Does anyone have the opiod constipation problem like I do? The laxatives are either too strong or not strong enough for me. I take Kadian daily! Let me know if anyone out there shares my problem?

Many folks do. Searching this forum alone for constipation yields 24 threads in which it is discussed, including 3 (others than this one) that specify it in their subject:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...t=constipation

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...t=constipation

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...t=constipation

There are 5 more threads with constipation as the subject in the Peripheral Neuropathy Forum.

If you use the Global Search tool (the one on the tool bar across the top of the page) and search for constipation in thread titles, 37 threads come up. The majority are about, or refer to, opioid constipation.

Doc

What products have you tried using, Brachial ?

Finding the right mix can be tricky, but it CAN be done.

Always start with asking the doctor who is prescribing the narcotics or your primary physician. Literally, that is a warning ! My primary doc recently reamed me out for "self medicating" after I took 2 Peri Colace, once, for constipation d/t narcotics.

What you may have to use AFTER you are bound up may be different than what you should use daily to prevent constipation while on narcotics.

One to two tabs of Sennakot, up to 3 times a day worked well for most patients on narcotics that I worked with when I was with Hospice.

My primary doctor prefers me to use Benefiber (or the generic equivalent)....one dose per day everyday, then increase the daily doses based on how many days that I haven't gone (ie.....3 days without a bm=3 doses that day, etc) That plan doesn't work well for me at all, but I'm 'only' the patient, so I guess my comfort doesn't matter.........

Miralax works well for many.

I recommend consulting with one of your doctors to find a maintanence bowel regime that is gentle on your system to help things along, then have the back up plan for when you do get bound up.

ditto and double ditto . do you take any other meds.. I had to look at the food I eat too .. alot of it is constipating . the Mirlax is good but dont take to much . reg prunes seem to do the trick with me . I have a bowl of oatmeal with prunes every morning

you can get those Teas at walmart .. Yogi tea for constipation or something called SMOOTH MOVE . they work great and taste good....

I guest s you have figured out we are different and are constipated for various reasons. Most of us here have it in conjunction with pain meds. It isn't just the opiates that constipate. For me, no one protocol works for more than a few days. I just keep rotating them but always drink a gallon of water, herbal tea or fresh squeezed lemonade daily. I can not tollerate Miralax or any similar product. Regardless of how much water I take, it sets up in my upper colon like cement. Love Smooth Move. It gives me a smooth, regular BM but I can use it twice a week. You will find what works for you. It might be a good idea to keep a journal that reflects what works, how often you can take it before it quits working. Observe the foods that tend to constipate you and the foods that seem to help. Best wishes.

2 apples a day work for me.

Regarding Kadian--my pharmacist is claiming it's no longer being made and that the generic is exactly the same, and provided by the same company. It seems to not have the same steady release IMO.