I used to be so regular, twice a day without fail, but now that I've been taking Vicodin and Tramadol for PN pain I'm lucky to go every three days.
Sometimes it feels like I'm giving birth.
My diet is low in carbs, mostly fruits and veges, oatmeal for breakfast every morning. Since the constipation hit I've been taking Medamusil three times day, it seems to help things pass easier but doesn't help with regularity.

Anyone here have any tricks they'd like to share to help alleviate this common problem?

Bulk forming laxatives are NOT recommended for opioid constipation.

You need a stimulating or saline type.

Stimulating== peri-colace, or Dulcolax

Saline type== Miralax or magnesium supplements.

Use of fiber or bulk inducing types may lead to impaction.

Long term use of senna products can lead to changes in the bowel lining and there are worries of cancer from that.

Some people eat alot of prunes and dates..this may help if mild. Dates and prunes are nutritious in other ways as well.

Some people find a tablespoonful of extra virgin olive oil helps.

I take Tramadol & Lyrica and have had constipation issues
since starting the Lyrica.
I have been taking Tramadol for over 6 yrs, but only
found issues in the past 1-1/2 since the Lyrica.
I found 'Fiber Sure' to be most helpful. I tried Metamucil and the other fiber products, but this is the most helpful.
It is only one heaping tsp 2-3 times per day (I only take it 2x/day)
Also, I east 'Fiber Free' granola bars (9 grams per bar) as snacks with coffee in the a.m. & at lunch.

Hi Sally, just simply sipping hot water, just boil the water as if if your going to make a coffee & poor it into a cup but " don't add anything ", then when its cool enough sip it until finished, it may take a few cups, depends on each person, also " Slippery Elm " from your health shop helps as well.
good luck
Brian

with just very occasional use of opiods for non PN pain (post surgical and for a herniated cervical disk causing extreme muscle cramping). Thank you for bringing up the topic.

But, this is ONE time to not forget LARGE QUANTITIES OF WATER! All the oils and gel-like stuffs and fibres won't work for diddley if you don't have a bit or a lot of extra water to help 'loosen' things up. YOu will have to find the balance here.
I speak from experience....the hard way [bad pun, can't help it?] In that w/my PN onset I was totally stopped up for WEEKS. It is a symptom of my diagnosis [tho after the fact - gee thanks-NOW ya tell me?]
Colace, peri-colace are pretty gentle PLUS water, and lite foods, broths lite soups etc until things happen have worked for me in the long run. And, they do take TIME. BUT this is not something you can force. Even tho you feel you mite explode? As long as gas is coming out, the rest will come when 'ready'. To over-work at it only adds stress to you. Soo tell yourself, if you've got gas? IT's good!? I've not exploded yet.
Everyone has given you good advice and each set of suggestions is definitely worth a try. The oil and warm water ones have helped me at times, so do your own trial/error experiment and go for it? HUGS - j

the hot water is a good idea or if you want drink 4 or five cups of coffee

this was posted by ada on the rsd forum. i thought it might help.

My situation might be a bit different. I am not AT ALL allowed to take a stimulating laxative. Colace and Miralax will help BUT it causes my IBS to flare. Soooo....I think Dahlek hit the nail on the head. The REAL key is water and LOTS of it. I was taking Nexium, do take Vicodin and also take Klonopin. All 3 are constipating. ALL of my docs have said fiber and water. However, you have to expirement to find the right amount. At first I did take Miralax and it straightened me out but my Urogyn did NOT want me on it for very long (female issues as well as IBS). But then I switched right over to Benefiber and again, a LOT of water. All I need now is 1/8 of a tsp. and I am good to go...regularly...every morning like clockwork.

Curious? That 'prune paste' thing was running thru my mind...It's been posted what seems like everywhere! I've not had to resort to it, just chilling out, water and peri-colace have done the job. I know folks who swear by it tho!
There are lots of variations of it, and I probably should keep all the ingredients on hand. SIGH!

Another key thing to do? IS walk! Even little bits! That moving well,? Helps get things moving. IF you are capable, go to the grocery store and DO one lap around the perimiter before doing your regular shopping. This is the kind of little thing that can pay off in the long run. [Just in case? Be sure to know where the public restrooms are tho....never can tell]

Just try not to force issues, you will only exhaust yourself and stress yourself unnecessarily. With PN stuff, you don't need to add other extra problems! Once things start working, do not be surprised about some aspects running 'hot' and 'cold'. Honestly I don't know how other to put it tactfully? It's at times such as these, that HOW the human body works and all truly amazes me! [Mind you, I've been constipated for up to 3-1/2 weeks and actually LOST weight!] So be calm and try the variety of things offered here and wait. REALLY - !'s - j

PS Kathi? - I have been wondering about Benefiber...I think it's something I'm gonna keep on my shelf! -j