Posted by Larry Hoover on February 24, 2007, at 8:23:50
In reply to Okay, let's talk constipation!, posted by cgd092 on February 23, 2007, at 11:55:05
> So now I'm taking a lot of Metamucil. What else can be done for constipation due to meds? What do you guys do, when it appears your meds are causing constipation? Do you think the amounts of meds I'm on are causing this? Does one ever consider changing meds due to constipation? Personally, even waking up at night with gut pains is preferable to depression/anxiety. Thoughts?
Sorry for the tardy reply. My brain is constipated.
My pharmacist told me that psyllium fiber supplements like Metamucil can possibly makes some people more constipated, not less so. He told me just after I corked myself right good with the stuff. Anyway, opiates are the king of constipators, and I learned a few things.
First, is prunes. They contain something that is not found in plums. Something about the drying process changes the constituents. Prune juice or whole pitted prunes have a stimulatory effect on intestinal contractions, keeping you more regular. Other fiber sources do not have that stimulatory effect. My pain doctor used to always say to me "one pill, one prune". I kept California's prune producers in Mercedes, methinks.
Next on the list are stool softeners, such as Dulcolax. They're minor irritants with lubricant properties.
There are also osmolyte laxatives such as Ex-lax or magnesium salts, but these should only be used occasionally. They draw water into the intestines, but in so doing, they play havoc with blood chemistry. Okay once in a while, but not daily.
And finally are stimulant laxatives such as the herb senna. I finally settled on an herb blend called Metab-herb, which has a few more besides the senna.
My bowel had become quite painful from the chronic constipation from my painkillers, and it was the prunes and herbs that finally set my right. My doctors believed it to be the most benign intervention.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:735380
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070224/msgs/735666.html