Methadone and Gastrointestinal issues

I know this is a gross subject but I want to see if other methadone users suffer the same ailments as myself? As methadone users I know we all experience the dreaded constipation but I have been dealing with other issues that I am not sure that others deal with. I will go from severe constipation that lasts for weeks to the exact opposite. When I am in opposite mode the stool color will be quite pale. Sorry. I also have at times an almost stalled digestive system. I can eat a muffin and it will take like ten hours to digest leading to stomach bloating which is really uncomfortable. Also, I get a pain in my lower right abdomen (near my navel) that radiates into under my right ribcage. I have had CT, colonoscopy, upper endescopy and upper GI series and everything always comes back normal. The only thing they did find was a stone in my appendix which is benign for now. My GI Dr. swears it must be the methadone although he wants to take a wait and see approach as to wether or not these symptoms disappear with the lowering of my dose. If not he thinks it could be my gall bladder which makes me nervous. The last time I had surgery it caused me to start methadone. As a side note. I have suffered from GERD before I was on any narcotic.

[Decisions]

It does sound like your gall bladder.  I am not a doctor, but a pale or yellow stool is usually gall bladder related, either too much bile being pushed into the GI tract or intermittent, etc..

There is  a syndrome called Habba Syndrome, or Habbas Syndrome, where some people experience the runs, and  yellow stools after eating etc..  This does not sound like you, but you are on a pain killer, and it could be effecting your GI motility and maybe, bile production excretion..  I don't know..

I know taking opiates helped me tremenduously while on them, but I have made an effort to quit once again, hoping I can get control some other way, so I Feel for you, since I my main complaint is IBS, and that may also be something to consider.

Good luck...

[Decisions]

Eventually you may have to consider your gall bladder. I think they call it a HIDA scan that does a detailed "look" at gall bladder function.  

[spackle]

The HIDA scan is exactly what my doc wants to do.

[jeanbeanie]

I have major pains all over my right side as well!!!! Come to find out, I have IBS!!! Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Not sure if the Methadoen is what caused it cuz Ive had "those" kinds of problems all my life. When I had my CT done, they did find a bunck of bis cysts on my kidney, they said those shouldnt hurt, BUT THEY DO!!!!

Anyhow, hope Ive helped. I have had ALOT of heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux since I have gone on MMT. the Dr gives me prescriptions for the acid reflux. As far as the pains, maybe you should be checked for either IBS or Crohns. To go from one extreme to the other with no changes in diet or anything, Id go that route.

have a good day hon!!
Jeanne

[justlikeyou]

ive been clean over a year and i still dont poop right :(

i need to start eating better.