Medical Advice: Painkiller Induced Constipation?

[Wordgirl]

Some of the meds I take cause hardening of the stool, so I include a stool softener in my daily regimen. It helps a lot. You're a loving parent to care about your son's comfort. :)

 

[angel2write]

OK- thanks for the feedback guys. If the stuff we're using doesn't resolve things today, I will DEFINITELY try talking to the pharmacist. That was a great idea.

Otherwise we're going to have to start crawling through channels to get help from a physician, because this will be day #3.

 

[Nighthawk]

Hi,

I have this problem due to pain meds all the time. I use a product that is all natural called Oxy Cleanse. I take 2 tablets in the morning and 2 at night. It has been very helpful.

Good luck.

 

[CraftyCath]

Hi Angel,

There is some advice above.

*As an x-nurse I would definitely advise you to either contact your doctor or pharmacist before you try anything else.*

These type of meds can often effect the stomach/ digestive system so something to take before he takes them, as Amethist said, might be good.

Get him to drink lots of water, prune juice, fresh orange juice with the bits in. Poor hydration is often a problem and if his appetite isn't up to much this will help. (Don't worry about his appetite so long as he's drinking his appetite will improve).

Often a doctor will prescribe a laxative and an emollient (stool softener) to be taken at different times of the day.

Suppositories and enemas will provide instant relief but if he continues on the meds he will still need to find something to take orally that will work for him. (And, as you know, a high fiber diet!).

Good luck and much love. x

 

[angel2write]

Thanks for the advice, CC.

I did go and talk to our pharmacist today. She was very helpful. He's having a magnesium citrate drink today (which has already helped some) and then a powder with a stimulant laxative and a stool softener in it to have every day until he's off these pills. He's also getting fiber and lots of fluids.

So, hopefully he'll be off these pain pills soon and things will get back to normal.

Thank you ALL for your advice! I was really at my wit's end last night and couldn't think of what to do.

 

[amethist]

We are all a mine of information angel, not just about PTSD

 

[Lucycat]

Glad to hear it is resolving. Enemas and suppositories are certainly a last resort. I have worked with doctors who have said if a child needs either of those then they should have ( deserve ) an anaesthetic for it. Funnily enough the person ( usually another doctor) suddenly finds an alternative - like the oral meds you are describing.

 

[Whitneys story]

Otherwise we're going to have to start crawling through channels to get help from a physician, because this will be day #3.

We just don't want to make him a guinea pig! I have serious back trouble between scoliosis and ole age. It just puts more pressure and stress on the nervous system and prevents the toxins from releasing in the system as well. Give the lass a soft hug from me! And extra hugs for you Angel2Write.....Whitney :poop:

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

In the pharmacy department, there is a laxative that works overnight. It's cheap, and works for colonoscopy prep. It's called magnesium citrate. It attracts water through the tissues by osmosis. Once in the intestines, it naturally stimulates bowel motility. This should not be used frequently, but for situations like yours.

Mirilax is good, but takes a few days to work, cuz it's different than 'regular' laxatives. It's safer, and over-the-counter and as long as you are on narcotics, you'll need some kind of plan.

The mag citrate is the best, and fastest option. Good luck!