A medication I’m taking causes constipation as a side effect, oh joy. I’m taking a fiber supplement, which helps, but I still find myself constipated every so often. Is there something else I can do to avoid these episodes? I don’t have a kitchen and I’m on disability, which limits my options somewhat.
Also, how does a laxative work? I use Milk of Magnesia (Walgreen’s brand). It usually brings relief in about 2 hours or so. How does it get from my stomach to where the back up is, and what does it do? This product says it’s stimulant free, do the ones with stimulants work better, faster?
By the way, if someone has a question, perhaps one that they might feel uncomfortable about posting because it’s TMI, keep
your predictably lame cliched jokes to yourself.
Magnesium is an improtant cofactor for enzyme reactions, nerve tranmsission and muscle excitability. Your gut has its own intrinsic nervous system and magnesium makes the whole gut move faster, not just the area with the blockage.
It is a good idea to eat a high fiber diet when taking narcotics or other constipating medicines. Bran, psyllium, Metamucil and Senokot are more useful then stool softeners (Colace) which can klead to the “mush, no push” problem. The key is taking these laxatives on a regular basis to get ahead of the problem. The above ones are the best chopices, but sometimes one has to resort to milk of magnesia, lactulose, Fleet enema, soap suds enemas or (this never fails) the molasses enema. Last guy I needed to use this one on hadn’t gone for a week. Filled up four toilet bowls and you could still smell it in the ER the next day.
I would think drinking plenty of water would be helpful. (Along with all the other things suggested—drinking a decent amount of water is always a good idea.)
One effective solution to constipation is an enema. But I wouldn’t recommend it if you don’t have access to your own bathroom. I understand it can get … messy.
Since constipation is often a problem when you’re pregnant, I’ve had experience with it. I was able to hande it with diet. I ate a lot of prunes, which I love, so it was actually a luxury for me. Nowdays I have to limit myself to 2 … or else. :o
The second food that works for me is Uncle Sam cereal. I think it’s delicious so it’s not a burden to eat it, but some folks might find it bland or too grain-y.
You wouldn’t need a kitchen to add these to your diet. Just a fridge for your milk (or in my case, soy beverage).