Constipation

[justej]

I have chronic constipation from pain medication. I was taking Senna for awhile and it stopped working. My doctor prescribed Linzless. I will never take this medication again. Around 8 last night I started having the worst diarrhea. It slowed down around midnight. I did wake up around 5am with a stomach cramp and off to the bathroom I went. Its 3pm and I was able to eat a little something at 1:30 and so far so good.

I can’t stop the pain medication, at least right now because I have complex regional pain syndrome and severe chronic pain in my leg from a failed knee replacement. The medication is the only thing that allows me to not be in bed curled up in a fetal position in tears. I’ve read dulcolax will help and that’s my next step. I’ve stopped the Linzless.

To make it worse I can’t walk and am a full time wheelchair user and last week I hit a crack in the sidewalk and the front right caster on my chair is messed up. I can use it inside kinda but cannot leave the house. And the wheelchair repair tech is taking his sweet time coming out. I gotta say though that I’m proud of myself for making it to the bathroom each time. Especially since I’ve had bowel incontinence lately.

I’ve kept myself hydrated so that’s good too.

Just wondering if anyone had any tips for chronic constipation from medication. Thanks!

 

[achie]

That sounds so tough — I’m really sorry you’ve had to go through that, especially on top of dealing with mobility challenges and the pain from your knee. You did an amazing job keeping yourself hydrated and managing to get to the bathroom each time — that really is something to be proud of.


Constipation from pain medications (especially opioids) is unfortunately really common. Since Senna and Linzess didn’t work well for you, it might help to ask your doctor if you could try stool softeners (like docusate) or osmotic laxatives (like polyethylene glycol / Miralax) instead of just stimulant ones like Senna/Dulcolax, since sometimes rotating or combining approaches works better. Increasing fiber slowly (if your stomach tolerates it) and staying hydrated, as you’re already doing, can also help keep things moving.


Since you mentioned incontinence flare-ups, some people find it useful to keep absorbent products on hand for peace of mind while experimenting with different constipation treatments, especially when sudden diarrhea hits.


You’re definitely not alone in this — a lot of folks managing chronic pain struggle with the same balance of staying on their meds but also keeping their digestion under control. Hopefully, the wheelchair repair comes soon so you’re not stuck inside while going through all of this.


Sending you good thoughts — I hope the Dulcolax works better for you, and that your doctor can help you find a long-term plan that eases the constipation without making life harder.

 

[justej]

Thanks for the tips Achie!

Protection is always worn! I learned that lesson a long time ago the hard way! Seem to be on a cycle I’ll go about 4 days without a bowel movement and then will be able to go. I discussed it with my doctor on Wednesday. I’m going back to doing Senna and then will try dulcolax to try to get things as normal as possible. I knew constipation goes along with opioid use but you don’t think it’ll be so bad until it happens! The fact that I’m on two certainly doesn’t help. The plan is to start trying to get me down to one and see if we can get something else to work as well. Or at least keep me from being stuck in bed in tears.

Staying hydrated is something I’m already on top of since you have to constantly be drinking water with a supraoubic catheter.

I know the bowel incontinence is from both the meds and it seems I not only damaged nerves to my bladder but bowels as well.

Life is always interesting and certainly keeps you on your toes! My philosophy is always adapt and keep going!