Painkillers & Constipation

Very constipated after my first chemo cycle...caused by the anti sick meds.
So bad I rang 111 and spoke to a very sympathetic doc who prescribed Lactulose and sent the prescription to the pharmacy.
But to get things moving I used Boots glycerine suppositories which soften it all and enabled me to go. Thank God.
Then I followed all the usual advice of plenty of fruit such as pears and stewed apples..not bananas...tinned prunes loads and loads of warm water and the Lactulose. Sending you much sympathy. It is really horrid and made me cry.

Thank you everyone

I still can't go unfortunately - it hurts my bottom so much to try to (it is so sore!) and it is stopping me from being able to push properly

Lactulose always works for me. You might just not be taking enough of it to clear a complete blockage. Try a full one of those little plastic cups at least. And then don’t stray too far from the loo for a few hours.

I was told Lactulose softens and Senna pushes through, so I take both when in need. Another suggestion is Milk of Magnesia, it was unavailable for a long time but now back on the market. I buy it in Boots. Good luck!

Laxido - from pharmacy - worked really well for a relative of mine recently.

The suppositories from a pharmacy will sort out your current problem, then you can work on diet, fluids, fruit etc.
I find fried onions, particularly in curries are helpful!

Yes cocodamol does that to you - codeine is the culprit. However, try drinking warm water, prune juice OR take senna tablets . Good luck!

I was prescribed co codamol post hip replacement and stopped after a few days because of severe constipation. A friend ended up in hospital for a week after taking them for just a few days. Can you just cut back on them.
Or try some suggestions on here. Good luck. 🤞

Prune juice helps me.

I’m on Pregabalin which causes constipation and sometimes cocodamol and maximum dose paracetamol. I also take a Dosulepin every day. The medication makes me constipated and my doctor recommended Senna which really is the only thing that helps. She said she had patients who had to take seven to get things moving, but I take two or three and it works for me. Until I can get off the painkillers I will need to take them. Nothing else works. Fruit, juice, vegetables, nothing, it has to be Senna.

I have one word for you Movicol. Prescribed by DHs gastroenterologist but available to buy OTC. Not violent action but softens and is great. It will work. Good luck

Passion fruit works well for me. Always take one with me if we’re going away somewhere that involves a long car journey.

You have my sympathy. Only thing that worked for me was sugar free sweets, I took them before bed and had to go in the early hours of the morning.

It’s awful isn’t it, when you can’t go? Lactulose can help. However, drinking lots of fluid, eating fruit, veg, porridge oats and plenty of walking should also help.
Have you tried massaging your tummy a bit, as this can sometimes help, and perhaps a hot water bottle - both of these might help relax the bowel.
I do hope you get relief soon.

A high fibre cereal can help, I like grape nuts. I also got some stuff called smecta from amazon it’s a powder you mix in water. That can be helpful. I think it is not good to strain; I ended up with skin damage that way! (She said sensitively)

2 or 3 soft prunes / a few soft dried apricots / 2 kiwi fruits / a large pear, or pear juice / Wholemeal bread with banana / chia seeds - these all work for me (not all together!) Also, going for a walk (maybe not possible with a knee injury), and drinking lots and lots of water. Fybogel usually works to. I fully sympathise as I have this problems due to my meds. I’m vegetarian and eat a lot of fruit and veg, but even so…..
Good luck!

Walk as much as you can, drink lots, orange juice & prunes are great, get in touch with your GP as you may need something more than stool softeners, or a higher dose.Don't sit on the loo for 45 mins, that's wishful thinking, if you can't go after 5, get up & walk about for the next 25 minutes would be more helpful.

Lactulose made me really poorly, Laxido sachets work better for me.

If you are still struggling tomorrow, do you have a local dispensing chemist that is open on a Sunday? If so have a chat with the pharmacist. When I was in hospital I had to have a suppository and it worked very well, no tummy pain and a good result. You may need that extra help initially.

Chemist told me to soak some prunes in boiling water, drink the water and then eat the prunes

I have to take painkillers too and I really sympathise with you in this state. As MissAdventure says- best to keep on top of the problem early with stool softners. I use Movicol/Laxido every day -you will find out how much you need with time , but don't be afraid of them -Ive found them gentle enough. Much better than finding yourself where you are now.
Keep up with plenty of fibre in your diet and water is a must.
Last resort -glycerine suppository can set things going. Use as instructions on box.
Really sorry for your pain-it can be agony- and hope you get some relief soon. Warm water and drinks will help. ( Noticed you were on loo for 45 mins- be careful not to strain if you're not getting results)
Obviously if you feel concerned or worried something serious , I'd see GP or nurse.

When I was on co-codamol and other painkillers I became very bunged up and lactulose didn't help.
I used glycerin suppositories to loosen things up at the exit point. It can be very painful and cause bleeding if you struggle to pass a hard stool. It's important to resist the urge to go to the loo before the recommended waiting time. You may have to try a couple of times to get a result.
Once things got moving I used Sennokot at bedtime plus drinking lots of water and eating sensibly.
Good luck. Constipation is a horrible thing when you're feeling rough anyway.

Oops.
Just seen that violetsky already suggested to squatty potty thing.

You could go for a walk, if you can.
That may help.

Try not to get stressed, and do a few of the things mentioned.
You may sleep well, relax, and find that things happen tomorrow when you get up.

The position you take when trying to empty your bowels makes a big difference too.

You need your feet up high enough that you are squatting, in effect, to help you do what needs to be done.

I'm just worried that it's now 5pm and the problem of not being able to move my bowels could go on all night and stop me from being able to sleep properly!

I'm so uncomfortable - the more stressed I get about it the less I am able to go! I've been straining without success.

Really appreciate all of your advice.