I am on 40 mg or prednisone for CGA, tapering down to 35 in 2 days for 2 weeks.
I am suffering from constipation. Is it due to the prednisone or the Calcium supplements (600 mg x 2 per day)? I take Miralax (Restorolax) every couple of days. then I take mineral oil for couple of days, then Sennekot with Senna once per week to clear things out. Is there any advice you can share.
I eat plenty of fibre which comes from fruit. I don't take psyllium as it is to prevent constipation, not clear it up.
thank you,
Groda.
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Groda
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It started as soon as I began taking calcium supplements, which was at the same time as I was put on prednisone. I read that calcium supplements can cause this constipation. The stool is soft.
Have you tried stopping or reducing the calcium dose getting your calcium from diet, which is quite easy. However, you do need to have a good vitmain D intake as well. I had to stop calcium supulements in the doses prescribed because they gave me cystitis and upset gut.
It might be that the stool is a bit too soft to ‘get a grip’ of, over use of softeners can do this. If your bowel activity has become sluggish, soft stool can just hang about. Might be worth considering a bulking agent from the GP or toning down the osmotic laxative. Over doing stimulants too can make things a bit slow because the bowel can stop responding normally. It can be a bit of a detective’s job and sometimes less is more.
Dear Groda, I have to agree with SnazzyD. I had GCA also and my gastroenterologist insisted I had to take a coating medication for the lining of the stomach (I take Famotidine because it does not harm the kidneys). Her reason was that prednisone thins our skin and possibly also the lining of our stomach. She mentioned that prednisone has caused a hole in the stomach if not protected especially as in your case of taking 40 mg which is quite a high amount.
For the constipation issue I take 400mg of magnesium ( I open the capsule) and some prunes with breakfast--- that seems to help quite a bit-- but I also have had to reduce the calcium because it causes me significant constipation.
Hang in there--- it will all get better a day at a time.
Try halving your calcium tab, and making up the rest of your calcium intake from diet. I am about to try this because I find it difficult to tolerate calcium for the same reason and don't want to increase my dairy to get 1200mgs calcium per day due to cholesterol!
My diet is pretty good too but Dr prescribed a ‘softener powder’ you take it in water, it does the job.
I am very wary now of becoming constipated after a day in A&E with food poisoning, my reaction was violent and caused bleeding due to thinning tissue because of steroid. Lesson….do NOT get constipated.
Inulin!!!!! Taken every day completely keeps the problem under control. I have put so many friends on to this with huge success. One lives on Co-codamol all the time. She takes inulin three times a day and life is back to normal. I don’t need it anymore except just recently after having to take Co-codamol for a back injury. I just needed to have a dose in the morning. You should be able to get it on line or any health food shop. Above all it is a natural fibre. You can then sort out what perhaps is causing your constipation at leisure!
I have looked up psyllium and it would seem to be the same idea as inulin - a natural fibre. However inulin is quite sweet and I put a dessert spoon in coconut water. It is very pleasant. I have tried other such things in the past none of which were as effective as inulin. I am at that age when many friends are getting replacement parts or having parts removed! I always take a tub of inulin in stead of chocolates. They are so grateful and take one too when visiting others just back from hospital!!! It has become quite a joke!
inulin is a problem for people with IBS. It causes extreme gas. It’s also added to a lot of foods. One must look if they have IBS. The other name for inulin is chicory.
Hello, I recommend Linwoods, Flaxseed, Sunflower, Pumpkin & Chia Seeds & Goji Berries (its in the purple packet) 2 tablespoons every day on cereal, porridge or even in soup. Delicious and does help with avoiding getting constipated and will definitely keep you on a regular road if you know what I mean.
I developed very resistant constipation shortly after starting on 15mg prednisolone, and before any other additional drugs or supplements . I certainly believe it is the Pred, and I took Senna, starting with 2 tabs per night. I was gradually able to taper down on the senna, but still keep it in reserve. Good luck. It can be managed.
I also have constipation but that’s to do with diverticulitis, however I did notice a couple of years ago before diverticulitis whenever I took calcium I became constipated, the pred was fine, if I was you I’d be cautious taking calcium, maybe ask your doc for an alternative
I take calcium citrate, not carbonate, which did make me constipated. The citrate doesn’t, but it give less calcium so need to take more or supplement in other ways. Might be worth a try
I was constipated at some point but still have a good diet. My GP prescribed Costa - Col I think it was called. It worked a charm. He was very thorough in his questioning about the subject! Hope you find a solution very soon. It’s horrid for you. 🙁 🌺
can I just say, I’m so glad that these issues are brought out in this group, things a lot of us struggle with but often difficult to solve. Thankyou everyone
It would appear that Calcium is the culprit too; try Magnesium Citrate which works not only for constipation but also BONE strength. (Pred is the culprit for sure) An internist once told me that 2000mg Vit D and Magnesium Citrate produces results.
For me either stewed prunes or golden kiwi (New Zealand) right before bed guarantees success the next morning. At some point I also modestly increased my vitamin D intake (from 400 IU to 800) and that seemed to make a huge difference. Good luck to you. Constipation can make you feel miserable.
Are you taking enough fluids on board? A lot of people increase their fibre intake, believing that it is good for them, but they do not increase the amount of water they drink at the same time. More fibre means more water is needed. It could be that simple.
I have a large spoonful of milled linseed on my cereal every morning. It doesn't taste very nice but it helps to keep things moving. Also it's anti inflammatory .
I have had constipatio problems before I started on prednisone but my daughter who is an Ayurveda Practioner, put me on Triphala tablets to heal and regulate my bowels. I started with 12 tablets morning and night and now I'm down to 3 tablets morning and night. I poop regularly now and the prednisone hasn't cause me problems. I use Banyan Botanicals brand and get it on Amazon. amazon.com/Banyan-Botanical...
I worry about supplements; Consumer Lab, a well respected organization, tests many items. They found heavy metals and other contaminants. I stay with bona fide manufacturers which are government regulated, or foods.
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