codeinne tablets: hi does anyone use these for... - IBS Network

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codeinne tablets

grahamrupertrules profile image

hi

does anyone use these for ibs. my new doctor has prescribed these for use when i get acute pain.

used to have zydol but he said they were worse for ibs sufferrers

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grahamrupertrules
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29 Replies
merlin19 profile image
merlin19

Hi,

Yes, I'm currently using cocodamol (paracetamol and codeine) when the pain gets particularly bad, and it does really help to take the edge off. It also doesn't seem to upset my stomach like some other painkillers. Hope it helps you too!

I've tried codeine they did nothing for me,but constipate me.I was told cocodamol were bad for the Tum,but like you say they do take the edge off.

I've been given Oramorph to take as needed,but that does the same thing it,constipates me. But I can't see no reason why you don't give codeine a try see how it affects you it might work differently for you.

merlin19 profile image
merlin19 in reply to

I do only have them occasionally, so maybe 4-6 times a week if needed, so I don't know if they have an impact if taking regularly. I do know that they warn against taking for prolonged periods due to addiction issues, but if this is more if you're buying over the counter than on prescription I believe.

in reply to merlin19

You can't buy codeine over the counter anymore,it's only on prescription. As long as you don't take it to often,and it don't constipate you,and also helps with the pain . Don't worry.

Take care.

Katie-IBS profile image
Katie-IBS in reply to

Hi Gemini71, totally agree with you but within my opinion just be careful taking codeine as this is when I first noticed my ibs symtoms, when I was taking paracetamol and codeine (described from my last doctor) as well as ibuprofen for really bad chronic back pain etc. after waiting for about 12 months I was finally given an MRI scan, which came back that I have got a bulging disk and trapped nerve (L4,L5) if my lower back. By the time I saw a back surgeon last year, my back had improve a lot luckily as I was quite close to having an operation on my lower back.

In my opinion, I do think the tablets have played a huge part of why I have ibs and most doctors and consultants that I have mentioned it to also agree that the tablets have caused or have brought on my ibs.

in reply to Katie-IBS

Hi ,Katie, I'm sorry but I disagree with you,when you say tablets course IBS. It's called IBS because S is syndrome meaning it could be caused by a number of different reasons,in all honesty (and my GP said this) they don't really know what the problem is so they give it a name IBS.

So we can all put a name to it IBS. After 12yrs of chronic IBS and been through every system and city trying to find out what is wrong with me,they now tell me it's a dysfunctional Bowel because I've tried every thing ther is. I'm sorry if I seem a bit angry ,but when you suffer daily pain that nobody's really got an answer for its annoying.

It's also totally ruined mine and my hubby's quality of life.

So when anyone tries to tell me a reason like taking tablets causes it,I think that's utter rubbish.

What about the people who are on lots of tablets for all sorts of reasons do they all end up with IBS?

Sorry for the rant but it's one subject I know a lot about and suffer

With. ALL YOU IBS SUFERERS TAKE CARE AND DO

WHATS RIGHT FOR YOU.

jenny89119 profile image
jenny89119 in reply to

I agree with you. I have tried everything, from medications to Cognitive Therapy, Accuputure, Hyponsis. So far nothing has worked. It has ruined our life. I am at the end of my rope. I wish you all the best in your IBS struggles.

in reply to jenny89119

How right you are Jenny,I've tried all them as well. Like you I'm at my wits end with it. It's just pain daily,not like some people once a month or so. I'm at the moment under the best Proffesor of Gastrology in the country I travel about 60miles to see him,and even he's at a loss.

Take care Jenny,and if you find a cure let me know.

jenny89119 profile image
jenny89119 in reply to

I live in Las Vegas, Nevada. It's hard to find a good Gastro doctor here. I have gone too two so far.; and one in California. I will let you and everyone know if they find a cure. I recently read/heard that more of our military guys are coming back; and they have IBS. Maybe, there will be more funding going into Functional Gastro disorders. I know by next year there is going to be a blood test for it. I Think the blood test is for people who have prominently IBS/D.

Katie-IBS profile image
Katie-IBS in reply to

Hi, I understand what you are saying and I am aware that ibs stands for irritable bowel syndrome and they says it'd ibs when everything else has been ruled out etc. everyone is an individual but for me my symptoms started shortly after taking prescribed codeine, ibufron etc.

I myself feel rubbish today due to ibs and know how frustrating and annoying ibs is !.

Ibs turns people's life's up side down and affects people differently.

People who are on lots of tablets yes I'm sure they are fine and they don't get ibs, I appreciate what you are saying but again every one is an individual.

I hope you can find some relieve from your symptoms some how and I feel for anyone who have ibs.

in reply to Katie-IBS

Hi Katie,

It could be that your IBS is caused by your spinal problem. I have narrowing of the space around my spinal cord (so it's pinching) at L2-L4 and my GP thinks that, as the nerves at the 'L' level govern the organs in the pevic cavity, that it could be the root cause of my bowel probs. He's referred me to a neurosurgeon who may be able to help with this. The colorectal consultant I saw on Thursday also thinks this is possible.

I have a paper on bowel dysfunction caused by spinal trauma, produced by the University of Kansas, which states that any trauma below the T12 level is likely to cause bowel/bladder probs.

If you Google 'neurogenic bowel' you'll get quite a lot of hits.

Rosie

Katie-IBS profile image
Katie-IBS in reply to

Hi Rosie , thank you for the information, sounds interesting. Pain is horribly and hard to manage sometimes but as time have gone on I have just tried to get on with it.

I have already seen an neurosurgeon and when I asked him about my symptoms , ibs etc he said that tablets haven't helped. I have mentioned it also to several professionals including my gp, and they all mention as well that I may have damaged the lining of my stomach . I'm currently waiting on several lots of blood tests and also waiting to have an ultrasound scan.

Katie

in reply to Katie-IBS

It's a shame all these medics have such varying opinions! I guess it's a case of being lucky enough to hit on the doctor whose opinion works for you.

The orthopaedics surgeon who unsuccessfully operated on my spine 18 months ago, said that although codeine caused some people to become constipated, it did no lasting damage. The colorectal consultant also thought the same.

Whatever the case, I wish you well and hope you find a solution.

Rosie

Katie-IBS profile image
Katie-IBS in reply to

Hi roise, i agree, again though different professions will say different things. Sorry to hear that the opertion you had on your spine was unsuccessful, must be so frustrating for you.

I do hope I can find some answers but I'm not to sure I will , I think they will just put it down to ibs again, we will see.

Thank you and I hope you can also get sorted out with your spine and bowel problems.

Katie

shirlygirly profile image
shirlygirly

I had them didnt really help I just have paracetamel now ! and a hot water bottle.

in reply to shirlygirly

Hi Shirlygirly, That's my method as well.

Instead of trying to cover up pain do try to find out the cause via FODMAPS . Taking constant painkillers affect your whole body. Codeine are addictive(same drug as heroin). Paracetamol affects your liver and aspirin and ibuprofen affect your stomach and can cause ulcers. A pain killers are only for occasional short term use and although any doctor will prescribe them you ought to be aware of the affect it can have on your body.

hi

yes. tried fodmaps.no improvment. i still follow most exclusions.

Thanks

Graham

merlin19 profile image
merlin19

Yes, I agree that unfortunately for some of us the fodmaps and other none medicine treatment options just don't work, or don't work enough. I really try to have painkillers as little as possible but sometimes I just have to, so I can get to sleep or get through the day at work! I'm hoping it's not a long term solution, but I think in some cases where every other option has been tried it does come down to just managing the pain, and then finding which drugs work for you. I feel for you Graham, and hope you find something that suits you very soon! Best of luck.

grahamrupertrules profile image
grahamrupertrules in reply to merlin19

Thanks "merlin"

Im the same as you, Tablet s only to sleep or get to work although difficult if having to drive. Now avoiding any skin of fruit veg, onions, garlic,mushrooms,prawns,gluten and tea/coffee, gassy drinks.taking culturelle probtcs which may be helping as well as top up vit D and C.

Take normacol to avoid constipation, lots of water. NOW THINKing of nil wheat bread as i eat alot and dont on holiday. on holiday i am so much better.

hope you find a way ahead

gra

jenny89119 profile image
jenny89119 in reply to merlin19

I am with you; I have tried many differant medications, Hyponsis, Accuputure, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Fod-maps, etc., nothing has really worked. I even had one GI doctor tell me I might as well eat whatever I want, that'll it will all bother. Sorry for going on and on. I wish the best for. all of you.

Margaretbow profile image
Margaretbow

Hi, I find any painkiller that has codeine in it, causes constipation, I try not to use anything with codeine in. Hope you'll find an answer.

DTH123 profile image
DTH123

The problem with codeine is that it is an opiate, like morphine, and one of its most common side effects is constipation because the drug slows down intestinal transit time. Definitely not something to take if you suffer from IBS(C). It can also become addictive if taken for prolonged periods.

grahamrupertrules profile image
grahamrupertrules in reply to DTH123

Thanks . i plan to take as last resort to get to sleep. Not a C more a D. Normacol Is my fibre substitute.

regards

Gra

Just a short reply to all of you,As for finding the cause sometimes the cause cannot be found,like in my case,it's now been called a dysfunctional bowel,so put what you will to that. I agree any tablets are bad for you but if needs must. If you can cope with pain so be it ,but if the pain is to bad to handle then there's no alternative.

Oh and Normacol for D is brilliant because it's natural fibre. ( plus it's my name without the col lol). So my oppinion is not a Dr choice but yours it's your health your body. I've had to many Dr make to many mistakes with me that can't be reversed,now I make my own decisions

duke2011 profile image
duke2011

hi there I have been on them for years along with loperimide for my ibs I find thay help me a lot hope u find thay help you too

robrascal profile image
robrascal

Yes I take codeine phosphate for IBS it doesn't cure it ,but it does slow the gut down and in my case enables me to go out.For me it has been the only thing that I can take without it sending me the other way,which also isn't helpful. I would encourage you to persevere with codeine

in reply to robrascal

Hi robrascal,I agree with you because I'm IBS in between not D And not c but I can go to the loo 3-4times a day,so something that slows it down now and again so I can go out with confidence,suits me just fine.

As I say do what works for you.

Hi graham.i had codeine for the stomach pain but they make you quite constipated.i had to stop taking them because of that.ive been told ive ibs c.so codeine made it worse.i take colpermim and tramadol only i take tramadol sparingly cos its a nasty tablet to come off.i hope you find something that helps.best wishes

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