully something has worked, BUT -- a friend who had just this nuisance suggests LIVE yoghurt (activia?) which apparently worked for them.

In addition to the above suggestions drink plenty of liquids and decaffeinated tea. I find a bag of liquorice all-sorts can work. Consult a doctor of none of the above suggestions work.

I had this problem too with co-codamol. Very painful. They should be given with a large warning on the pack! Everything above I’m sure will help but do keep taking the max dose of stool softeners, until you go. Otherwise a hard ball can form, which can be extremely painful to pass. I do feel for you. Good luck. If no success, do contact your GP surgery. They will be able to help.

A few years ago after an operation, I used suppositories prescribed by GP. Very helpful and necessary .

Have you tried laxido sachets?

If you have a sore bottom thecwuping with toilet paper won't help I suggest a product called Wype. In effect. it turns your toilet paper into a flushable wet wipe.

I use Laxido.. very gentle

Glad that the suppositories kickstart d the process. After an op.and being ok morphine (and feeling/being sick, and not really able to eat I ended up with a dreadful blockage. The doc gave me senna which got things going and eventually I was able to eat and things went back to normal but wish someone had told me that it was a side effect of morphine. If I ever need it again I will know. But the poor lady opposite me had had the same and what she'd been given has ended up with the opposite effect, and she was still in hospital until that was sorted

I have diverticula disease so I veer between constipation and the opposite of that.

Someone recommended to me to buy a squatting stool which raises your legs up higher whilst on the toilet.
I found that helped a great deal.

I often have to take an Imodium tablet which in turn makes me constipated.
So, it can be three or more days before anything happens.

You can buy the stool from Amazon very cheaply.

Whole can of baked beans usually does the trick for me. As well as plenty of fluids but not fizzy drinks. Whole orange juice too.

When I was strong painkillers for arthritis in both my hips I was often constipated, my doctor prescribed Laxido sachets which I took several times a day for the first few days and once it was under control I took one sachet which stopped it coming back.

stop taking the codeine. stick to paracetamol every four hours. get your bowels back.

Painkillers can cause outrageous constipation. I deeply sympathise. Try All Bran, clementine oranges and laxatives from the chemist. They may help

Movicol sachets from the chemist or Psyllium husk capsules. Both work well. Don't worry -every has this problem with painkillers and afdter anaesthetics.

Nightmare - orange juice, spinach and eat liquorice (liquorice all sorts) also try CBD cream to massage the pain area - if it helps reduce the intake of painkillers - catch 22

A glycerine suppository should shift it initially then I recommend Lactulose regularly to keep you moving- plus pears which work well.

Movicol has be bought without prescription, and I was told by the chemist this is the next thing to try if Lactulose, Senna etc haven't helped. It's quite expensive (£20 ?) but definitely worth it IMO
I now realise you need to take Senna and the same time as the painkillers to avoid this problem

Oh wise ones, anyone any advice for the opposite problem?
Can come on suddenly and it’s extremely difficult when out and about. Currently taking amitriptyline, doesn’t seem to be helping so far…….

Hubby eats lots of blueberries, raspberries and strawberries on his fibre breakfast. This seems to work for him. Takes fibrogel occasionally, which is more gentle on the bowel than lactulose.

Yes - coffee for sure.

Suppositries …

A large bowl of bran flakes last thing has me in the bathroom first thing. Coffee with your breakfast helps too. Good luck!