constipation rememdies

[kelan108]

I am experiencing pretty bad constipation caused by prescriptions opioids I have to take for pain. Is it all right to take FiberCon and Colace (stool softener version only) at the same time, or will their modes of functioning cancel each other out?  I take two tabs of Fibercon three times a day (each one contains 625 mg of calcium polycarbophil equivalent to 500 mg polycarbophil (bulk-forming laxative), and have had to add 300 mg a night of Colace. It had worked well, but now it takes several days to work and the first day the stools are hard and passing causes discomfort; normal stools don't appear until the 2nd and 3rd days and then the whole cycle begins again. What else can I take that will improve this situation? Thanks.

[twopack]

Try adding something like Miralax to your softener.  Look for a generic with the ingredient polyethylene glycol 3350.  It's MUCH more affordable.  You can mix it in any liquid - it has NO taste (honest).  It takes several days to work so don't wait until you are really needy before taking it.  You may need to use this daily while you're taking the narcotic.  Hopefully you'll be done with them soon.  

Sometimes your body will adjust to side effects after you take a medicine for a while.  If this is long-term therapy for you make sure you drink lots of water.  It will help everything work better.

I have also found that taking ground flax seed daily helps constipation (I mix it into yogurt).  It can initially can cause increased gas.  I'm not sure it's the cure for you unless this becomes a chronic condition.
  
Keep in mind that additional fiber just adds to the bulk in your gut if you don't drink enough water or do something to get 'stuff' moving through.  In  my own experience fiber alone almost never helps constipation.

[Jenny421]

If you can stand to take coconut oil it helps quite well.  I melt about 1/4 cup in the microwave & drink, but that may make your stomache feel queasy, a lesser amount should also work well.  I also take Turkey Rhubarb (Swanson brand)--6-7 capsules at a time & found it helpful, & Align probiotic--the 3 things combined should makes some difference.  I always also use milk of magnesia as needed about once a week & ducolax suppositories really help when you know you are ready to go but can't get it started--the ducolax suppossitories are great for that & much better than taking ducolax pills in my opinion which create cramping & ill feelings