Constipation

[Gemimablackvelvet]

What’s is the best way to balance laxatives and painkillers.

How many laxatives is it safe to take each day?

[Manchesterlady]

Hi, I take duphalac whilst on painkillers, that usually works for me

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to Manchesterlady]

Not working for me I’m afraid. I need stronger but then I daren’t leave the house. Thank you for your replyAngela x

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to Manchesterlady]

I’ve just read your message again and I think dulphalac maybe the same as at Lactulose. I’ll have to increase my once a day perhaps. I try them all at different times but as I said to Sashay I’m scared to leave the house in case of “accidents” No way to live I must find the right balance.

Thank you x

[Manchesterlady in reply to Gemimablackvelvet]

It is the same Angela.i take 15mls at night . Know what you mean about not leaving the house, it is a fine balance. X

[Di16 in reply to Manchesterlady]

When I was in hospital I was prescribed 15 ml twice a day of Lactulose. Di

[Di16 in reply to Gemimablackvelvet]

When I was in hospital I was prescribed 15 ml Lactulose twice a day. Di

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to Di16]

That’s interesting Di, I’ve only dared to take it once a day up to now. Maybe I’ll be brave and up the dose because it does work much quicker than all the rest.Thank you.

Angela x

[Sashay2020]

Hi Angela. I continue to battle constipation seven months post chemo. I found the MDAnderson Cancer Center regimen very helpful. You start out with stool softeners like docusate sodium Colace). If that doesn’t work then on to the next step. After eight days of no movement. A small Fleet saline enema after a dose of Milk of Magnesia finally got things moving again. I liked the patient information because I knew it was written by staff at a well know cancer treatment center for cancer patients who require opioids for pain. Here is the link. I hope it helps.mdanderson.org/patient-educ...

Best wishes from Louisiana

Sashay

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to Sashay2020]

Thank you so much. I have different stages of laxatives plus suppositories. I’ll follow the link. Thank you. I wasn’t sure if suppositories were advisable. Too much information - sorry🤦‍♀️ Love Angela x

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to Sashay2020]

Hi it’s me again Angela, I’ve just taken some Milk of Magnesia. I resorted to Lactose last night and that did the trick in the early hours. I just need to find a balance that will get me through the day without feeling so poorly all over. Love from Angela x

[Realistic]

Hi Angela, its good to hear from you, l take quite a lot every day but l don't take pain killers. But recently lve tried the old fashioned way about 8 prunes a day always buy pitted ones, and that actually works which amazes me. Ivehad to take so many laxatives every day like you l was so worried about going out. But when you never go without help you just have to do something .So please give them a go and take more than 8 if necessary they are very good for you. SheilaFxxx

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to Realistic]

Thank you Shelia, I’ve been having prunes for the last few days and I love them. My husband has just gone to fetch me some. The GP prescribed Tramadol for the pain I seem to be having Constantly, which as we all know causes constipation. I took Docusate, Bisacordyl, and eventually Lactulose, which did work in the middle of the night. I took 1 Tramadol and 4 Paracetamol. The pain eased for about 3 hours. It was wonderful. Back again later and this morning. I don’t know where to start!!

Love Angela x

[SUE7777]

Hi Angela, I use senna and lactulose, they have 2 different actions one a pusher and the other is a softener. If your really struggling talk to your team. I recently had a bad experience after having ascites drained, don't know why there was a connection but eventually I went and have tried to keep on top of it ever since.Totally understand what you mean about going out, I'm the same it ends up being trial and error with an ever changing situation. All the best, hope apart from this all is well with you. Sue xx

[Ruebacelle]

Well...this is a prob I don't have but pain killers do constipate. So does chemo. You can try reducing one or the other meds and massaging abdomen putting a board under your feet and stewing prunes. Not very helpful. I did have a 3 day constipation and hated how I felt so I sympathize. Good luck

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to Ruebacelle]

Thank you Rubycelle. I have started having tinned prunes for breakfast about 4 days ago now. I think increasing the Lactulose to twice a day might be the answer and as you say, reducing one of my other meds. I seem to take so many. I’m on Letrozole which also causes constipation. It’s the general all over tummy pain I want to get rid of if possible. Love Angela x

[Ruebacelle in reply to Gemimablackvelvet]

I remember that pain am so sorry. We sure do have fun with this dont we.

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to Ruebacelle]

We sure do Angela x

[Irisisme]

Hi Angela,

Senna may work for some but I’ve found it causes me more pain. I take softness every day - 2 docusate sodium morning and night plus a Laxido sachet morning and night. Then increase or decrease the Laxido as necessary.

I’ve read that you shouldn’t keep taking laxatives because the bowel then becomes ‘lazy’ but if you have to take analgesics and/or you still have cancer cells along the wall of your bowel causing problems then you just need to do it. As for prunes, it’s sometimes too much fibre for me causing more problems.

Good Luck,

Iris 🤗

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to Irisisme]

We just can’t win can we! I was told not to eat too much fibre by the CSN eg certain veg, bread and cereals but I didn’t think prunes would be a problem. Thank you

Love Angela x

[Cardiff05]

Probably giving advice your already aware of!! but can't stress enough the importance of good hydration especially when taking laxatives like Lactulose.

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to Cardiff05]

Thank you. Actually I am aware of hydration but often need to remind my self. I don’t drink enough I know. Love Angela x