Constipation

[Mjco]

I need help I take morphine for chronic back pain I have been desperately trying to find a balance to counteract the constipation effect of the medication, I have tried everything from mineral and olive oils to all kinds of laxatives to fiber intake and I either not have a bowel movement or I struggle with having one or it causes me to have sporadic trips to the bathroom. Sadly it getting off the  medication  is not an option so between my bowel issue and the living in constant pain I feel I am going to loose my mind. If anyone is going through my situation and has a remedy I will be forever grateful. Thanks

[Red_Star]

"A UCSF study suggests patients with chronic pain may experience greater relief if their doctors add cannabinoids – the main ingredient in cannabis or medical marijuana – to an opiates-only treatment. The findings, from a small-scale study, also suggest that a combined therapy could result in reduced opiate dosages." - UCSF Study Finds Medical Marijuana Could Help Patients Reduce Pain with Opiates

[caregiver222]

Unfortunately all opiates inhibit the peristaltic movement of feces through the bowel. The result may be a bowel impaction. It is not uncommon for patients to develop an obstruction that requires a bowel resection and a temporary colostomy. This can be very dangerous in the elderly. Naltrexone will restore movement, but will cause immediate painful withdrawal symptoms. Fibre may make this worse. Drinking more fluids helps, but the answer is to have a hiatus nor lower the dose of opiates.