avoiding constipation tips

[jsbach]

I was wondering if anyone had any useful tips on how to avoid costipation due the drugs? So far I've been using senna, lactlose, drinking a huge amount water, eating lots pears and drinking pear juice and using full cream milk (which I don't usually as it tends to give me the runs). I've also tried accupunture and accupressure as well as seeing the doctor to switch to non-codeine based pain relief. The doc also gave me an enema to administer. So far no joy. I am trying to eat as per usual but knowing that things are backing up doesn't help the cause. At this point in time (4 days) I am starting to get concerned that the waste that is being retained is not doing my system any good. Any advice will be most greatfully accepted. take care all, Tim

[jsbach]

An update. Not 10 mins after the post, things started moving. Thankfully. Any advice on how to try and avoid it in the future, gratefully accepted.

[Sailor]

Hi there There are a number of combination pain killer drugs out there that have solved this problem. One of them the government tried to, as a cost saving measure, defer from going onto the PBS early last year. Basically these drugs contain a pain medication, usually codeine based, and an antidote. The antidote is not absorbed through the gut and binds to the bowel receptors blocking them. The pain drug is absorbed and relieves the pain. No need for laxatives, prunes, pears, etc. Ask your oncologist if you can have a session with a pain management specialist. Cheers Sailor Thought is the wind, knowledge the sail, and mankind the vessel. August Hare

[julia.w]

Try Movicol. Dissolves in water, I use two sachets a day or twice a day if backed up

[#5]

Go to your local Safeway/Coles/Nut shops and get Psyllium Husk. You will pay around $8 for 500g. Take one table spoon with water (stir quickly and drink quickly - do not taste it) in the morning and one in the evening. It is pure fiber. It is natural, and it works! It will be the best investment for anyone regardless. I take it every day and I am healthy. It helps me get rid off it in a clean and timely fashion. Get on it and stay on it. As simple as that.

[Dancing_Julie]

have you tried magnesium suppliments?