Constipation

[maggiebee]

Not the nicest of subjects, but since starting on quite a high dosage of Co-dydramol (30/500 mg) I have become increasingly constipated which is most uncomfortable. Is there anything I could take to remedy this without resorting to more medication. I do like rhubarb and prunes which I believe might help - any other suggestions?

[bednobs]

drink more water. Go to your tap now and drink a pint. then another one later

[Mamyalynne]

When I'm on those I already feel rubbish anyway so I do resort to Senna.

Bednobs is right thought, increase water and stick with your prunes etc maybe on porridge?

[cashier]

Lactulose and dulcolax, if natural remedies don't help.

[Sqad]

Eat plenty of oranges.....satsumas are now readily available and cheap and eat about half a dozen a day.
Water....well...yes.....give it a go.

[jennyjoan]

water wouldn't move me ever - it would take the prunes, rhubarb as Sqad says fruit

[RAINYDAYS]

I am having same problem.was told by dietician to eat ground linseeds.2 tablespoons a day & drink plenty of water.l already eat healthy & weigh OK. This is a problem that started as l got older.been taking them for the last 2 weeks have helped a lot.

[woofgang]

I have a bit of experience of this due to giving post op rehab to people who have had joint replacements and used painkillers post op. The prescribers never seemed to mention managing the constipation which is a known side effect. Once you are actually constipated, its unlikely that increasing fibre and water intake alone will unbung you and its possible that it will only make things worse. Its most likely that you will need the aperient of your choice to remove the existing blockage and it may not be comfortable. Once you are unbunged , then increase your fibre intake. Best way is fruit and veg but if you prefer a dry form of fibre like bran or seeds then take plenty of liquid with it. People who eat bran cereals tend to like them still crispy with minimal milk....if you have ever left the remains in the bowl, you will see that its sets like cement. Sqad's suggestion of any kind of citrus fruit is a good one as, as well as plenty of fibre and juice, they are a good source of vitamin c which, itself, encourages the bowel to function.

[woofgang]

The issue with the water thing is that the final part of the bowel, where the constipation is, is where the bowel absorbs water from the faecal matter and not where it gets added. Once the blockage is there and dry, all the water in the world won't rewet it. Yes fibre and water added further up the process will keep the bowel moving and prevent or minimise constipation but it won't affect what is already in the last part of the bowel, dry and hard.....are we all enjoying our afternoon tea?

[Sqad]

Good reply by woofgang.....;-)

[tiggerblue10]

You can get suppositories over the counter to help with what Woofgang has mentioned, whilst taking some constipation remedy to help move it along....

[Prudie]

it's probably revolting but my mum used to suffer and swore by drinking liquid parrafin. That's natural isn't it?

[woofgang]

sqad, I can just about do the "dealing with constipation and preventing its return" chat in my sleep :)

[NoMercy]

Strong fresh coffee and cigarettes are known to make you RUN to the bathroom.

Nettle tea can help.

Hot water and lemon first thing in the morning, before eating.

I wouldn't even bother with lactulose!

[marval]

I used to be given liquid Parrafin to drink.

[Patsy33]

My sister swears by pysillium. Its the only thing that helps her. Give it a try.

[Postdog]

Lactose or similar should have been prescribed as with me when I was on a course of pain killers.

May I make a suggestion, gross though it is.

It turns out I have cancer of the oeseophagus. I haven't eaten anything solid for months, so nothing in, nothing out. I still feel the need to go though, and it has been annoying and painful to say the least.

I solved things by getting an enema bulb from Amazon for about ten quid. Best used when having a bath, suck water into the bulb, squirt water in anus, and then force back out as you would a normal motion. The water adds lubrication and pressure to eject what is in there.

Like I said, gross, but the relief I got was amazing.

[Postdog]

Lactulose I meant.

[Prudie]

Not me Jordy but you have reminded me that once as a child I was given syrup of figs for constipation. It is truly the most revolting thing I've ever tasted in my life.