Adding one more to plumbing; i had rectal cancer surgery in 2012. Rectum completely removed along with 2 ft of colon. I had enough muscle left so I do not have a bag. Colon is directly attached to, for a better choice of words, elimination area. I declined post surgery chemo/radiation.
I Had a colonoscopy about 5 months ago. Just had one non cancerous growth. Unfortunately because of spinal(fusion surgery) pain and PN, i take narcotic meds which cause constipation so it makes things a bit more difficult because of daily Miralax. I'm wondering if marijuana would avoid constipation and the need for Miralax.


Gerry

I got tired of the ritual also. I am currently drinking water like it's my job and leaning heavily on the veggies. I take Magnesium supplement along w/ two capsules a day of Psylium (incorrect spelling) fiber. All has been going well(pun intended) for several months. I still have that jug of Miralax in the corner of the vanity. Hopefully your pain will ease to the point of getting off the opiates. You have been through a lot and thanks for sharing. "River Gravel" constipation was one of the reasons I had to get off Hydrocodone. As far as the weed, it might work if if you make your own brand of guacamole dip. Two highest fiber foods are Avacado and Artichoke. Good Luck, Ken in Texas.

I agree-I eat avocados almost everyday, and tons of veggies-keeps things moving along no matter what else is going on in my body.

Ken,
If I understand correctly using marijuana itself will not avoid the constipation of using narcotic meds. Unfortunately, I have been on them since my spinal fusion/laminectomy over 8 years ago; eventually going from spine pain, along with PN, edema and Stasis Dermatitis . Unfortunately, I do not see myself being able to withdraw from the narcotic meds. (60mg's Oxycontin every 6 hrs., 7.5/312 Percocet for break thru with a max of 4 a day.) That's why my ears perked up about marijuana.

It was because of becoming impacted from the meds that led me to go to the ER one Saturday in 2012. The ER was unable to get me cleaned out enough so I was admitted to the hospital. After finally getting cleaned out, a GI doctor encouraged me to have a colonoscopy (I never had one before). Next day had colonoscopy where a 3" tumor was found at top of rectum. Following day had surgery. The rest is history.


Gerry

having to stay on those meds.I felt the same w/ hydro and I am still in a relationship w/ sleeping pills. Time may enable you to reconsider. I was a daily smoker of weed for my college years and ended up getting a degree in *&^%$#^* up. IMHO Miralax should be kept close as you try other systems. Realizing that relief will be tomorrow. You didn't explain your delivery system and I never chewed and swallowed weed to explore the fiber rich goodness it MAY contain. In closing I will say hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Good Luck, Ken in Texas.

Ken,

I too have a relationship with Ambien CR nightly for the past few years.

As far as delivery system; as my GI doctor told me shortly after my 2012 surgery (cancer/removal of very important part of system for delivery); As long as I am on narcotic meds; I will be on Miralax daily. (advised not to use Metamucil).

I take, most days Miralax 2 x's a day. Once or twice a week take 1 dose instead of 2. I do hydrate, hydrate and the some more. This leaves me only going out for more than a few house once or twice a week; otherwise need to be close to the "potty".

All this, is in addition to spine, PN, etc. Meds just make each day tolerable; but still suffer with 24/7 pain. Just the few times of missed doses caused awful withdrawal symptoms. Don't see this as something that will eventually subside.


Gerry