Codeine constipation

Strong coffee is a great laxative, it stimulates your colon.

I didn't know that Casdon.
I drink a lot of strong coffee but have to be careful because it gives me heart flutters.

Remember when colon cleansing was all the rage?I’m sure they used to pump people with coffee

You could get coffee colonics MayBee70!

I was on cocodamol long term and thankfully never had this problem but I start the day with warm water, followed by two coffees and a glass of cold water - which always makes me go!!

When my IBS was really bad, I used to have colonics - they were good!! Didn’t have the coffee ones though!!

I found that lactulose with senna tablets when I was taking codeine worked pretty well . Bran based cereal , plus a couple of large oranges a day along with loads of water and green veg .I was also told by my pharmacist that Fybogel is not advisable if taking opiates ( codeine or morphine based stuff) .

I'm on Codine based meds. I had a dear late friend who was a Hospital Dietician, who would recommend pure Bran from health food shop, cheap as chips, lasts months.
At first add a teaspoon full into something like a yoghurt or breakfast cereal slowly increase if you need to try and use every day .
I'm using Oat bran works a treat.

SusieB50

I found that lactulose with senna tablets when I was taking codeine worked pretty well . Bran based cereal , plus a couple of large oranges a day along with loads of water and green veg .I was also told by my pharmacist that Fybogel is not advisable if taking opiates ( codeine or morphine based stuff) .

Yes. It said that on the NHS website.

I can vouch for Movicol. A very moving experience!

My colon doesn't seem to realise that Codeine = Go Slow. I was on Co-Codamol 30/500 at maximum daily dose for 2 years before my hip replacement. I'm careful with my diet but managed to avoid constipation. On the day I had my surgery, the nurse who gave me my evening meds insisted I had some Lactulose (obvs on a cocktail of analgesics at that point) My brain must have been addled because I took the darned stuff. As soon as I'd had my first cup of coffee next morning I had to ring for the high speed commode, cursing under my breath
Never again!

Please don't ignore constipation .You don't want to have haemorrhoids nor anal fissures from straining at stool .

No need to feel embarrassed about talking to the Dr/pharmacist .
They are there to help you and they've heard it all before .

Unfortunately, I have to take pain killers ,which all cause chronic constipation .
So I eat fruit and fibre for breakfast plus one - three large oranges a day .
I would drink coffee which is a laxative , but can't .
You can also massage your abdomen when having a soak in the tub .
And try a gentle walk after a meal .
Take care .

How are you doing now travelsafar? Hoping for your sake it's a bit better.

Thanks for all your answers everyone. I do eat plenty of fruit and veg plus bran flakes with fruit of some kind. Unfortunately two of the meds I take both cause constipation . I resorted to using senakot tabs for a couple of days which eventually worked. Am defo going to ring gp for consultation as can't go on like this.

Travels I stopped taking codeine etc over 2 weeks ago after my operation so woukd have thought I shoukd be ok, but yesterday was a day I would hate to have to go through again, I will try to get some medical advice as well.

Sultana bran with fruit. Drink lots of water. Go easy on the eggs. Plums work wonders for me.

Many people have mentioned Fybogel (or Fy Bogel, as we call it) which can help. It bulks the stool up.

Lactulose can soften the stool.

Eating nuts also really works and seems to combine the above two attributes. Quite a few nuts, actually!

Putting prunes in a warming drawer or low oven to slightly dry them out (for several hours) results in delicious snack which tastes like black wine gums but is full of fibre.

Liquorice also works for some.

Good luck!

NB
Several of the above are quite high in carbohydrates, so check if this applies to you.

It’s really important that the OP speaks to her GP as some things could make things much worse.

I have just googled the nhs site on constipation and found it very helpful. Hadn’t realised there are different types of medication depending on the particular symptoms.

A friend recommended something she takes but it wouldn’t be right for my particular problem so it’s worth a look.

As someone who suffers from constipation somewhat, I can assure you that using colace glycerin will benefit you. Constipation has been bothering me for years, and I've tried a variety of vitamins and medications. I don't do it every day, maybe twice a week, but it works. Doctors also advised me to walk or exercise regularly. In my opinion, everyone should drink more water and eat more vegetables and fruits throughout the day. In my case, stool softeners were effective. Because they work nicely, my doctor prescribed them anytime I'm constipated.

Casdon

Strong coffee is a great laxative, it stimulates your colon.

... it does!

And if you add a couple of teaspoons of honey (that's if you can tolerate sweet coffee) it helps a lot. Honey is a mild laxative.

My gastro consultant said everyone should spend 10 minutes on the loo in the morning after a coffee - when the bowel is most active. He said just sit, read and relax... and don't strain or fret!

I am having a nightmare with this at the moment - I knew codeine could cause constipation, but not this bad!

It doesn't hurt as such when I try to go (fortunately!), but it takes AGES and the straining can't be good for my poor bottom!

I am currently on paracetamol and codeine for hip pain and my GP has put Laxido on prescription to deal with any constipation. DH also had it prescribed by the hospital when he was going through his chemotherapy. Fibogel is nicer.

I'm on 3 kiwis a day. Sometimes I eat them, today in a smoothie.

Scientifically known to be a great regulator/laxative.

tinyurl.com/kne2erk3

I will give kiwis a try.

It is a real struggle. If I'm not able to go in the morning when I need to it ruins my whole day

Start off with 4. They don't give me a tummy ache or any other side effects you might get with laxatives. Just... an ordinary poo.