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

[stevenNYer]

While probably not as severe as your case, in the past I've used Metamucil (laxative and fiber supplement).  They have it powder form with fruit flavors.  The orange flavor actually taste good.  I would mix 1 teaspoon in a warm cup of water right before every meal.  It worked really well and not very expensive.

The Mtamucil label also recommend taking at least 2 hours before you take your meds, as that could affect the efficacy of the meds.  I think that's true of most laxative.

[Myown]

I up the liquid cal/magnesium that helps and my hep doc did say magnesium also.
Also instead of drinking your water cold, drink it warm , but WITH LEMON squeezed into it. Most of you mom's probably remember that your doctors would reccommend doing this for relief. Don't eat any chocholate at all becasue you will continue to have the problem. Apple juice also helps and if you heat it up a little - it will help even more. And yes as mentioned the probiotics if it says take 2 I would always double it. Fiber and ground flax seed sprinkled on your salads.
  
Going daily is important especially for woman becasue if you don't your body will re - absorb estrogen and thats not good.

[Verdugo]

I was going to suggest psyllium husks which is the main ingredient in Metamucil.   You can get it a any good health store that has "bins" of bulk product.  It's way cheaper to buy it that way and does not contain the sugar.  You can buy the non-sugar brand of Metamucil but it's harder to find.  Supposedly the sugar cancels out  the benefits.  Anyway, it does work for most people who suffer from both constipation AND diarrhea.  Good luck.  Also, papaya works really well.
Anna.
p.s.  Aloe vera is definitely an "acquired taste".  LOL

[Myown]

Yerba Prima (psyllium husks) works well and you can even get it at Whole Foods.

[scratchinghead]

Yerba Prima (psyllium husks) works well and you can even get it at Whole Foods
----------------------------------

I call that place "Whole Paycheck" :)

[scratchinghead]

psyllium husks: $5
probiotic: $12.33
aloe juice: $7
high fiber bread: $3.99
A nice soft log smiling back at you in the toilet bowl: priceless