I appreciate all the comments, but just to remind folks, people like me who have Gastroparesis, cannot use fiber as it can stay in the stomach massing into balls that have to be dissolved by meds or surgically removed. I keep on a low0fiber diet as there is no way to away from fiber totally.

Also, yogurt taste so gross to me, I can't keep it down.

I started a tea tonight in a small amount of water that I chugged and then chased it since I absolutely hate the taste or smell of tea. The tea is called a chocolate smooth that my wife found at the store cause she couldn't find the alpine tea. I'll let you know how it goes.

Are all tea's designed for constipation a potential problem for the kidney/liver, or just Senna? I also wonder how it does with Domperidone, the med I take before eating and at night for my Gastroparesis?

Jay

There is soluble fiber now... can you take that?

It mixes clear in fluids! Benefiber is the name.

I use vanilla yogurt... you'd never know it was yogurt!
Stoneyfield's Banilla is good too.

Depending on the strength of the tea, it might be additive to the
dromperidone. (may produce cramping for example)

Is this your tea?
http://www.tealand.com/Chocolate_Smooth_Move.aspx
It does have Senna.... so do not use it every day.
If this is your tea...it also has licorice root in it. Daily use of this can upset the adrenal glands and raise blood pressure. Chocolate in general would be hard on people with
gastroparesis...since it SLOWS stomach emptying. (it is a common cause of reflux for this reason and not recommended for people with GERD).

I think you will find that many herbal teas have senna in them.

Yes, MrsD, that's exactly the tea. No wonder I feel stomach cramps and sore stomach muscles! I showed my wife your post and she's going to try and find the yogurt you recommend. Thanks again!

Jay

Mrs D is right on
 

Remember, opiate constipation is caused because opiates cause a slowing in the motility of the gut. That is the movements the bowels normally have, peristalsis, don't happen quite the same way or as quickly as normal.

A good stool softner can really help. Look for Docusate Sodium I think it is. As a prescription it was called Colace. It does nothing but soften the stool. Laxatives taken long term can cause problems on their own.

Lottsa fluids and a bit of fiber can help. But as has been pointed out be careful with the fiber.

Magnesium can help as well. I take SloMag for my PN anyway but when constipation gets to be an issue I take one on an empty or almost empty stomach. It really does seem to help.

Make sure you drink enough fluids during the day while taking Miralax. If I am 'good' about it, it solves my problem....then I get lazy, 'forget' my Miralax, and plug up with river rock, resulting in a rear end approach to solve the issue (most unpleasant).

I too, have gastroparesis. It is best if you can sip fluids all day long, don't load your stomach all at once, or you can lower your blood pressure, vomit and just generally feel awful.

I found out by accident, after having an IV contrast and barium contrast CT yesterday, that the barium contrast part makes your bowels move.....they did not bother to tell me that. So little makes my bowels move, so I was not really all that worried. I thought, well, if you are average, it makes your stools loose.

As I was leaving from the CT they asked me how far I had to drive. I told them. "22 miles, country, freeway". Here I had planned a nice stop for coffee and a donut, after being NPO for 4 hours and missing my morning coffee.

They said, 'You may get loose stools', as I trotted out the door.

Well, I managed not to poo on my new Subaru, by divine intervention alone. I want to keep that new car smell for a while. I just got that car a few months ago and have been OCD about it. It is my 'last' car.... I burst into the house, plowed past my 3 loving labradors, with 12 entangled dog legs of every color fumbling with my feet, flying as fast as a roadrunner.

I made it to the throne, where I delivered something. I didn't look.

I remained in a Depends for a few hours after that, with many more forays to the restroom, punctuated by short naps and cramps. I do not recommend this as a cure for constipation.

I am fine now, really.

Miralax should help.....and yes, bowels become part of your daily conversation. I know my husband loves me, because he asks me if I pooped today. If he had thought that this would be part of his daily routine 36 years ago when he married me, hmmm, I wonder.....