Cronic Consipation with Methadone

[Barbara]

I am on Methadone and as all who has been on it know it causes constipation. Well I have extremely hard stools and it is painful to go to the bathroom. Is there anything I can take that will help me to have softer stools? Any foods,stool softners, etc that would help. ha ha this is no joke. I could build houses with my stools that is how hard they are. I dread that feeling to go because I know I will be in pain trying to get it out..lol...sorry for this ****** subject but I need help!
                           Barbara

[Barbara]

Thanks. Yes I have heard of flaxseed oil and I will check it out at my local health food store. I have been using Philips liquid gel cap stool softner but you are not suppose to use them more than 2 weeks. I am going to my doctors and see if they can prescribe me something. I really would like to pass on the enema trip it just isn't my bag! hey is that a joke? well i will try the flaxseeed oil and once again thanks for the tips. Also I was wondering if any of you have noticed swelling of the hands. I haven't gained any weight but I feel like my rings are terribley tight on my hands and one I can't even get on. When I press on my hand it turns white I sign of water retention....??
                      Barbara

[Dianne]

Barbara,
I certainly know how that feels, when your constipated you feel miserably, it actually effects my whole day...I do not like to take laxitives because if gives me alot of pain in my stomach..
burning, cramps, ect..I'm very lucky because my answer to this problem is very simple for me..everyday I eat spinach, I don't exactly know why but it's the answer for me! I just take fresh spinach, saute it with garlic and olive oil, it works like a charm for me...try it, you never know, it just may work for you..
I would give it at least 3-4 days of eating it before you decide it's not working...Good Luck!

[Kimberly to Bob K]

I use FLEET everytime.  It takes about 4 hours and it really cleans you out.  I have had no cramping from using it.  Good Luck I know how miserable that is.  Kimberly

[Brian to Sick and Scared]

Constipation is a fairly common problem in those who use narcotics on a daily basis.  Often it is seen in cancer patients being treated with high dosages of narcotics.  Omega 3 is a good option which may help.  In addition, you may need to try laxatives, although these may cause bloating, gas and cramps.  You can also try what is known as a bulk cathartic, such as psyllium (Metamucil), which will increase mass but soften stools.  Stimulant cathartics (such as Senekot) will do the opposite of what the opiates do--namely promote intestinal motility.  My first choice for you would be to try the over the counter Senekot-S.  It will stimulate bowels and also soften stools.  If it doesn't work,  there are also prescription agents such as Cytotec, Cisapride and Colchicine which are effective for chronic constipation.  Finally, if you have become impacted and can not move your stool, you may need an enema.  These must be used very sparingly because they tend to flush out the normal mucus in the colon which helps the stools move freely.

[Gene to Joanne]

I had been on opiates for many years & had become extremely constipated.  I suffered for many years.  I finally got some good advice & started eating a high fiber cereal in the morning with lots of raisins mixed in.  I also ate prunes regularly.  And if all that didn't help, & it did not always, I use an herbal tea called Smooth Move.  It's available in all health food stores & many supermarkets too.  It is very effective & also very gentle.  Obviously adding more fiber to your diet can be done in different ways but however you do it, it will help!
Good luck!

[From Aunt Lindy to Mariah]

Good morning Barbara,
Have you ever tried Flaxseed Oil? It is very good for you because of the Omega 3's and other great things that it contains.  I take it for that reason and I also notice that I am doing alot better in the restroom area (haha).  You just take two tablespoons of it and then drink some Orange Juice real quick.  I take Oxycontin and I have the same problem once in a while. Take Care,
Lindy.