Need Advice re: Constipation Relief

[cba51]

Have struggled throughout tx with borderline constipation. Prune juice has managed to keep me "going" up until recently when it became necessary to take codeine to suppress violent & prolonged daily coughing attacks which would leave me exhausted and in pain from the convulsing.

Since starting the codeine I am geting enough relief from the cough to make it through the remainder of tx,  however constipation has become a real problem.

Prune juice no longer does the trick and if it were not for the fleet enemas administered every other day I don't think I would ever have a BM

Can anyone recommend  a solution in the way of a safe and effective laxative?

Thanks

Big Al

[sunshine2006]

I have the same problem. I'll tell you what works for me, flax seed oil and calcium magnesium. You can take the oil straight or in gel capsules. I think Barleans Flax Oil is the best brand in both the oil and the gel capsules. The best calcium magnesium brand I found to work the best is Bluebonnet. My problem is peristalsis. Probiotics are very important as well, psyllium husks make me cramp and taking straight fiber constipates me. Those are the only 2 things I have found to be effective.

[Forseegood]

   1. Psyllium. This dried seed husk derived from the plantain does double duty: it can be used as a laxative when you experience constipation, but may also prevent diarrhea by adding bulk to your stool. It is helpful for those with IBS, and is good for general bowel maintenance. Always take psyllium with water.
   2. Probiotics. If you plan on traveling, are taking antibiotics, have slow digestion or experience excessive gas, probiotic supplements may help by promoting healthy levels of friendly bacteria. Choose a probiotic supplement containing one billion bacteria or more per standard dose, and always take them with food.
   3. Triphala. This ayurvedic herbal mixture is designed for ongoing use. Triphala promotes regular bowel function through its mild laxative properties. Consider using triphala (capsules only) for 10 weeks, then taking a two-week break.

[scratchinghead]

Try a swig of olive oil with every meal. I noticed a difference when I added this routine to my diet for other reasons. Make sure it doesn't conflict with your med/treatment program.

I guess the word that best describes the effect is "silky cable" as in "lay some cable".

seriously

[susan400]

I never saw where he replied to me.  That's good info to know though, for future reference.  I'm not treating again any time soon.  The next time any future treatments will even be discussed, won't be until sometime next spring.  Thanks for letting me know what he said....

Susan     :)

[Forseegood]

remember asking HR this question...he said it would not bind you up....for the life of me I can't remember why though, though he did tell me....hoping you have a smile on your face...

[sunspot]

IIRC, Alinia was used to treat an intestinal parasite that caused diarrhea. It was not used as a bowel binder. So in my mind it would not cause constipation.
That’s not to say it won’t, you’ll need to read the package insert.

4cgood, we need to send you to a good ENT for a check up.  ;>)

[susan400]

Just a point to make....I posted a while back, about Alinia and the constipation issue.  I will ask this question once again and maybe someone will answer it for me.  If Alinia was originally used to treat diarrhea...., would it not be logical to think that constipation would be a side effect of Alinia???    Does anybody know?

Susan

[JodyLynn]

Lmaoooooooooooooooooo as i've said before yall are just too funny .......thanks having bad day needed the laugh.

[loosenup]

Loved the goat.  Here's another that I couldn't stop laughing over. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-OIgXyvzUU

[merryBe]

one more for the not faint of heart:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXSCCiCrvKM&feature=related

[geterdone]

HA! rotflmao

jasper

[merryBe]

in honor of all the wonderful memories of this thread....watch it through.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6T3XrnYtFk

[scratchinghead]

Don't know what to say. Now everytime a woman walks by me on the street I'll wonder if she letting out liitle puffs of innocuous air.

It's not the vision I had.

[Forseegood]

huh? this is nothing...omg...you shoulda been here a year ago with these kind of theads...or maybe not:)

[scratchinghead]

TMI

[Forseegood]

Sunspot, daaaahling...you just misheard what your wife said....we do indulge in the occasional flatulation.....we are human after all..... it's just that when we do it (women that is) it doesn't smell.....just little puffs of innocuous air...

[scratchinghead]

hahahaha

[sunspot]

Women don't fart untill they get married. That's when they get an assh@le. At least that's what my wife told me.

[jmjm530]

Supplemental fiber and antacids, esp ones containing magnesium and alumnium can interfere with ribavirin absorption so best not take them within 2-3 hours of the ribavirin.

[scratchinghead]

hmmm.
I'm learning so much about other human beings from this forum. Up until a month ago, I thought women never farted.

[Forseegood]

that poopreport site was twisted...in more then one way. you sooo crazy!

[GoofyDad]

You're funny, Scratch-head!!!

http://www.poopreport.com/Ask/Content/spring.html

[scratchinghead]

You're welcome! After all, we are all just floaters in the toilet bowl of life, looking for friends to rafter with. . . .

[cba51]

Thank you for all the great advice!
I am looking forward to a nice soft log smiling back at me in the toilet bowl.