| Re: Chronic constipation caused by pain medication?
Hey biliji!
Most definately a big YES! Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common symptom of FM, however, pain meds are a significant cause of contsitpation.
The only thing that helps (without using more meds) is to drink LOTS of water, Metamucil or one of the other fiber supplements, and try to take a Senakot-S every OTHER night at bedtime. My aunt's Oncologist told her she could even take Sennakot-S every night, but I tried that and I went from constipation to diahrrea, fast. The Senna is good to use as long as it contains a stool softner in it. That's why it's called Senakot-"S". It also comes in store brand, like Walmart has their own brand, save a couple bucks.
I know what you mean though. It's not unusual for me to go 5 or 6 days before I have a bowel movement. And I ALWAYS have hideous cramps. I don't know which is worse, constant diahrrea or constipation! Personally, I think I'd rather have diahrrea, at least your tank gets emptied out! When I suffered from IBS, going from diahrrea to constipation all the time, then when I started my pain meds, I suffered more constipation, and I hate it!
Try those home remedies. For me, its either Metamucil, Senakot-S, or good old Milk of Magnesia! I was prescribed that new med Zelnorm and it doesn't work for me, and I felt like it actually made my cramps worse, though I didn't think they could get worse! But you may want to talk to your doctor about it anyway.
Good luck!
Hugs, from your Alabama neighbor to the south!
tk
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