I have been working up to taking the methadone 10mg twice a day over the last 10 days, supposed to work up to 3 times a day.

The constipation is horrid. I am drinking water constantly. I have upped the amount of fresh fruit and veggies I am eating, especially the "P" ones, prunes, plums, pears, peaches. Lots of leafy greens.

Taking 4 stool softeners a day, 2 senna a day, 2 magnesium supplements and still needing milk of magnesia and then it practically takes TNT to have success.

The methadone so far is only helping - maybe - 15% on the pain. I am really sad, because I have had RSD for almost 10 years now. I always thought I would have the heavy drugs to fall back on when things got bad. Now the RSD is in 80% of my body, and I am no longer working, so giving the heavy stuff a try, and it is not giving me much relief at all. It is very discouraging.

I have a lifelong history of diarrhea. So, I have little experience with constipation. The Pain Doc gave me a sheet to go by to keep adding stuff for the constipation...but, with so little pain relief, I don't think it is worth it.

For those taking methadone, how long does it take to build up and give relief? At this rate, I don't think I can tolerate going to 3 times a day when 2 times a day causes me this much problem.