Advice wanted please

[islasmum]

Rather embarrassing problem - my OH did his back in 10 days ago, the doctor said that it was muscular, and put him on co-codamol - so he's been taking 4 - 8 a day. He also gave up his one beer a night whilst he's been on the pills, and he has been getting more and more constipated and uncomfortable for the last 5 days or so - he's very loathe to take anything to help him go, but he's taken 2 doses of lactulose, and 2 Senakot pills earlier today, and has administered a mini enema earlier this evening, but still cannot go and is obviously in major discomfort. I'm now starting to worry that he has a major blockage - I wanted to ring the doctor, but OH says to leave it till tomorrow. I'm worried - does anyone think I need to seek medical attention for him?

[Answerprancer]

Has he tried some of the 'traditional' cures (eg. prunes, figs etc) ? I know painkillers can sometimes have this effect. I'm sure it will all balance out.

[Ann]

Its definitely the co-codamol , it does have that effect. Tell him to try rubbing his tummy hard in a clockwise direction for 10-15 mins, it usually does the trick - or eat some dried (ready to eat) apricots.

[nungate]

Call NHS direct even if it is just to put your mind at rest. So much co-codamol can have the effect of making it difficult to go, get him to drink lots of water (nature's finest laxative)

[Halifaxmum]

I'm not a medical person, but when Halifaxson had this, I told him to sup as much lactulose as he could bear! It's only sugar water and does work...hth x

[boxtops]

I suspect it's the cocodamol, I take it and never have any problem, but a friend of mine finds that any time he takes any codeine preparation, he gets very constipated - and your OH is taking the maximum daily dose.

Rather than taking laxatives, can he try another painkiller (Neurofen or similar)? You can buy cocodamol over the counter so it's not a prescription medicine. Taking laxatives in volume might have too much of the desired effect!

Is he eating lots of fruit and leafy veg? Might be worth giving that a go, if he want to stay on the cocodamol, to counteract its slowing-up effects.

[daisya]

He needs to keep taking the lactulose, it doesn't work straight away and you can get senna liquid which is better IMO to take as well. Prune juice as well to drink and keep it up for a few days IF you're sure there is no blockage. Most painkillers cause constipation unfortunately, guess there's a fine balance of taking them and having to deal with rotten constipation. Hope he feels better soon.

[islasmum]

Oh thank you all very much for your helpful suggestions, you've all put my mind at rest - I'll get him some prunes tomorrow - I'm hoping that he might be asleep now _ I hear snoring in the background - although that could be one of the dogs! Thanks very much again.

[welshlibranr]

I would encourage him to drink orange juice and eat fruit and vegetables for a day or two, then he'll be fine!........it's the co codamol!.............

[starone]

That's a lot of co-codamol to be taking. I take them for osteo-arthritis but try to limit it to one in the morning and one at night. I eat lots of fruit and vegetables and also all-bran or something similar for breakfast or I would be in the same situation. Better to try and cure the constipation with the food you eat rather than take more medication. Also Ann's suggestion is good - the massaging does help.

[islasmum]

He was taking paracetamol when he went to see the doctor, who put him on co-codamol as he's asthmatic, so does not take ibuprufen. I think that his back is getting better, but it's not comfortable having to hobble to the loo about 15+ times today. Thank you all for your help - I'll keep all your suggestions in mind.

[Mamyalynne]

All of the above advice is spot on, plus a warm bath whilst doing the tummy massage. I never take co-cods without including a daily senna, if you let it get bad then takes a while to resolve. Wish him luck and sweet relief.

[islasmum]

We try to eat fruit and veg in our daily diets - I may have been misleading about the amount of co-codamol he's taking - I know that he was told he could take between 4 and 8, but I've just been told that he's cut down on them to 4 a day for the last couple of days. He's also meant to be having an operation on his hand under a general anaesthetic on Thursday - so long as he's sorted himself out in the next 1 - 2 days, this shouldn't affect him having a general anaesthetic should it?

[237SJ]

From what I know the co-codamol can cause constipation and if you are sure it is that I would tell him to drink plenty of water, get plenty of fibre in his diet and when I had constipation after an operation I took Califig. It`s a combination of syrup of figs and senna which is quite natural and it worked for me.

[daisya]

SJ...unfortunately because of EEC ruling Califig spec has changed and it doesn't work for some like it used to, was even told that in the shop where I used to purchase it and how others had complained too. Sad really as it was a very good product.

[Ann]

Here you are Islasmum - play this to him ...........LOL ;-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcqHr8gpba0

[237SJ]

What has changed then? It`s only California figs and senna. How weird.

[islasmum]

Thanks ann86 - I'm sure that he will enjoy that - later!

[nannybooby]

Its the co codomol for sure. Poor old chap hope he gets releif soon. My oh used to get v constipated so all the advice about diet is good but I swear by a hot cup of tea or coffee !st thing BEFORE he gets out of bed , dont know how or why but the hot cuppa on an empty stomach seems to work a treat.

[Sqad]

If he is still passing wind, then there is no problem and any of the laxative advice is good advice.

However if he is not passing wind and getting attacks of abdominal pain, then we are in a "different ball game."

[Ann]

Islasmum - the million pound question we all want to know - DID HE GO?