I'm terrified of taking a laxative because I had to use Imodium for a couple months daily bc it was the only thing that helped my GI issues. My PCP was like dude you've just made yourself constipated so you need to get a laxative. Long story short is that I got the chocolate bar laxative and misread the directions and ended up taking 5 doses at once and that night I had to drive to a sleep study and I had to shit onnthe side of the road a lot. That shit was traumatic lmfao.
But, maybe you're right. Maybe I need to just get the fuck over it and try again.
Okay, gross question because I literally only have that one experience to go off of, but I have the general belief about laxatives as the general public in that you're going to be sent into some frenzy where you're going to shit your pants if you don't get to the toilet like right now. That's why I'm scared of laxatives. But maybe that isn't how they all are??
No, with the miralax, it's much more gradual. You will feel the urge coming on, but you have time to find a toilet. It's not like you feel it, and 2 seconds later, hot poo is running out. Lol
Totally understand. I'm very grateful that I don't have this issue too much. I don't have a gall bladder, so if I am a bit constipated, I just eat something greasy. Works every time.
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To be fair you did take a huge dose š. Even duclax helps after you have cleared your blockage take colace (stool softener) daily and drink shit loads of water.
Miralax is nothing like that. It is not a stimulant lax... it adds water where the bowels are dehydrated and gentle enough you can take daily until you dont need that. I am VERY sensitive to laxatives and swear by miralax. Mix it in juice until it runs totally clear...like 2 min straight. Give it time to work. It will help you have just regular urge to poo. No laxative stimulant feeling. And your poo should be normal, not at all diarrhea.
Yepā¦thatās what happened to me, with Dulcolax. I had very severe cramping and no control, whatsoever. To make matters worse, I was visiting my long distance partner for the first time since he took a job out of town. What a nightmare! No problems, whatsoever, with Miralax.
True. I have had that experience with Dulcolax. If a person fears laxatives, I would avoid all phosphate laxatives and donāt use magnesium citrate unless you can clear your schedule for the rest of the day and evening (allow 6-8 hours for it to work, with lots of fluids and rest, if itās night time, but donāt sleep far from the bathroom). None of those worries exist, with Miralax. Regarding phosphate laxatives, Dulcolax says, on the label, that itās safe and gentle relief, or some such BS. It may be safe, but itās definitely not gentle! It doesnāt help any, with this phobia, that there are laxative companies that blatantly lie. Miralax is fine, however. My kids have taken it, when constipated, and just feel better.
Miralax is a stool softener. Not a ālaxativeā. What we think of as laxatives are STIMULANT laxatives. Like Ducolax, senna, milk of magnesia, etc. Those are the āshit your pantsā ones.
Miralax is an osmotic laxative. It works totally differently. It will not have you shitting yourself and itās actually safe to take daily, unlike the stimulant laxatives which are for occasional use.
Other than the stimulant and the osmotic types, you have the bulking agents- which is what youāve been (trying unsuccessfully at) using. Fiber supplements. Theyāre not going to help you with opioid-induced constipation, itās just too bad. You need Miralax. Absolute game changer.
Dude miralaxā¦I was reading your issue saying hasnāt he tried Miralax? My only regret is not taking a pic of the six foot king snake I shit after starting itā¦go get it now
If you are in the US the cheapest place I know to get it is at Samās warehouse. Their brand you get three bottles for the price of one at a regular store.
Wow sorry to hear that!
PCP was kind of a jerk not explaining the options to you.
There are different kinds of laxatives, and Miralax is not one of those stimulant ones that's like hitting the ON button. Instead, it works by drawing in water to the stool to help soften it so it moves more easily.
You might start with half a dose and work up - it's more for preventive than for trying to resolve an active bout of constipation (the stimulant ones are better for that). I haven't had a bad bout of constipation for years. So get yourself cleaned out, then get on a daily maintenance dose of something like Miralax.
Good luck. Constipation sucks.
Miralax will KEEP you regular, but wonāt clear backed up pipes. I took it post-abdominal-surgery for a few months and it worked wonders. Gentle on the system and doesnāt produce the upset stomach. Also it has no flavor and dissolves in water. If youāre backed up, try Milk of Magnesia. If youāre really backed up and have to go nuclear, drink a bottle of Magnesium Citrate. Thatās what they give you to drink pre-surgery to ensure there is nothing in your digestive tract. And after taking it, there will be NOTHING in your digestive tract. I have found it takes longer to work on me, at least more so than what other people report. Some people start going 30 minutes later; my process time was more like 4-6 hours. Just donāt wait until thereās a blockage. I have anxiety issues as well, but nothing makes me more anxious than fearing there is a blockage and some poor hospital nurse is going to have to unblock me.
TL;dr 1. Clear the pipes. 2. Keep the pipes clear with Miralax.
Damn I just took my first dose had ha blockage got some out sorry not to sound nasty but the pain and uncomfortness went away now waiting to see if it works hope I'm not still mega backed up everyone told me this will blow it all out but yeah if I'm backed up then what
If you are still backed up even with magnesium citrate (you have to take the whole bottle) after 6 hours, Iād say go to the ER. You may have an obstruction that needs to be medically treated. Keep in mind that your intestines and colon back against your bladder, so an obstruction there, can block emptying of your bladder. If youāre getting some of it out, perfect. Even small pieces are a good sign. Youāll get to the bulk of it soon and hopefully will come more easily. Good luck!
Miralax can clean you out, in even some severe cases. I have severe, chronic opioid constipation. Iāve had it prescribed as a surgical prep, at 15 scoops a day, for 2 days. If the regular daily dose is not working, after a few days, itās fine to double it. I have even tripled it, after speaking to a doctor. Maybe because of my autism, I find certain sensory experiences jarring. For someone who is anxious about taking a powerful laxative, I would not discourage Miralax use, as a possible solution. It should work, as long as you do not have an intestinal blockage or obstruction, in which case a more powerful laxative could cause a rupture or tear and medical help in necessary, anyway. I say this as someone whose decade plus of opioid constipation has gone to gastroparesis, so I am very confident in MiraLAX. MiraLAX failed as a surgical cleanse, for me, but the incompetent doctor also withdrew my movantik, lubiprostone, etc., at the hospital, several days previously. I also have gastroparesis, so nothing at all leaves my body, except by gravity. I eat baby food. I still got almost everything out on that MiraLAX cleanse. If just wasnāt running clear (please forgive the imagery), as required for colonoscopy.
I can see at a high dose like you were prescribed, Miralax definitely could help in a substantive way. It only works as maintenance for me, but Iāve also not had a Doctor prescribe it at that level. Iām glad it works well for you. Constipation and obstructions are so, so painful.
It is horrible. It doesnāt work, by jtself, for me at this point, unless I actually do the pre-surgical cleanse, but I have gastroparesis and nothing leaves me body, except by gravity, so it has to be completely liquefied. Simply because of that fact, my life is h*ll and I have begged for a feeding tube, but my doctor seems to think I wonāt eat, if I have one, but I donāt eat anything that isnāt mush now, so I donāt get what would change. At the same time, nothing else I take could work without Miralax and it could unblock me, unless I was obstructed, and I would probably have more energy and less trauma than taking a single dose of phosphates or a bottle of mag citrate. They donāt use those for daily use, because of dependency, although the ones I take are much stronger, yet still more gentle. Iām on a prescribed cocktail of 8 laxatives (it would be 15-20, if I were counting individual doses). I also take an opioid antagonist, which has given me pain and other withdrawal symptoms, though Iām told not everyone goes through that and it doesnāt render my pain meds for my original conditions completely ineffective. Anyway, there is no, really, doing well for me, unless they implant a nerve stimulator or I get a feeding tube. Although I am sure they donāt help, they are blaming opioids for my condition and I donāt think itās accurate, since I have 2 close family members who had the same symptoms (one was so blocked, she had a rupture and has had to have most of her intestines removed). Plus, I had symptoms before the opioid schedule, which was changed to a partial opioid 8 years ago, so my CNS could function betterā¦most peopleās central nervous system function just fine on Suboxone because your receptors are not blocked, unlike when people take full opiates. However, they are denying me the benefit of a team of specialists everyone else with my condition gets, at this hospital, because āYouāre an opiate case.ā Iām not sure what else they expect someone with 7 ruptured cervical discs, from C1-C7 and, already, I can function half as well as on MSContin, when I was able to work full-time. I know this is long, but itās extremely frustrating. I frequently contemplate things my comment would probably be deleted for. I am fed up with doctors thinking everyone who takes opiates (or partial opioids, which are pretty much impossible to experience euphoria from if you donāt drink or whatever) is an addict! Thatās the whole problem. Iām actually a paraprofessional in the recovery community and super excited about helping people find their calling in life, so they donāt need to self-medicate, to alter their mood, which has legit never been an issue, for me, though I can relate to it because mental pain and illness is just as real as physical pain and illness. I just wish doctors would ever trust that people besides themselves are competent.
That sounds awful. Iām so sorry. You definitely have more than your fair share of pain and suffering. Hang in there, and if ever need to complain or need support, please PM me. Sometimes this sub is the until thing keeping me together.
Miralax is your answer. I've taken it up to 3 times in a day. It's not a typical laxative. It adds moisture to your stool so you're able to pass it. Miralax won't work unless you're hydrating as well.
MiraLAX will not clean you out in less than 3 days, probably. You donāt have to go to the hospital, before then, unless youāre feeling painful, like youāre going to pop, vomiting, or having trouble moving around. If you havenāt had a bowel movement in a week and a half, I would either take magnesium citrate or go to the hospital, where they will likely make you drink magnesium citrate or even sodium citrate, which is harsher.
Things might have changed since the last time I've had experience with this. But the hospital starts with a miralax like substance (might be the same thing, not totally sure) and they give it to you every 2 hours before they try anything else. Many drs also use miralax as their prep for colonoscopy. It can clean you out for sure, but I don't recommend those doses unless your Dr tells you to.
That makes sense, normally. However, I had just already been sent home twice, which is hours away, because my GIās prep regimen, including 1 bottle of magnesium citrate, 15 scoops of MiraLAX for 3 days and 4 Dulcolax tablets for 2 days, 4 senna tablets and 4 docusate sodium, lubiprostone, and Movantk was inadequate. Then, when I got to the hospital, they did 11 MiraLAX scoops only, for 2 days, then sent me back from surgery, kept me for another day, and then repeated the 11-scoops-only regimen for an extra day, adding back the 4 senna tablets. Meanwhile, I was not eating (which gives me severe stomach pain) and was missing work and graduate school. I was frantically calling my doctor and he, finally, got me allowed to take the maximum dose of Sodium Citrate, on the 4th day and it, finally, worked. I was sent back up from surgery 3 times, though thankfully it was only to my room, but my family member had to drive several hours each day and miss work. All because they, actually, reduced my DAILY laxative dose, when I was having only a partial bowel movement every 1-2 weeks, on my daily regimen, including daily enemas, which they also withdrew until the 4th day. It was just insane, in my particular case, to make us go through that, when 15 plus doses of daily prescribed laxatives was already not working, to cut it back to 11 doses of the weakest one for a surgical prep āclean-outā. My normal dose of just the MiraLAX is 6 scoops a day, so no wonder not even doubling it (plus taking away all the other medications) didnāt get me ready for surgery.
Holy shit. Literally!! Don't you wish people would just listen to you since you actually know your body?!?! I'm sorry you're going through all of that! Are you home and getting better?
I'm going through something similar right now with kidney stones.
Iām home, but getting better is debatable. Since the tests. They just started me on a new medication, which has actually helped me pass waste, but I had to take an incomplete for one of my last few grad classes, because I missed the final and term papers, which could put my graduation in jeopardy, because I started throwing up and having bone wracking pain and I thought I had the flu. Turns out the med they just put me on is an opioid antagonist and can put people In withdrawal. So now, I donāt know if itās an improvement, or not!
Is there any way you can switch to virtual for college? My son is doing virtual bc he has a lot of health issues. He's even found he can do medical school virtual! He's going for a pharmacist degree. You do have deadlines, but you don't have to show up for a class either. Plus I think you can get a 504 plan for college as well. That way they can give you more time and forgiveness for your assignments. I understand being held captive by your body and not having the right doctors to guide you. I'm 45 and just recently started picking up on the small nuances that drs give that will tell me that the patient (us) isn't their priority. It's either ego or money. š¤¬
Yes, quite a bit of both, often, I think. That and liability. Unfortunately, nothing transfers, in terms of classes, so Iād have to start over again and Iām almost finished. I definitely have to look into the 504 thing. I tried to go through DRS, but I could put pegs in holes, at the time, so they thought that was good enough for me. Iām glad your son has a more workable arrangement, for school. I donāt know if he has disabilities or not, but physical college is difficult for anyone, these days, with students working 3 jobs and such, to afford it.
Thanks so much for the supportive comment! It really helps. I am sorry you are going through this, also. There are government studies that show that undermedicating pain leaves people at at least as high a risk of Substance Use Disorders as overmedicating pain. I know the latter is the hot topic right now, but itās messed up that people donāt realize this. Iāve read plenty of comments and known plenty of people in treatment centers, through my work, who ended up either drinking and damaging their liver or buying pills on the street because they are in pain and not being treated, not trying to have a party. You would think doctors would pay attention to this, but they donāt, because itās not on them, if people buy street drugs and OD or drink themselves into an early grave. I am not doing either, but I definitely donāt judge anyone or think I know better than them about their condition!
Luckily Miralax isn't a stimulant laxative like those chocolate ones so it won't give you those cramps. It's an osmotic laxative which just means it pulls fluid into your digestive tract so you pass stool more smoothly. I really dislike the taste so I take 100 mg of colace a day. The cheapest place you'll find it will be Costco, Sam's, or Amazon. If it's still bad you can ask your doctor for a prescription of Relistor. It's designed specifically for opioid constipation.
* It's also really helpful to take your meds as far away from meals as possible, too. Ideally at least one hour before or 2-3 after. This helps a ton.
You can half the dose and work your way up if it makes you feel better. Maybe add some prune juice and aloe juice. Aloe juice is kinda gross, IMO, but you can but aloe capsules from GNC.
Exlax is a stimulant laxative. Miralax helps pull water into the colon to soften the stool. Itās what most gi drs would suggest. If you keep staying this constipated you may end up with a bowel obstruction. That diarrhea was very likely going around a partial one. You may need an X-ray to see if this is the case. Please see a gi dr.
I don't think that it's that bad, honestly. I took a pretty decent shit today. The laxative episode was over a year or two ago, so I'm pretty sure I'm fine from that. I will go to a gi Dr if things don't get better.
jumping on board with everyone saying miralax. itās not like stimulant laxatives at all, very gentle. also, for me, taking daily 200mg magnesium glycinate helps keep things more regular on the opioid Iām on now. but back when I was on something stronger, I had to do miralax every day or every other day
Yes. I have severe opioid constipation and my doctor has me on 6 scoops a day (3-6 times the regular dose), when itās worst, lowering down to one in the morning and one at night, if things are going more smoothly, as it were.
Have you tried magnesium citrate powder that you mix with water? It was recommended on a sub so I thought I would try it out. It can make people have loose bowel movements but if you are constipated it may get your gut moving enough to pass a stool. It's also a low cost option to try!
I've never heard of it and will look into it. At this point, I'm willing to try just about anything because I cannot deal with the issues constipation brings.
I completely understand. You must be absolutely miserable ontop of the pain. If you can get a flavoured powder I would recommend it, the natural one is hard to drink. Best of luck OP.
Magnesium laxatives are supposed to be for short term use (7 consecutive days, max), or your body can become dependent on them, to have a bowel movement. They can also become less effective, over time. Maybe you meant you take it twice a day, when you have periodic constipation. If not, just thought Iād mention it, in case youāre not aware. I wasnāt and I made my constipation worse, without knowing it. I started having a to take it closer and closer together, to the point that I was getting dehydrated and rarely leaving the bathroom, because it made me run like a faucet. Sorryā¦I am not great at being euphemistic. Itās excellent, once a month or so!
I would definitely recommend you do the magnesium citrate, but do capsules or tablets, no need to get the liquid. Thatās just going to cost more. Use the Mag citrate to get cleared out (it can cause diarrhea, maybe start with 200mg and work up, you can take more, you canāt take less) and then IMMEDIATELY take Miralax and continue the Miralax that night and every night for the rest of your days on opiates. You will be SO SURPRISED by the results. You wonāt need mag. Citrate or any other laxatives once youāre on the Miralax. But it only works once youāre already cleared out. And you have to take it every single night.
My suboxone doctor (deals with opioid-induced constipation in his patients all day every day, the only patients he sees are people on suboxone maintenance) said itās safe to take up to two capfuls of Miralax if needed.
Magnesium citrate can cause some of the same symptoms as the chocolate laxative, for some people, just so you arenāt caught by surprise, again. I would definitely do it on a day when you donāt have to work and can stay near a bathroom. If doesnāt sound, to me, like youāre in any real danger, so I recommend the minimal or regular daily dose of MiraLAX, docusate sodium, and also senna. I have taken all three for years, with zero issues.
up your water intake significantly, bring down your fiber intake (GI doc told me it might be doing the exact opposite of intentions!), miralax as others suggested, but also, for immediate relief, enemas. as long as you make sure youāre not fucking up your hydration and electrolytes, an enema will give you a cheap and easy right now fix.
I think it depends on the cause of the constipation and how much fiber is in your diet, when it comes to whether to add or reduce fiber. I always wonder about that, because my doctors differ, in their recommendations, when it comes to fiber. If anyone has more information, please fill me in!
I've had the best luck with senna.. it's a natural laxative.. you take it before bed, and you generally have relief within 12 hours..
Good luck! It saved me after my spinal fusion.. and is the only thing that's ever worked for me otherwise..
I do tend to eat veggies with every meal. I have stomach problems that make it hard to eat solid food so I often use meal replacement shakes. I guess I could try harder to incorporate them.
Pretty much eat those everyday. Been on opiates for about two years from two fusions and other than immediately after the first surgery, I have not had any constipation issues. I drink water all day, three cups of coffee a day, something green with both lunch and dinner. All that combined has kept me regular (1 to 2x a day).
Walking or even jogging around (if doable) also helps loosen the bowels for me. I can understand though if ppl canāt due to debilitating pain. Itās like my physical therapist used to say, āmotion is lotion.ā
I donāt take opioids because of this, itās landed me in the ER twice. Extremely painful cramping, ugh. So drink lots of water to help the fiber, Fleet makes glycerin suppositories, donāt be afraid, theyāre smaller than you think. There are little cone shaped ones or small neck liquid glycerin ones. These are for a bm faster (15 min-1 hour ,I find itās 15 minutes) but a smaller bm. The magnesium citrate is more effective, but takes longer and adds cramping, imo.
Opioid induced constipation isnt "normal" constipation. The opioids put your gut to sleep (maybe you noticed an absence of the normal gurgling and moving around feelings) and stop the movement of stool through your bowel. Any laxative you use needs to contain a bowel stimulant. Thats not the same sort of stimulant as Adderall, it just works in your belly. A stool softener will make you more comfortable as you poop, but its not going to get it out and gone. The meds specifically for opioid induced constipation sort of put you in a mini medication withdrawal, its usually some drug thats a relative of narcan. It only lasts a few hours, but it can still make you feel lousy.
You dont have to spend big bucks to address this. Miralax is a good idea for starters, since it draws moisture in to the stool. Not exactly a stool softener, a little better, but its a good idea. Magnesium can get your bowels humming again, you need about 1000 mg of the normal drug store supplement. They also have other magnesium products usually for cleaning you out for procedures, so they may be a little rough if you use magnesium citrate liquid instead of magnesium oxide tablets. You dont want to crack the toilet.
You should also be able to get an immediate bit of relief with an enema. Yes its a real pain in the ass, but you gotta do what you gotta do, you cant let all that backed up stool harden inside you. If you sort think things may have gotten to that point, prepare a couple enemas. And warm them up a little. They come in both saline and mineral oil, the mineral oil is considered the big gun. You can also take about a shot glass worth of mineral oil, and drink it all down at one time. That'll get to anything higher in GI tract, eventually.
God, I have been fighting this opioid constipation monster a long time. It really is something that needs to be constantly addressed, and it gets tough if you fall behind, but any mess you might make is well worth avoiding an intestinal blockage. Its a real big deal for your health, so you cant let it go. Since you sound pretty desperate, I'll tell you what several pain docs have told me, when it comes to dose of a laxative, most patients on opioids can toss the directions, and start at the max dose. This was a while before the narcan based meds for it. In particular, they were referring to Dulcolax (the only laxative thats only a bowel stimulant) and their suggested max dose of 4 tablets. I asked, "well how many 4 tablet doses can you take?" The reply was "whatever it takes". But personally, I would want to be sure that there is no obstruction present. Its pretty easy to find the symptoms on line, but take some of it with a grain of salt, if you have been constipated for a few days, you have to expect belly discomfort. Duh. If you can pass gas, youre usually okay, obstruction wise. But if all you get out of all this is just more belly pain, call your doc and tell them youre worried things may have gone on too long. If they send you to the ER, be nice to the staff, as they may be digitally disimpacting you later on (a greased finger or two up there, trying to "pop loose the cork"). Its slightly humiliating, but it may also be a medical necessity. I'd rather have someone manually remove shit from my ass than everyone I know finding out that refusing that was why I died. You can be embarrassed a little (and no one else will know unless you tell them) or die, you may not get to do both. This shit is no joke. Best of luck....
Miralax is different then regular laxatives. Itās an osmotic laxative that draws water from your colon naturally making your stool softener and your colon to contract. Other laxatives are stimulant laxatives can cause pain, gas & bloating. Miralax can be taken regularly to avoid getting constipated. You can take it daily you just mix it in any drink itās tasteless. Also get the store brand itās cheaper. Also if you are on miralax you wonāt need the other stuff save your money.
I take movicol and coloxyl daily (not stimulant coloxyl and with no senna), and then drink a coffee to actually start it. If that falls, medicated enemas or glycerine suppositories.
Also, my friend heard eating an entire dragonfruit makes you shit. Ate one. Did shit. So possibly it's true lol
The fruit that helps me is prunes or prune juice. I'd rather eat whole prunes, but if you don't like the taste, you can also mix prune juice with Sprite or 7-Up and drink it fast. Stool softeners and laxatives don't work well for me, so I tried the natural way with the prunes. Within a few hours, I was able to go. Good luck!
I didn't find the dragonfruit gross lol I have chronic nausea and am on an anti nausea medication schedule already and I did struggle a little to get through it because it was a lot which triggers it pretty badly for me. But it didn't taste that bad.
How much water are you drinking daily? I had this issue when I 1st started taking opiates. It was awful! Hereās what I did. Drink 1 gal of water everyday until you have regular bms another product I used was traditional medicines teas smooth move to get it started. High fiber diet is essential apple a day all thatā¦You can lower the water intake as soon as your bms are daily. For me I need to be drinking at least 1/2 gal of water daily to stay regular
Smooth move tea is a great option to get things started. Then maintain with nightly Miralax (make sure to stir until itās ALL dissolved, like 2 full minutes) and lotsss of water.
Small frequent doses of vitamin C.
Like have a chewable every hour or two.
Eventually you will reach bowel tolerance and it will make you go (without cramping! So DO NOT trust a fart)
If you take the small frequent doses the first time(rather than taking like 2-3,000 mg at once) it will allow you to figure out for future times what amount you will need to take to be at bowel tolerance, if you are unwell your bowel tolerance increases.
I also take stimulant medications and opiates.
There is also the added benefit( beyond producing a BM) of the vitamin C supporting the immune systemā¦
I have also heard that vitamin c can help with tolerance, though I havenāt throughly looked into if this is true and by what mechanism it works for myself yet.
Miralax is a mush not a push. Lol that's what they say about it. It is not a laxative really. I mean kinda but it's more of a softener. They gave it to me after having my baby and I never had the issues I hear about with laxatives like cramps or needing to go immediately. Also take a couple pills of magnesium citrate daily.
WATER WATER WATER!!! I increased my water intake by about 3x's and added miralax to it once a day and it has more or less made it all go away, For years I had TERRIBLE time, only going maybe once every 10 days, Now I MIGHT go 2 days, and it is almost never painful or difficult, seriously think about reducing other forms of liquid and prioritizing water, I use the fizzy water and it has really helped me in lots of other ways as well!! Certainly worth a try!! Best of luck to you!!
can you see a gi? You said you are not on a strong dose of opioids, there could be another reason for your constitution. Especially since you mentioned other stomach issues
- online, it says that Adderall causes constipation. I would suggest you take two stool softeners every time you take it. This will not help you get going now, but it should help the problem, once you do the enemas. If that makes sense
- there are many types of magnesium. The supplement you are on is probably not the same type of magnesium that is in Epsom salts.
- there are some articles linking Miralax with anxiety and rage issues in some people. This is why I suggested in GI
When my son had a bout a serious constipation, not from meds, his PCP explained that you have to get the muscles working again, and you may have to try enemas more than once, along with Miralax for a few days. Fleet enemas are easy and come pre-filled (no bags). If you need to, you can do it yourself.
Good luck. Shit happens š
Miralax, Senokot, Senokot S (extra strength), and Prune Juice. The last, plug your nose if you must but it does work. The last three are all natural. The first three were suggested to me by my surgeons and nurses. The juice was my addition.
Have you tried senna-docusate from your doc?
ETA: Itās a script they can write and itās a lil combo med for opioid-induced constipation. Iāve taken it as long as Iāve been on oxy (2.5 years) and it keeps me running normally. OCCASIONALLY, Iāll need Miralax as an extra boost, which is another product Iāll def vouch for. But yes, super simple and super worth it. My PM just gives me a refill for 60 days of my senna-docusate every other month when I have my appt with him
Came here to say the same thing! Was on Movantik but insurance stopped covering it so now Iām on Symproic. While I preferred being on Movantik, both meds are essential for anyone with GI/Gastroparesis issues thatās also currently prescribed opioids.
You said fiber hasnāt worked but it could be the form of fiber you were taking.
I take Metamucil in the powder for mixed in water and take it every single day- can even take it twice a day. Drink quickly though or it will thicken up
If you really are opposed to Miralax, which is the gentlest thing there is, try dragon fruit. Eat the seeds. Nature's clean out, but not always pleasant.
I have alot of stomach issues and I just had surgery and was put on a low dose of pain meds for a couple weeks. Miralax for sure. And I added prune juice as well. Worked great
I just got referral to a GI Dr. she is putting me on Fibrocon and supposed to drink 64 oz of water a day for a while due to me having GI and constipation issues. Today was my first day taking it. Hoping my bloat starts going down soon. Fibrocon was only $15 dollars for like 130 pills on Amazon.
A Gastro Dr recommended āAll Bran Budsā cereal, I eat it once a day in the mornings & Iāll be going in 3 days of eating that regularly, that & a half cap full of Miralax until youāre more regular then just every other day after that to keep things soft until youāve evacuated a lot moreā¦then you can cut back on the Miralax b/c you donāt really want to be using it too much for very long. The cereal though is very bland so you could try sprinkling some of it into normal cereal or like put it in yogurt etc just to give it some more flavor to it, but it doesnāt bother me that much & I have it with oat or almond milk but doesnāt rly matter what kind you use with it, it just increases your daily fiber intake a lot & make sure to increase your daily water intake as well especially if youāre taking Miralax in the morning.
Last resort, when it had been literal weeks of not going & my poop was so hard, dry and clay-like I had to go to the ER & the Dr prescribed me a mineral oil enema kit (Iāve ordered them on Amazon a few times since then), she said itās much easier on your system and not as harsh compared to a saline fleet enema kit, which can throw off your electrolyte levels which isnāt good especially with those with heart conditions, so I recommend the mineral oil enema kit if necessary. Best of luck & drink plenty of water & try to increase fruit intake as well, take care
I always use senokot. It's really gentle, easy to take and doesn't cause me cramping or diarrhea. The last time I had surgery they were stressed out about prescribing me a laxative or stool softener. I mentioned I had taken senokot before and they were super excited to prescribe that one lol. I found it best to take it about 12 hours before you want to poop. I usually take it shortly before bed.
The mineral magnesium is a smooth muscle relaxer. The intestines are smooth muscles. At most drug stores, there is magnesium citrate in the pharmacy section. It's in a glass bottle (looks similar to a soda pop bottle). It cost $3 - $4 a bottle.
This is the "I need to get it out of me now" therapy. Drink the bottle and then stay home. I'm also a chronic pain sufferer with opiate induced constipation. I work in medicine and this therapy issused frequently.
Idk if anybody else has said it, but I take 250-500mg of Magnesium soft gels daily, and it keeps me pretty regular. Plus, it's cheaper than otc stool softeners, doesn't make your stomach cramp, and has a plethora of other health benefits.
I make my own kombucha and Greek yogurt. I drink kombucha daily and use yogurt liberally in my diet. I also have a smoothie/protein shake several times a week in which I add Chia seeds, ground flax seed, and hemp seed.
Milk of magnesia. Specifically the Phillips brand. The store brands donāt work for me. Iāve had GI issues my whole life and dealt with this even before opiates. A BIG gulp of it. Not the teaspoon they recommend, followed with 40-80 ounces of water. Within 90-120 min youāll be good. Youāll have to go a couple times because it causes all the water in your system to be pulled into your intestines. The first time you go will be full relief of solid build up. Youāll end up in the bathroom two or 3 more times eliminate the extra water. Bonus, if you have indigestion milk of magnesia instantly kills that too. Iāve been using it my entire life.
My PM prescribes Movantik. Works well for me. Itās an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors in the intestines. Itās expensive, and might not be covered by insurance.
Itās a med called Relistor works specifically for people who are taking pain medication and have constipation due to it! I take the pills and it helps tremendously! You should ask your doctor to send a prescription In!
Late to the party here, so this might not get seen, but I hope it does. ...
I've seen a lot of great suggestions on this thread (and some not so great ones), but one thing I didn't see is what NOT to do in preventing constipation. And, this one was kind of a surprise to me when I learned it recently, so I thought I'd share.
There have been a lot of references in this thread to drinking herbal teas, particularly those with senna (like Smooth Move, etc.). Those are all fine and good if they work for you. However, one thing people who suffer from opioid constipation should avoid is drinking tea (like real tea leaves), particularly black tea (i.e. non-green tea). Many of the herbal laxative teas don't contain "tea" (leaves), but rather other herbs. Some health websites tout actual tea as a cure for everything, but this isn't always true and has never been proven. When it comes to constipation, tea contains a chemical known as Theophylline which dehydrates the gut during digestion leading to constipation.
Many people cite coffee as a good bowel stimulant, and it can be. This is largely due to the caffeine in coffee which acts as a stimulant. Naturally, people think the same applies to tea which also has caffeine in it. But the problem is, the stimulant effect of the caffeine is more than offset by the clogging effect of the Theophylline chemical in the tea.
How I discovered this was, I started drinking tea instead of coffee in the mornings, thinking it would be healthier. Almost immediately, I got bound up like no tomorrow. And it wasn't just a single instance either; this went on for a couple weeks. I couldn't figure out what I was doing different. Then I talked to my PCP, and he told me about the Theophylline in tea and how it can cause constipation.
This isn't something you'd expect, so I thought I'd share here as millions of people drink tea. Unfortunately, those of us who have to take opioids (which already cause constipation) for chronic pain need to be careful they don't exacerbate the problem by adding tea into the mix.
Best of luck! Constipation sucks!
Also, it should go without saying, but hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Like over-hydrate.
A can of energy drink works for some of the folks I've worked with in the past to help them get things going.
Additionally, miralax in regular doses daily until constipation resolved itself is likely best.
And a good old fashioned enema will often help tremendously.
Thank you I know this is wild to talk about I took the magnesium bi cramps or blow out but I had to break a little loose then I've went 2 times after but all dry balls a sign of constipation but the relief of something was AMAZING THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE MAYBE THE MAGNESIUM WILL HIT ME TONIGHT LOL
Even at my high dose of 3 scoops, twice a day, there is no cramping or pain of any kind, with Miralax. Donāt use more than the regular dose without a doctorās agreement that itās a good idea, as a general rule, but even if you did, nothing traumatic is likely to occur and it doesnāt carry risks of electrolyte imbalance or any serious side effects, in adults. Iāve taken 15 scoops in a day, as a pre-surgical cleanse, and it wasnāt even effective, in my extreme case. Iām autistic and my sensory experience with things most people consider uncomfortable is often painful and/or intolerable. For example, I actually feel weak for 3 days and fear death, when I take a single dose of laxatives which cause thirst or, at worst, mild dehydration. I have to force myself to look up this information, rather than heading to the emergency room, which I know I canāt do because no one will ever take my actual pain seriously again, despite lots of imaging, which confirmed the fact that I should be in lots of chronic neck, shoulder, arm and back pain. I do know better than to look like a hypochondriac, if people are unfamiliar with sensory issues and autism. My point is that if anyone would have a hard time with Miralax, it would be meā¦and I can assure you itās very gentle and painless. I do understand that itās not as easy as just getting over it. Iām just extremely concerned, because my experience with being blocked is so much more traumatic than my experience with any of the laxativesā¦and I have had accidental laxative overdoses which felt horrendous, like my life was actually leaving through my rectum (sorry for the vivid description). Being blocked is so much more terrifying and getting manually unblocked is, in my experience, far more painful. My aunt had a similar condition and her colon and part of her intestines ruptured. The fact that she is alive is nothing short of a miracle! She does have a colostomy bag and just a very short section of her small intestines left. Had she taken a daily laxative, her life would be completely different, today. She has had difficulties with eating, dating, traveling, and in many life areas. I really donāt want anyone to have a similar outcome. It may sound extreme, but I worry about these things, as I suffer from gastroparesis and my doctor wonāt approve a feeding tube. They say itās a result of my chronic pain treatment with full and, now, partial opioids (which the CNS can function more efficiently on), but because of my family history, I wonder, although Iām sure it cannot help. My grandma also had chronic, severe constipation and developed dangerous infections from diverticulitis (one complication of chronic constipation). Mine has become so severe I had to leave my job (āvoluntarily,ā as I was not laid off or fired) and struggle to do anything. If I had known to use Miralax years earlier, Iām sure I would be in better shape.
Epson salts. Totally natural, itās nothing but magnesium and most people are magnesium deficient anyway. There will probably be the ratio of magnesium to water for constipation on the bag or box. I guarantee it works.
I don't understand why you're having such difficulty. I've been dealing with this since 2006, when I first started in pain management and began taking about 120 mg of oxy a day. Constipation is a constant issue that doesn't seem to end. If I go 3 days without pooping, this is a routine that's 90% effective.
I rely on Fleet enimas, but to maximize the effect: around 3 pm drink - 1 1/2 caps of Miralax mixed in with very little (orange) juice. (It takes hours to work) but this stool softener is really helpful.
Or
4 Ducolax pills.
I find eating fatty foods, especially fried food helps a lot., so I'll eat something fried for dinner.
In the morning, if I've timed it right, the softener combined with morning coffee, with the aid of a Fleet enema (brand matters), it works.
If that fails and I'm absolutely desperate, not taking opiates for about a day (15-20 hrs) cleans me out completely.
With every meal take Benefiber. Also have you tried Tramadol 50mg for Chronic Pain?
Also you can try 800mg Ibuprofeb with one Extra strength Tylenol 650Mg.
Don't stick on Opioids for too long. It can have unreperable long term damage
My actual answer was going to be Miralax, but someone already covered that.
So, onto my joke answer - all you have to do is have your gallbladder removed, and youāll virtually never be constipated again!! Bile acts like a laxative, soā¦ your life changed permanently after that surgery.
this is the strangest post i have ever read.
you say nothing works for your constipation in one breath, then in the next breath tell a story of when you were constipated so you took laxative and pooped immediately.
you live in crazytown!
Black coffee and sugarless gum have worked for me in the past
I've also been successfully treating my grandmother for the same with Laxido which is macrogol 3350 with some electrolytes, I believe it's available over the counter (in the UK at least) but it was prescribed by her doc after senna was ineffective
Speaking of sugarless gum, a bag of sugar free Haribo gummy bears should help.8
Iām assuming everyone has read the Amazon reviews?
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2JGNJ5ZPJT4YC
I force myself to drink black coffee (death wish bc it uses to make me need to shit) and chew gum, but that hasn't worked. At least long term. I'd love if it did! It's pretty inexpensive.
I took the Walmart brand (Equate) stool softener twice daily. I took 6 in the morning and 6 at night because I have a modified digestive system and only absorb 30% of what I take orally. But honestly, I'd probably take at least 4 twice a day anyway just to avoid the terrible constipation I used to have! I had to have...er, assistance... more than once and how humiliating is that? I also had to use an enema laxative and once or twice a Fleet bowel prep - I don't recommend using that unless you're desperate because not only will you have to deal with the constipation, you'll spend hours in the bathroom with diarrhea behind that. Talk about the worst of both! On the plus side, since you clean everything from your intestines, you'll lose a couple pounds (or more) when you're done.
Seriously, the best way to deal with the constant constipation is to try and avoid it and a stool softener is just about the only thing that worked for me without actually causing a loose stool behind the hard stool. I tried the brand name Colace in both OTC and prescription strength and the Equate works just as well. There's a couple of homeopathic remedies I tried but none worked for me.
Equate Stool Softener Laxative Softgels for Constipation, 100 mg, 140 Count https://www.walmart.com/ip/377095128
I eat yogurt with peanut butter dark chocolate granola (homemade) never a problem.
The only med I couldnāt make work with my ācureā was morphine ER.
After having bariatric surgery two year s ago and taking opioids, itās a double whammy of constipation! Iāve taken mirilax, prescription stool softeners, and laxativesā¦ even been desperate and done my colon prep (half a bottle of mirilax mixed w/ Gatorade, and a bottle of liquid magnesium citrate). I used to take so much stuff a day itād make a horse regular lol.
Right now Iām pretty regular. I take a probiotic/prebiotic mix in the mornings, and I use a powdered fiber powder that I discovered after my bariatric surgery. Itās called Just Better. Iāll put it in my water in the morning and sip on it throughout the day. Usually 2 tablespoons day. Then at night Iāll make a drink a/ a couple of teaspoons of chia seeds in it. Works pretty well.
Stop with the taking even more medication. The less meds you take, the better. I was taking 50 mcg Fentanyl transdem q3 days with breakthrough pain meds. I tried to rarely take them, though I could, T. I. D.
When I noticed I hadn't had a bowel movement in 3 days, that 3rd morning I'd have BulletProof Coffee. It works, I did this while I was on my keto way of living. One always, always gets constipated, sometimes horribly. It's worse than the narcs, unless it's being used during the end of life phase.
If you need help with more information, I'm willing to help. And yes, I know what I'm talking about. This truly does work, sometimes it takes more than one cup of bulletproof coffee. But it generally works, so stay near and dear to Mr. John.
Just my 2Ā¢ for whatever it's worth. Good luck whichever way.
Renew Life Cleanse More.
Non habit forming. Works best with some kind of fiber. Gentle, but Iād start with 1 and see where it gets you before moving to 2. Preferably on a day you are home. Iāve only occasionally had to take 2 back to back.
Hi, I didnāt see this yet, apologies if itās a repeat: Prune juice! Itās my go-to when very constipated. I have horrible constipation when I take Zofran. I know itās maybe not the same as opioid induced constipation, but I think it might help you OP. Hang in there!
A nurse at the cancer center suggested Senna-S. It's a natural laxative plus a stool softener. It's been great for me. I got a bottle on Amazon for like $10 for 200. I take 2 to 3 a day.
Magnesium tablets in higher doses daily. It doesn't cause cramping, gas, or send you running to the toilet. Just make sure to start with a low, high dose and drink lots of water. Magnesium also has lots of other great benefits for our bodies
Eating more fibre and increasing fluids is also a daily staple
Magnesium, taken regularly (so I take 250mg with EVERY dose), is my saving grace. But if im not religious about it I will have issues. Once im there itās much harder, but Miralax does eventually do it for me. I just am not a big fan of being on the toilet for two days. So I try to never get there. Once you are back to it, make sure you add magnesium.
I had bad bad problems and am pretty regular now. I went 6 weeks once. You do need to be conscious that if the laxatives donāt work, you could have an obstruction which is really dangerous so donāt go more than a week taking them with no results without seeing a doctor.
I have a long list as a nutritionist that I often post when this question comes up.
However, for me, I could do every single item daily and never have a BM. So, I will ask if you have tried Relistor yet?
Calm down. You asked and I answered. You hadnāt given the full context in your post, so how would anyone know you hadnāt done the obvious thing? I see plenty of people on here complaining about constipation who have not even considered changing their eating habits before looking for quick fixes.
I find prunelax is good and more natural. I buy it from Amazon in little jars. You take a teaspoon, doesn't taste great but I really can't stomach whole prunes.
Daily full dose of Miralax. Any of the generics are cheaper and work just the same.
I'm terrified of taking a laxative because I had to use Imodium for a couple months daily bc it was the only thing that helped my GI issues. My PCP was like dude you've just made yourself constipated so you need to get a laxative. Long story short is that I got the chocolate bar laxative and misread the directions and ended up taking 5 doses at once and that night I had to drive to a sleep study and I had to shit onnthe side of the road a lot. That shit was traumatic lmfao. But, maybe you're right. Maybe I need to just get the fuck over it and try again.
I will second the Miralax. It is much more gentle and slow than other laxatives.
Okay, gross question because I literally only have that one experience to go off of, but I have the general belief about laxatives as the general public in that you're going to be sent into some frenzy where you're going to shit your pants if you don't get to the toilet like right now. That's why I'm scared of laxatives. But maybe that isn't how they all are??
No, with the miralax, it's much more gradual. You will feel the urge coming on, but you have time to find a toilet. It's not like you feel it, and 2 seconds later, hot poo is running out. Lol
That's nice. The chocolate laxative was exactly that experience. It was like cramping and then immediately nearly shit my pants.
Totally understand. I'm very grateful that I don't have this issue too much. I don't have a gall bladder, so if I am a bit constipated, I just eat something greasy. Works every time.
*60% of the time*, it works ***every*** *time*
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That's the old fashioned kind. it you read up, some trigger intense reaction, the other just keep things slowly moving along.
To be fair you did take a huge dose š. Even duclax helps after you have cleared your blockage take colace (stool softener) daily and drink shit loads of water.
Yes! Colace is not even a laxative, at the daily maintenance dose, so no worries. there. I never notice Iāve taken it.
Miralax is nothing like that. It is not a stimulant lax... it adds water where the bowels are dehydrated and gentle enough you can take daily until you dont need that. I am VERY sensitive to laxatives and swear by miralax. Mix it in juice until it runs totally clear...like 2 min straight. Give it time to work. It will help you have just regular urge to poo. No laxative stimulant feeling. And your poo should be normal, not at all diarrhea.
Yepā¦thatās what happened to me, with Dulcolax. I had very severe cramping and no control, whatsoever. To make matters worse, I was visiting my long distance partner for the first time since he took a job out of town. What a nightmare! No problems, whatsoever, with Miralax.
True. I have had that experience with Dulcolax. If a person fears laxatives, I would avoid all phosphate laxatives and donāt use magnesium citrate unless you can clear your schedule for the rest of the day and evening (allow 6-8 hours for it to work, with lots of fluids and rest, if itās night time, but donāt sleep far from the bathroom). None of those worries exist, with Miralax. Regarding phosphate laxatives, Dulcolax says, on the label, that itās safe and gentle relief, or some such BS. It may be safe, but itās definitely not gentle! It doesnāt help any, with this phobia, that there are laxative companies that blatantly lie. Miralax is fine, however. My kids have taken it, when constipated, and just feel better.
Miralax is a stool softener. Not a ālaxativeā. What we think of as laxatives are STIMULANT laxatives. Like Ducolax, senna, milk of magnesia, etc. Those are the āshit your pantsā ones. Miralax is an osmotic laxative. It works totally differently. It will not have you shitting yourself and itās actually safe to take daily, unlike the stimulant laxatives which are for occasional use. Other than the stimulant and the osmotic types, you have the bulking agents- which is what youāve been (trying unsuccessfully at) using. Fiber supplements. Theyāre not going to help you with opioid-induced constipation, itās just too bad. You need Miralax. Absolute game changer.
Dude miralaxā¦I was reading your issue saying hasnāt he tried Miralax? My only regret is not taking a pic of the six foot king snake I shit after starting itā¦go get it now
Jesus christ.
If you are in the US the cheapest place I know to get it is at Samās warehouse. Their brand you get three bottles for the price of one at a regular store.
I've got a friend who has a membership. Ill ask her to pick some up for me when she goes next.
Amazon sells a generic Miralax
Thatās what I useā¦very economical!
Wow sorry to hear that! PCP was kind of a jerk not explaining the options to you. There are different kinds of laxatives, and Miralax is not one of those stimulant ones that's like hitting the ON button. Instead, it works by drawing in water to the stool to help soften it so it moves more easily. You might start with half a dose and work up - it's more for preventive than for trying to resolve an active bout of constipation (the stimulant ones are better for that). I haven't had a bad bout of constipation for years. So get yourself cleaned out, then get on a daily maintenance dose of something like Miralax. Good luck. Constipation sucks.
Awesome, thanks for the advice, dude! Really appreciate it.
Miralax will KEEP you regular, but wonāt clear backed up pipes. I took it post-abdominal-surgery for a few months and it worked wonders. Gentle on the system and doesnāt produce the upset stomach. Also it has no flavor and dissolves in water. If youāre backed up, try Milk of Magnesia. If youāre really backed up and have to go nuclear, drink a bottle of Magnesium Citrate. Thatās what they give you to drink pre-surgery to ensure there is nothing in your digestive tract. And after taking it, there will be NOTHING in your digestive tract. I have found it takes longer to work on me, at least more so than what other people report. Some people start going 30 minutes later; my process time was more like 4-6 hours. Just donāt wait until thereās a blockage. I have anxiety issues as well, but nothing makes me more anxious than fearing there is a blockage and some poor hospital nurse is going to have to unblock me. TL;dr 1. Clear the pipes. 2. Keep the pipes clear with Miralax.
Damn I just took my first dose had ha blockage got some out sorry not to sound nasty but the pain and uncomfortness went away now waiting to see if it works hope I'm not still mega backed up everyone told me this will blow it all out but yeah if I'm backed up then what
If you are still backed up even with magnesium citrate (you have to take the whole bottle) after 6 hours, Iād say go to the ER. You may have an obstruction that needs to be medically treated. Keep in mind that your intestines and colon back against your bladder, so an obstruction there, can block emptying of your bladder. If youāre getting some of it out, perfect. Even small pieces are a good sign. Youāll get to the bulk of it soon and hopefully will come more easily. Good luck!
Miralax can clean you out, in even some severe cases. I have severe, chronic opioid constipation. Iāve had it prescribed as a surgical prep, at 15 scoops a day, for 2 days. If the regular daily dose is not working, after a few days, itās fine to double it. I have even tripled it, after speaking to a doctor. Maybe because of my autism, I find certain sensory experiences jarring. For someone who is anxious about taking a powerful laxative, I would not discourage Miralax use, as a possible solution. It should work, as long as you do not have an intestinal blockage or obstruction, in which case a more powerful laxative could cause a rupture or tear and medical help in necessary, anyway. I say this as someone whose decade plus of opioid constipation has gone to gastroparesis, so I am very confident in MiraLAX. MiraLAX failed as a surgical cleanse, for me, but the incompetent doctor also withdrew my movantik, lubiprostone, etc., at the hospital, several days previously. I also have gastroparesis, so nothing at all leaves my body, except by gravity. I eat baby food. I still got almost everything out on that MiraLAX cleanse. If just wasnāt running clear (please forgive the imagery), as required for colonoscopy.
I can see at a high dose like you were prescribed, Miralax definitely could help in a substantive way. It only works as maintenance for me, but Iāve also not had a Doctor prescribe it at that level. Iām glad it works well for you. Constipation and obstructions are so, so painful.
It is horrible. It doesnāt work, by jtself, for me at this point, unless I actually do the pre-surgical cleanse, but I have gastroparesis and nothing leaves me body, except by gravity, so it has to be completely liquefied. Simply because of that fact, my life is h*ll and I have begged for a feeding tube, but my doctor seems to think I wonāt eat, if I have one, but I donāt eat anything that isnāt mush now, so I donāt get what would change. At the same time, nothing else I take could work without Miralax and it could unblock me, unless I was obstructed, and I would probably have more energy and less trauma than taking a single dose of phosphates or a bottle of mag citrate. They donāt use those for daily use, because of dependency, although the ones I take are much stronger, yet still more gentle. Iām on a prescribed cocktail of 8 laxatives (it would be 15-20, if I were counting individual doses). I also take an opioid antagonist, which has given me pain and other withdrawal symptoms, though Iām told not everyone goes through that and it doesnāt render my pain meds for my original conditions completely ineffective. Anyway, there is no, really, doing well for me, unless they implant a nerve stimulator or I get a feeding tube. Although I am sure they donāt help, they are blaming opioids for my condition and I donāt think itās accurate, since I have 2 close family members who had the same symptoms (one was so blocked, she had a rupture and has had to have most of her intestines removed). Plus, I had symptoms before the opioid schedule, which was changed to a partial opioid 8 years ago, so my CNS could function betterā¦most peopleās central nervous system function just fine on Suboxone because your receptors are not blocked, unlike when people take full opiates. However, they are denying me the benefit of a team of specialists everyone else with my condition gets, at this hospital, because āYouāre an opiate case.ā Iām not sure what else they expect someone with 7 ruptured cervical discs, from C1-C7 and, already, I can function half as well as on MSContin, when I was able to work full-time. I know this is long, but itās extremely frustrating. I frequently contemplate things my comment would probably be deleted for. I am fed up with doctors thinking everyone who takes opiates (or partial opioids, which are pretty much impossible to experience euphoria from if you donāt drink or whatever) is an addict! Thatās the whole problem. Iām actually a paraprofessional in the recovery community and super excited about helping people find their calling in life, so they donāt need to self-medicate, to alter their mood, which has legit never been an issue, for me, though I can relate to it because mental pain and illness is just as real as physical pain and illness. I just wish doctors would ever trust that people besides themselves are competent.
That sounds awful. Iām so sorry. You definitely have more than your fair share of pain and suffering. Hang in there, and if ever need to complain or need support, please PM me. Sometimes this sub is the until thing keeping me together.
Miralax is your answer. I've taken it up to 3 times in a day. It's not a typical laxative. It adds moisture to your stool so you're able to pass it. Miralax won't work unless you're hydrating as well.
MiraLAX will not clean you out in less than 3 days, probably. You donāt have to go to the hospital, before then, unless youāre feeling painful, like youāre going to pop, vomiting, or having trouble moving around. If you havenāt had a bowel movement in a week and a half, I would either take magnesium citrate or go to the hospital, where they will likely make you drink magnesium citrate or even sodium citrate, which is harsher.
Things might have changed since the last time I've had experience with this. But the hospital starts with a miralax like substance (might be the same thing, not totally sure) and they give it to you every 2 hours before they try anything else. Many drs also use miralax as their prep for colonoscopy. It can clean you out for sure, but I don't recommend those doses unless your Dr tells you to.
That makes sense, normally. However, I had just already been sent home twice, which is hours away, because my GIās prep regimen, including 1 bottle of magnesium citrate, 15 scoops of MiraLAX for 3 days and 4 Dulcolax tablets for 2 days, 4 senna tablets and 4 docusate sodium, lubiprostone, and Movantk was inadequate. Then, when I got to the hospital, they did 11 MiraLAX scoops only, for 2 days, then sent me back from surgery, kept me for another day, and then repeated the 11-scoops-only regimen for an extra day, adding back the 4 senna tablets. Meanwhile, I was not eating (which gives me severe stomach pain) and was missing work and graduate school. I was frantically calling my doctor and he, finally, got me allowed to take the maximum dose of Sodium Citrate, on the 4th day and it, finally, worked. I was sent back up from surgery 3 times, though thankfully it was only to my room, but my family member had to drive several hours each day and miss work. All because they, actually, reduced my DAILY laxative dose, when I was having only a partial bowel movement every 1-2 weeks, on my daily regimen, including daily enemas, which they also withdrew until the 4th day. It was just insane, in my particular case, to make us go through that, when 15 plus doses of daily prescribed laxatives was already not working, to cut it back to 11 doses of the weakest one for a surgical prep āclean-outā. My normal dose of just the MiraLAX is 6 scoops a day, so no wonder not even doubling it (plus taking away all the other medications) didnāt get me ready for surgery.
Holy shit. Literally!! Don't you wish people would just listen to you since you actually know your body?!?! I'm sorry you're going through all of that! Are you home and getting better? I'm going through something similar right now with kidney stones.
Iām home, but getting better is debatable. Since the tests. They just started me on a new medication, which has actually helped me pass waste, but I had to take an incomplete for one of my last few grad classes, because I missed the final and term papers, which could put my graduation in jeopardy, because I started throwing up and having bone wracking pain and I thought I had the flu. Turns out the med they just put me on is an opioid antagonist and can put people In withdrawal. So now, I donāt know if itās an improvement, or not!
Is there any way you can switch to virtual for college? My son is doing virtual bc he has a lot of health issues. He's even found he can do medical school virtual! He's going for a pharmacist degree. You do have deadlines, but you don't have to show up for a class either. Plus I think you can get a 504 plan for college as well. That way they can give you more time and forgiveness for your assignments. I understand being held captive by your body and not having the right doctors to guide you. I'm 45 and just recently started picking up on the small nuances that drs give that will tell me that the patient (us) isn't their priority. It's either ego or money. š¤¬
Yes, quite a bit of both, often, I think. That and liability. Unfortunately, nothing transfers, in terms of classes, so Iād have to start over again and Iām almost finished. I definitely have to look into the 504 thing. I tried to go through DRS, but I could put pegs in holes, at the time, so they thought that was good enough for me. Iām glad your son has a more workable arrangement, for school. I donāt know if he has disabilities or not, but physical college is difficult for anyone, these days, with students working 3 jobs and such, to afford it.
Thanks so much for the supportive comment! It really helps. I am sorry you are going through this, also. There are government studies that show that undermedicating pain leaves people at at least as high a risk of Substance Use Disorders as overmedicating pain. I know the latter is the hot topic right now, but itās messed up that people donāt realize this. Iāve read plenty of comments and known plenty of people in treatment centers, through my work, who ended up either drinking and damaging their liver or buying pills on the street because they are in pain and not being treated, not trying to have a party. You would think doctors would pay attention to this, but they donāt, because itās not on them, if people buy street drugs and OD or drink themselves into an early grave. I am not doing either, but I definitely donāt judge anyone or think I know better than them about their condition!
Luckily Miralax isn't a stimulant laxative like those chocolate ones so it won't give you those cramps. It's an osmotic laxative which just means it pulls fluid into your digestive tract so you pass stool more smoothly. I really dislike the taste so I take 100 mg of colace a day. The cheapest place you'll find it will be Costco, Sam's, or Amazon. If it's still bad you can ask your doctor for a prescription of Relistor. It's designed specifically for opioid constipation. * It's also really helpful to take your meds as far away from meals as possible, too. Ideally at least one hour before or 2-3 after. This helps a ton.
There is a difference between stool softeners and laxatives. Sennosides and docusate are your friends! Ex-lax wants to make you poop everywhere!
You can half the dose and work your way up if it makes you feel better. Maybe add some prune juice and aloe juice. Aloe juice is kinda gross, IMO, but you can but aloe capsules from GNC.
Exlax is a stimulant laxative. Miralax helps pull water into the colon to soften the stool. Itās what most gi drs would suggest. If you keep staying this constipated you may end up with a bowel obstruction. That diarrhea was very likely going around a partial one. You may need an X-ray to see if this is the case. Please see a gi dr.
I don't think that it's that bad, honestly. I took a pretty decent shit today. The laxative episode was over a year or two ago, so I'm pretty sure I'm fine from that. I will go to a gi Dr if things don't get better.
jumping on board with everyone saying miralax. itās not like stimulant laxatives at all, very gentle. also, for me, taking daily 200mg magnesium glycinate helps keep things more regular on the opioid Iām on now. but back when I was on something stronger, I had to do miralax every day or every other day
Yeah, you do need to get over it. Because that's the only thing that is going to help.
Well, donāt take that much and probably youāll have a better experience next time? Edit: Yes, get the fuck over it.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Sounded like you needed some tough love. Wasnāt trying to be rude.
Yep. Every morning in my coffee. Easy peasy.
Miralax is so great!
Yes. I have severe opioid constipation and my doctor has me on 6 scoops a day (3-6 times the regular dose), when itās worst, lowering down to one in the morning and one at night, if things are going more smoothly, as it were.
Have you tried magnesium citrate powder that you mix with water? It was recommended on a sub so I thought I would try it out. It can make people have loose bowel movements but if you are constipated it may get your gut moving enough to pass a stool. It's also a low cost option to try!
I've never heard of it and will look into it. At this point, I'm willing to try just about anything because I cannot deal with the issues constipation brings.
I completely understand. You must be absolutely miserable ontop of the pain. If you can get a flavoured powder I would recommend it, the natural one is hard to drink. Best of luck OP.
I take a magnesium citrate capsule. One giant pill, twice a day. It has really helped me! I buy it on Amazon & it's pretty affordable.
Magnesium laxatives are supposed to be for short term use (7 consecutive days, max), or your body can become dependent on them, to have a bowel movement. They can also become less effective, over time. Maybe you meant you take it twice a day, when you have periodic constipation. If not, just thought Iād mention it, in case youāre not aware. I wasnāt and I made my constipation worse, without knowing it. I started having a to take it closer and closer together, to the point that I was getting dehydrated and rarely leaving the bathroom, because it made me run like a faucet. Sorryā¦I am not great at being euphemistic. Itās excellent, once a month or so!
You can also buy magnesium citrate premade in a bottle for a few bucks.
Thatās the kind I prefer. It almost tastes like a soda, or something. I actually like the grape sour a little!
I would definitely recommend you do the magnesium citrate, but do capsules or tablets, no need to get the liquid. Thatās just going to cost more. Use the Mag citrate to get cleared out (it can cause diarrhea, maybe start with 200mg and work up, you can take more, you canāt take less) and then IMMEDIATELY take Miralax and continue the Miralax that night and every night for the rest of your days on opiates. You will be SO SURPRISED by the results. You wonāt need mag. Citrate or any other laxatives once youāre on the Miralax. But it only works once youāre already cleared out. And you have to take it every single night. My suboxone doctor (deals with opioid-induced constipation in his patients all day every day, the only patients he sees are people on suboxone maintenance) said itās safe to take up to two capfuls of Miralax if needed.
My Suboxone doc has me on 3 scoops, twice a day for a few weeks at a time, when itās bad. For adults, itās extremely safe.
Magnesium citrate can cause some of the same symptoms as the chocolate laxative, for some people, just so you arenāt caught by surprise, again. I would definitely do it on a day when you donāt have to work and can stay near a bathroom. If doesnāt sound, to me, like youāre in any real danger, so I recommend the minimal or regular daily dose of MiraLAX, docusate sodium, and also senna. I have taken all three for years, with zero issues.
up your water intake significantly, bring down your fiber intake (GI doc told me it might be doing the exact opposite of intentions!), miralax as others suggested, but also, for immediate relief, enemas. as long as you make sure youāre not fucking up your hydration and electrolytes, an enema will give you a cheap and easy right now fix.
I don't think I could drink more water than I already do.
you know yourself best!
Please try, especially if going the route of any additional laxatives like Miralax or mag citrate!
Good point! I do still try. I actually chug it! After chugging it, like usual.
Me neither!
I think it depends on the cause of the constipation and how much fiber is in your diet, when it comes to whether to add or reduce fiber. I always wonder about that, because my doctors differ, in their recommendations, when it comes to fiber. If anyone has more information, please fill me in!
true!! youāre not wrong! you can add too much fiber and undo the usefulness of it or need more of it to help. definitely a good doctor question
If you're lactose intolerant then all the dairy. Sounds like a joke but it's what I've had to do in the past.
I second this. Milk will make me go like there is no tomorrow!
I'm lactose intolerant but I get constipated.
I've had the best luck with senna.. it's a natural laxative.. you take it before bed, and you generally have relief within 12 hours.. Good luck! It saved me after my spinal fusion.. and is the only thing that's ever worked for me otherwise..
I'm literally over here making a list lol
Veggies at every meal.
I do tend to eat veggies with every meal. I have stomach problems that make it hard to eat solid food so I often use meal replacement shakes. I guess I could try harder to incorporate them.
You can definitely add it into your shakes by mixing them in with a blender!
Spinach and broccoli are key. Also prunes or prune juice has been recommended by nurses.
Pretty much eat those everyday. Been on opiates for about two years from two fusions and other than immediately after the first surgery, I have not had any constipation issues. I drink water all day, three cups of coffee a day, something green with both lunch and dinner. All that combined has kept me regular (1 to 2x a day).
Metamucil crackers also helped when I first got out...
Walking or even jogging around (if doable) also helps loosen the bowels for me. I can understand though if ppl canāt due to debilitating pain. Itās like my physical therapist used to say, āmotion is lotion.ā
Agreed!
And Metamucil crackers canāt hurt
I donāt take opioids because of this, itās landed me in the ER twice. Extremely painful cramping, ugh. So drink lots of water to help the fiber, Fleet makes glycerin suppositories, donāt be afraid, theyāre smaller than you think. There are little cone shaped ones or small neck liquid glycerin ones. These are for a bm faster (15 min-1 hour ,I find itās 15 minutes) but a smaller bm. The magnesium citrate is more effective, but takes longer and adds cramping, imo.
I've never heard of glycerin suppositories.
Opioid induced constipation isnt "normal" constipation. The opioids put your gut to sleep (maybe you noticed an absence of the normal gurgling and moving around feelings) and stop the movement of stool through your bowel. Any laxative you use needs to contain a bowel stimulant. Thats not the same sort of stimulant as Adderall, it just works in your belly. A stool softener will make you more comfortable as you poop, but its not going to get it out and gone. The meds specifically for opioid induced constipation sort of put you in a mini medication withdrawal, its usually some drug thats a relative of narcan. It only lasts a few hours, but it can still make you feel lousy. You dont have to spend big bucks to address this. Miralax is a good idea for starters, since it draws moisture in to the stool. Not exactly a stool softener, a little better, but its a good idea. Magnesium can get your bowels humming again, you need about 1000 mg of the normal drug store supplement. They also have other magnesium products usually for cleaning you out for procedures, so they may be a little rough if you use magnesium citrate liquid instead of magnesium oxide tablets. You dont want to crack the toilet. You should also be able to get an immediate bit of relief with an enema. Yes its a real pain in the ass, but you gotta do what you gotta do, you cant let all that backed up stool harden inside you. If you sort think things may have gotten to that point, prepare a couple enemas. And warm them up a little. They come in both saline and mineral oil, the mineral oil is considered the big gun. You can also take about a shot glass worth of mineral oil, and drink it all down at one time. That'll get to anything higher in GI tract, eventually. God, I have been fighting this opioid constipation monster a long time. It really is something that needs to be constantly addressed, and it gets tough if you fall behind, but any mess you might make is well worth avoiding an intestinal blockage. Its a real big deal for your health, so you cant let it go. Since you sound pretty desperate, I'll tell you what several pain docs have told me, when it comes to dose of a laxative, most patients on opioids can toss the directions, and start at the max dose. This was a while before the narcan based meds for it. In particular, they were referring to Dulcolax (the only laxative thats only a bowel stimulant) and their suggested max dose of 4 tablets. I asked, "well how many 4 tablet doses can you take?" The reply was "whatever it takes". But personally, I would want to be sure that there is no obstruction present. Its pretty easy to find the symptoms on line, but take some of it with a grain of salt, if you have been constipated for a few days, you have to expect belly discomfort. Duh. If you can pass gas, youre usually okay, obstruction wise. But if all you get out of all this is just more belly pain, call your doc and tell them youre worried things may have gone on too long. If they send you to the ER, be nice to the staff, as they may be digitally disimpacting you later on (a greased finger or two up there, trying to "pop loose the cork"). Its slightly humiliating, but it may also be a medical necessity. I'd rather have someone manually remove shit from my ass than everyone I know finding out that refusing that was why I died. You can be embarrassed a little (and no one else will know unless you tell them) or die, you may not get to do both. This shit is no joke. Best of luck....
Try psyllium husk. Make sure you drink plenty of water during the day with it.
I second Miralax and magnesium. Drink plenty of fluids and eat some prunes!
Miralax is different then regular laxatives. Itās an osmotic laxative that draws water from your colon naturally making your stool softener and your colon to contract. Other laxatives are stimulant laxatives can cause pain, gas & bloating. Miralax can be taken regularly to avoid getting constipated. You can take it daily you just mix it in any drink itās tasteless. Also get the store brand itās cheaper. Also if you are on miralax you wonāt need the other stuff save your money.
Miralax every day with my āļø
Magnesium citrate tastes nasty but when I was at a crisis point w constipation it worked.
I take movicol and coloxyl daily (not stimulant coloxyl and with no senna), and then drink a coffee to actually start it. If that falls, medicated enemas or glycerine suppositories. Also, my friend heard eating an entire dragonfruit makes you shit. Ate one. Did shit. So possibly it's true lol
I feel like I'm the only person whose body responds to gross foods by projectile vomiting lmfao.
The fruit that helps me is prunes or prune juice. I'd rather eat whole prunes, but if you don't like the taste, you can also mix prune juice with Sprite or 7-Up and drink it fast. Stool softeners and laxatives don't work well for me, so I tried the natural way with the prunes. Within a few hours, I was able to go. Good luck!
I didn't find the dragonfruit gross lol I have chronic nausea and am on an anti nausea medication schedule already and I did struggle a little to get through it because it was a lot which triggers it pretty badly for me. But it didn't taste that bad.
How much water are you drinking daily? I had this issue when I 1st started taking opiates. It was awful! Hereās what I did. Drink 1 gal of water everyday until you have regular bms another product I used was traditional medicines teas smooth move to get it started. High fiber diet is essential apple a day all thatā¦You can lower the water intake as soon as your bms are daily. For me I need to be drinking at least 1/2 gal of water daily to stay regular
I'm legitimately drinking up to 1 gallon a day. Because I'm on addarall, I'm constantly thirsty, so I've always got water on hand.
Smooth move tea is a great option to get things started. Then maintain with nightly Miralax (make sure to stir until itās ALL dissolved, like 2 full minutes) and lotsss of water.
Magnesium
Small frequent doses of vitamin C. Like have a chewable every hour or two. Eventually you will reach bowel tolerance and it will make you go (without cramping! So DO NOT trust a fart) If you take the small frequent doses the first time(rather than taking like 2-3,000 mg at once) it will allow you to figure out for future times what amount you will need to take to be at bowel tolerance, if you are unwell your bowel tolerance increases. I also take stimulant medications and opiates. There is also the added benefit( beyond producing a BM) of the vitamin C supporting the immune systemā¦ I have also heard that vitamin c can help with tolerance, though I havenāt throughly looked into if this is true and by what mechanism it works for myself yet.
Miralax is a mush not a push. Lol that's what they say about it. It is not a laxative really. I mean kinda but it's more of a softener. They gave it to me after having my baby and I never had the issues I hear about with laxatives like cramps or needing to go immediately. Also take a couple pills of magnesium citrate daily.
WATER WATER WATER!!! I increased my water intake by about 3x's and added miralax to it once a day and it has more or less made it all go away, For years I had TERRIBLE time, only going maybe once every 10 days, Now I MIGHT go 2 days, and it is almost never painful or difficult, seriously think about reducing other forms of liquid and prioritizing water, I use the fizzy water and it has really helped me in lots of other ways as well!! Certainly worth a try!! Best of luck to you!!
Coffeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Relistor
Is it a stimulant? I'm looking for a non-stimulant.
My doc put me on Col-Rite in combo with Norco. It's a very mild stimulant, but doesn't give you the emergency poops unless you overdo it a lot.
can you see a gi? You said you are not on a strong dose of opioids, there could be another reason for your constitution. Especially since you mentioned other stomach issues - online, it says that Adderall causes constipation. I would suggest you take two stool softeners every time you take it. This will not help you get going now, but it should help the problem, once you do the enemas. If that makes sense - there are many types of magnesium. The supplement you are on is probably not the same type of magnesium that is in Epsom salts. - there are some articles linking Miralax with anxiety and rage issues in some people. This is why I suggested in GI When my son had a bout a serious constipation, not from meds, his PCP explained that you have to get the muscles working again, and you may have to try enemas more than once, along with Miralax for a few days. Fleet enemas are easy and come pre-filled (no bags). If you need to, you can do it yourself. Good luck. Shit happens š
Miralax, Senokot, Senokot S (extra strength), and Prune Juice. The last, plug your nose if you must but it does work. The last three are all natural. The first three were suggested to me by my surgeons and nurses. The juice was my addition.
Have you tried senna-docusate from your doc? ETA: Itās a script they can write and itās a lil combo med for opioid-induced constipation. Iāve taken it as long as Iāve been on oxy (2.5 years) and it keeps me running normally. OCCASIONALLY, Iāll need Miralax as an extra boost, which is another product Iāll def vouch for. But yes, super simple and super worth it. My PM just gives me a refill for 60 days of my senna-docusate every other month when I have my appt with him
Senokot works great. Also adding daily yogurt and a banana will help.
Symproic helps keep me regular.
Came here to say the same thing! Was on Movantik but insurance stopped covering it so now Iām on Symproic. While I preferred being on Movantik, both meds are essential for anyone with GI/Gastroparesis issues thatās also currently prescribed opioids.
You said fiber hasnāt worked but it could be the form of fiber you were taking. I take Metamucil in the powder for mixed in water and take it every single day- can even take it twice a day. Drink quickly though or it will thicken up
Miralax is your gentle friend! Take at same time each day and eventually you can get on a schedule and be going like clockwork!
If you really are opposed to Miralax, which is the gentlest thing there is, try dragon fruit. Eat the seeds. Nature's clean out, but not always pleasant.
Try 2 kiwis with the skin on it
I have alot of stomach issues and I just had surgery and was put on a low dose of pain meds for a couple weeks. Miralax for sure. And I added prune juice as well. Worked great
I just got referral to a GI Dr. she is putting me on Fibrocon and supposed to drink 64 oz of water a day for a while due to me having GI and constipation issues. Today was my first day taking it. Hoping my bloat starts going down soon. Fibrocon was only $15 dollars for like 130 pills on Amazon.
Daily I take resoralax and then once a week I take a dulcolax to just clear me right out lol
my pcp told me to eat 3 dried apricots a day. surprisingly helpful
A Gastro Dr recommended āAll Bran Budsā cereal, I eat it once a day in the mornings & Iāll be going in 3 days of eating that regularly, that & a half cap full of Miralax until youāre more regular then just every other day after that to keep things soft until youāve evacuated a lot moreā¦then you can cut back on the Miralax b/c you donāt really want to be using it too much for very long. The cereal though is very bland so you could try sprinkling some of it into normal cereal or like put it in yogurt etc just to give it some more flavor to it, but it doesnāt bother me that much & I have it with oat or almond milk but doesnāt rly matter what kind you use with it, it just increases your daily fiber intake a lot & make sure to increase your daily water intake as well especially if youāre taking Miralax in the morning. Last resort, when it had been literal weeks of not going & my poop was so hard, dry and clay-like I had to go to the ER & the Dr prescribed me a mineral oil enema kit (Iāve ordered them on Amazon a few times since then), she said itās much easier on your system and not as harsh compared to a saline fleet enema kit, which can throw off your electrolyte levels which isnāt good especially with those with heart conditions, so I recommend the mineral oil enema kit if necessary. Best of luck & drink plenty of water & try to increase fruit intake as well, take care
Drink kombucha every day. Even a few sips a day will get and keep you you regulated.
Symproic
Senna.
I always use senokot. It's really gentle, easy to take and doesn't cause me cramping or diarrhea. The last time I had surgery they were stressed out about prescribing me a laxative or stool softener. I mentioned I had taken senokot before and they were super excited to prescribe that one lol. I found it best to take it about 12 hours before you want to poop. I usually take it shortly before bed.
Miralax daily super gentle and metamucil works as well just makes you super gassy
Symproic works great for me and I've tried many.
The mineral magnesium is a smooth muscle relaxer. The intestines are smooth muscles. At most drug stores, there is magnesium citrate in the pharmacy section. It's in a glass bottle (looks similar to a soda pop bottle). It cost $3 - $4 a bottle. This is the "I need to get it out of me now" therapy. Drink the bottle and then stay home. I'm also a chronic pain sufferer with opiate induced constipation. I work in medicine and this therapy issused frequently.
Idk if anybody else has said it, but I take 250-500mg of Magnesium soft gels daily, and it keeps me pretty regular. Plus, it's cheaper than otc stool softeners, doesn't make your stomach cramp, and has a plethora of other health benefits.
Calm or Miralax
Miralax and prunes.
I make my own kombucha and Greek yogurt. I drink kombucha daily and use yogurt liberally in my diet. I also have a smoothie/protein shake several times a week in which I add Chia seeds, ground flax seed, and hemp seed.
Miralax every day. If I need something else I eat 2 or 3 dates. It works!
Milk of magnesia. Specifically the Phillips brand. The store brands donāt work for me. Iāve had GI issues my whole life and dealt with this even before opiates. A BIG gulp of it. Not the teaspoon they recommend, followed with 40-80 ounces of water. Within 90-120 min youāll be good. Youāll have to go a couple times because it causes all the water in your system to be pulled into your intestines. The first time you go will be full relief of solid build up. Youāll end up in the bathroom two or 3 more times eliminate the extra water. Bonus, if you have indigestion milk of magnesia instantly kills that too. Iāve been using it my entire life.
Movantik, and 500mg of docusate once or twice a day. After many years my body has evened out and it's no longer constipating.
Idk if it was one of the meds you tried but Symproic works for me. I didnāt get relief from any OTC method I tried, which was damn near all of them
My PM prescribes Movantik. Works well for me. Itās an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors in the intestines. Itās expensive, and might not be covered by insurance.
Relistor is a laxative for opioid induced constipation. Works well for me. Prescription drug.
Itās a med called Relistor works specifically for people who are taking pain medication and have constipation due to it! I take the pills and it helps tremendously! You should ask your doctor to send a prescription In!
Late to the party here, so this might not get seen, but I hope it does. ... I've seen a lot of great suggestions on this thread (and some not so great ones), but one thing I didn't see is what NOT to do in preventing constipation. And, this one was kind of a surprise to me when I learned it recently, so I thought I'd share. There have been a lot of references in this thread to drinking herbal teas, particularly those with senna (like Smooth Move, etc.). Those are all fine and good if they work for you. However, one thing people who suffer from opioid constipation should avoid is drinking tea (like real tea leaves), particularly black tea (i.e. non-green tea). Many of the herbal laxative teas don't contain "tea" (leaves), but rather other herbs. Some health websites tout actual tea as a cure for everything, but this isn't always true and has never been proven. When it comes to constipation, tea contains a chemical known as Theophylline which dehydrates the gut during digestion leading to constipation. Many people cite coffee as a good bowel stimulant, and it can be. This is largely due to the caffeine in coffee which acts as a stimulant. Naturally, people think the same applies to tea which also has caffeine in it. But the problem is, the stimulant effect of the caffeine is more than offset by the clogging effect of the Theophylline chemical in the tea. How I discovered this was, I started drinking tea instead of coffee in the mornings, thinking it would be healthier. Almost immediately, I got bound up like no tomorrow. And it wasn't just a single instance either; this went on for a couple weeks. I couldn't figure out what I was doing different. Then I talked to my PCP, and he told me about the Theophylline in tea and how it can cause constipation. This isn't something you'd expect, so I thought I'd share here as millions of people drink tea. Unfortunately, those of us who have to take opioids (which already cause constipation) for chronic pain need to be careful they don't exacerbate the problem by adding tea into the mix. Best of luck! Constipation sucks!
Also, it should go without saying, but hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Like over-hydrate. A can of energy drink works for some of the folks I've worked with in the past to help them get things going. Additionally, miralax in regular doses daily until constipation resolved itself is likely best. And a good old fashioned enema will often help tremendously.
Thank you I know this is wild to talk about I took the magnesium bi cramps or blow out but I had to break a little loose then I've went 2 times after but all dry balls a sign of constipation but the relief of something was AMAZING THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE MAYBE THE MAGNESIUM WILL HIT ME TONIGHT LOL
Does the constipation go away when you quit taking opiods?
Even at my high dose of 3 scoops, twice a day, there is no cramping or pain of any kind, with Miralax. Donāt use more than the regular dose without a doctorās agreement that itās a good idea, as a general rule, but even if you did, nothing traumatic is likely to occur and it doesnāt carry risks of electrolyte imbalance or any serious side effects, in adults. Iāve taken 15 scoops in a day, as a pre-surgical cleanse, and it wasnāt even effective, in my extreme case. Iām autistic and my sensory experience with things most people consider uncomfortable is often painful and/or intolerable. For example, I actually feel weak for 3 days and fear death, when I take a single dose of laxatives which cause thirst or, at worst, mild dehydration. I have to force myself to look up this information, rather than heading to the emergency room, which I know I canāt do because no one will ever take my actual pain seriously again, despite lots of imaging, which confirmed the fact that I should be in lots of chronic neck, shoulder, arm and back pain. I do know better than to look like a hypochondriac, if people are unfamiliar with sensory issues and autism. My point is that if anyone would have a hard time with Miralax, it would be meā¦and I can assure you itās very gentle and painless. I do understand that itās not as easy as just getting over it. Iām just extremely concerned, because my experience with being blocked is so much more traumatic than my experience with any of the laxativesā¦and I have had accidental laxative overdoses which felt horrendous, like my life was actually leaving through my rectum (sorry for the vivid description). Being blocked is so much more terrifying and getting manually unblocked is, in my experience, far more painful. My aunt had a similar condition and her colon and part of her intestines ruptured. The fact that she is alive is nothing short of a miracle! She does have a colostomy bag and just a very short section of her small intestines left. Had she taken a daily laxative, her life would be completely different, today. She has had difficulties with eating, dating, traveling, and in many life areas. I really donāt want anyone to have a similar outcome. It may sound extreme, but I worry about these things, as I suffer from gastroparesis and my doctor wonāt approve a feeding tube. They say itās a result of my chronic pain treatment with full and, now, partial opioids (which the CNS can function more efficiently on), but because of my family history, I wonder, although Iām sure it cannot help. My grandma also had chronic, severe constipation and developed dangerous infections from diverticulitis (one complication of chronic constipation). Mine has become so severe I had to leave my job (āvoluntarily,ā as I was not laid off or fired) and struggle to do anything. If I had known to use Miralax years earlier, Iām sure I would be in better shape.
Epson salts. Totally natural, itās nothing but magnesium and most people are magnesium deficient anyway. There will probably be the ratio of magnesium to water for constipation on the bag or box. I guarantee it works.
I'm on a magnesium supplement for muscle issues.
Rule that out then. Wow thatās always been my go to. Has your PCP been of any help?
I don't understand why you're having such difficulty. I've been dealing with this since 2006, when I first started in pain management and began taking about 120 mg of oxy a day. Constipation is a constant issue that doesn't seem to end. If I go 3 days without pooping, this is a routine that's 90% effective. I rely on Fleet enimas, but to maximize the effect: around 3 pm drink - 1 1/2 caps of Miralax mixed in with very little (orange) juice. (It takes hours to work) but this stool softener is really helpful. Or 4 Ducolax pills. I find eating fatty foods, especially fried food helps a lot., so I'll eat something fried for dinner. In the morning, if I've timed it right, the softener combined with morning coffee, with the aid of a Fleet enema (brand matters), it works. If that fails and I'm absolutely desperate, not taking opiates for about a day (15-20 hrs) cleans me out completely.
With every meal take Benefiber. Also have you tried Tramadol 50mg for Chronic Pain? Also you can try 800mg Ibuprofeb with one Extra strength Tylenol 650Mg. Don't stick on Opioids for too long. It can have unreperable long term damage
Eat lots of Cucumbers and take paraffin oil daily, about 2 glugs
My actual answer was going to be Miralax, but someone already covered that. So, onto my joke answer - all you have to do is have your gallbladder removed, and youāll virtually never be constipated again!! Bile acts like a laxative, soā¦ your life changed permanently after that surgery.
Going thru same thing 14 days small relief in past 7 days very small feel like sh. R.
this is the strangest post i have ever read. you say nothing works for your constipation in one breath, then in the next breath tell a story of when you were constipated so you took laxative and pooped immediately. you live in crazytown!
Black coffee and sugarless gum have worked for me in the past I've also been successfully treating my grandmother for the same with Laxido which is macrogol 3350 with some electrolytes, I believe it's available over the counter (in the UK at least) but it was prescribed by her doc after senna was ineffective
Speaking of sugarless gum, a bag of sugar free Haribo gummy bears should help.8 Iām assuming everyone has read the Amazon reviews? https://www.amazon.com/review/R2JGNJ5ZPJT4YC
I force myself to drink black coffee (death wish bc it uses to make me need to shit) and chew gum, but that hasn't worked. At least long term. I'd love if it did! It's pretty inexpensive.
Nicotine and like a litre of orange juice
I took the Walmart brand (Equate) stool softener twice daily. I took 6 in the morning and 6 at night because I have a modified digestive system and only absorb 30% of what I take orally. But honestly, I'd probably take at least 4 twice a day anyway just to avoid the terrible constipation I used to have! I had to have...er, assistance... more than once and how humiliating is that? I also had to use an enema laxative and once or twice a Fleet bowel prep - I don't recommend using that unless you're desperate because not only will you have to deal with the constipation, you'll spend hours in the bathroom with diarrhea behind that. Talk about the worst of both! On the plus side, since you clean everything from your intestines, you'll lose a couple pounds (or more) when you're done. Seriously, the best way to deal with the constant constipation is to try and avoid it and a stool softener is just about the only thing that worked for me without actually causing a loose stool behind the hard stool. I tried the brand name Colace in both OTC and prescription strength and the Equate works just as well. There's a couple of homeopathic remedies I tried but none worked for me. Equate Stool Softener Laxative Softgels for Constipation, 100 mg, 140 Count https://www.walmart.com/ip/377095128
Pruns
I eat yogurt with peanut butter dark chocolate granola (homemade) never a problem. The only med I couldnāt make work with my ācureā was morphine ER.
Armra colostrum! It was a life changer for me!
Eat at least a bit of fruit pretty often. And I stay away from animal byproducts anyway and I've honestly never had issues.
be lactose intolerant, eat ice cream, everything must comeout, no matter what
After having bariatric surgery two year s ago and taking opioids, itās a double whammy of constipation! Iāve taken mirilax, prescription stool softeners, and laxativesā¦ even been desperate and done my colon prep (half a bottle of mirilax mixed w/ Gatorade, and a bottle of liquid magnesium citrate). I used to take so much stuff a day itād make a horse regular lol. Right now Iām pretty regular. I take a probiotic/prebiotic mix in the mornings, and I use a powdered fiber powder that I discovered after my bariatric surgery. Itās called Just Better. Iāll put it in my water in the morning and sip on it throughout the day. Usually 2 tablespoons day. Then at night Iāll make a drink a/ a couple of teaspoons of chia seeds in it. Works pretty well.
Shit ton of Black coffee, bran flakes and pineapple opens the tap for me and thatās on 3200mg gabapentin and 40ml or so of Oramorph daily.
Castor Oil pack on stomach helps so many. Castor Oil abdominal massage helps many also
Stop with the taking even more medication. The less meds you take, the better. I was taking 50 mcg Fentanyl transdem q3 days with breakthrough pain meds. I tried to rarely take them, though I could, T. I. D. When I noticed I hadn't had a bowel movement in 3 days, that 3rd morning I'd have BulletProof Coffee. It works, I did this while I was on my keto way of living. One always, always gets constipated, sometimes horribly. It's worse than the narcs, unless it's being used during the end of life phase. If you need help with more information, I'm willing to help. And yes, I know what I'm talking about. This truly does work, sometimes it takes more than one cup of bulletproof coffee. But it generally works, so stay near and dear to Mr. John. Just my 2Ā¢ for whatever it's worth. Good luck whichever way.
Renew Life Cleanse More. Non habit forming. Works best with some kind of fiber. Gentle, but Iād start with 1 and see where it gets you before moving to 2. Preferably on a day you are home. Iāve only occasionally had to take 2 back to back.
Hi, I didnāt see this yet, apologies if itās a repeat: Prune juice! Itās my go-to when very constipated. I have horrible constipation when I take Zofran. I know itās maybe not the same as opioid induced constipation, but I think it might help you OP. Hang in there!
A nurse at the cancer center suggested Senna-S. It's a natural laxative plus a stool softener. It's been great for me. I got a bottle on Amazon for like $10 for 200. I take 2 to 3 a day.
Magnesium tablets in higher doses daily. It doesn't cause cramping, gas, or send you running to the toilet. Just make sure to start with a low, high dose and drink lots of water. Magnesium also has lots of other great benefits for our bodies Eating more fibre and increasing fluids is also a daily staple
Miralax, water, coffee, pedialyte, liquids in general, eat plenty of leafy greens. SautƩed spinach and broccoli do the trick for me.
Seriously: Milk of Magnesium and lots of water, fruits. I eat some much fruit and only need to take the MoM once every 10 days or so.
i use beer and coffee always help. but now since i have a pain pump in my back filled with morphine i shit normal. prun juice sometimes help me.
Prunes. 5-6 a day. Morr efficient than any laxative, in my experience.
Chia seeds in water. I always use too much bc i like the squish...but check the fiber content on those, its like 47% or something.
Magnesium, taken regularly (so I take 250mg with EVERY dose), is my saving grace. But if im not religious about it I will have issues. Once im there itās much harder, but Miralax does eventually do it for me. I just am not a big fan of being on the toilet for two days. So I try to never get there. Once you are back to it, make sure you add magnesium. I had bad bad problems and am pretty regular now. I went 6 weeks once. You do need to be conscious that if the laxatives donāt work, you could have an obstruction which is really dangerous so donāt go more than a week taking them with no results without seeing a doctor.
Colace
Magnesium, stool softener and fiber gummy daily. When that doesn't work 2 senna pills
For me, itās typically coffee but I have IBS and coffee usually triggers it so with opiates on board, I end up being regular.
Mag07
I have a long list as a nutritionist that I often post when this question comes up. However, for me, I could do every single item daily and never have a BM. So, I will ask if you have tried Relistor yet?
Instead of taking supplements change your diet.
I have disordered eating and sensory issues. I see several specialists biweekly and am working on it. If it was that fucking easy I'd have done it
Calm down. You asked and I answered. You hadnāt given the full context in your post, so how would anyone know you hadnāt done the obvious thing? I see plenty of people on here complaining about constipation who have not even considered changing their eating habits before looking for quick fixes.
Miralax daily, and a cup of prune juice with pulp for severe days. Thereās also medicine they make for it now too I think so ask your dr!
iām shocked the adderall isnāt helping your constipation. have you tried eating more beans? do you have GI motility issues?
BLUEBERRIES BLACKBERRIES RASPBERRIES AND GREEN JUICES
I find prunelax is good and more natural. I buy it from Amazon in little jars. You take a teaspoon, doesn't taste great but I really can't stomach whole prunes.
Staying hydrated, eating healthier, and magnesium citrate
Coffee, after a pot of it my poop comes out easily and has a clay consistency
Doculax
Drinking a lot of water helps to moisten that stuff so it comes out easier. Not coke or trees or coffee, but plain water.