A short time ago I posted a question about solutions to constipation due to opioids. I am on oxycontin 20 mg timed release.
I thank you for all your suggestions. After trying many things, I found that taking a tablespoon of Metamucil (coarse) in 8 oz. of water every evening kept me very regular. BMs appear quite normal, although orange colored from the drink. I have no discomfort or sudden need to rush to the bathroom. A satisfying solution.
For the treatment of OIC, doctors may prescribe:
Osmotic laxatives - increase the amount of water in the gut, increasing bulk and softening stools.
Emollient or lubricant cathartics - soften and lubricate stools.
Bulk cathartics - increase bulk and soften stools.
Stimulant cathartics - directly counteract the effect of the opioid medications by increasing intestinal motility, helping the gut to push the stools along.
Prostaglandins or prokinetic drugs - change the way the intestines absorb water and electrolytes, and they increase the weight and frequency of stools while reducing transit time.
Other medicines block the effects of opioids on the bowel to reverse opioid-induced constipation.
Other things are to increase fluid intake as well as fiber. Also there are two FDA drugs on the market for such discomfort suffering a lot ask your doctor about it
It's good to hear that you found something that works well for you! I'm not on pain meds (except for Celebrex for the arthritis I had before cancer) and eating two to four prunes a day in my morning cereal has worked well for me, but it makes me feel as though I am turning into my grandparents! lol
Love, Pam
Glad you are doing well in that department. We have enough other issues to deal with!!!!
Yessssssss prunes worked for me 10 years ago. I prefer to stay as natural as possible eating from God's green earth.Amen!!
I agree with the natural but opioids change the normal or natural situation.
How many prunes a day do you eat???
When I was taking chemo almost 10 years ago, I would eat 2-4 a day until the constipation was addressed .I liked the taste of prunes ,but I really disliked the taste of prune juice, unless I mixed it with another juice.I also know people who got relief from Senokot, which is a natural laxative/detox cleanser, used by a lot of my Caribbean friends.
So glad that you found something that works for you. Especially since it is non-invasive. That rest of the information is for those who might need to explore ways to treat this serious side effect
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