Embarrassing question

[lyzziesmom]

I don't really know who else to ask, and I know people on the DIS seem to have an answer for everything, so here goes...

I am on a new medication that has a rather unpleasant side effect: severe constipation. Unfortunately I have been hit with this side effect pretty hard, to the point where afterwards I feel nauseous - and to make matters worse, it has to occur while I'm at work! I've never had this problem before to this extent and don't really know what to do.

My question is, what over-the-counter products are good for preventing constipation? I don't want something that's going to give me the opposite result, or something to take "as needed," just something that will help prevent the problem from occurring in the first place. Discontinuing or changing my medication that causes it is not an option. Any suggestions?

 

[stargrazer]

I add a fiber product called "benefiber" to mine and DD10 juice, milk, coffee...whatever. It might take a day but it works for us everytime.

It is a powder that can be added to literally ANYTHING (except soda) and leaves no grit, no taste and doesn't alter the beverage you use it in.

I had to be on pain meds a few months back and it did the same to me but the benefiber worked GREAT. The next morning after starting it (three doses over one day) and all was well, lol.

Hang in there!!

 

[becka]

I don't know if this works for other people or if it is just me but I just try to drink apple juice when I have that particular issue. Works better for me than any medication ever could. Maybe a glass or two of apple juice everyday would do the trick?

 

[lovemygoofy]

Make sure you pratically double your water intake also because this new medication could be taking away your hydration.

Like the poster mentioned above the benefiber is tasteless and not gritty at all. You can also take half a glass of prune juice everyday or just eat one prune everyday. Becareful taking an over the counter pill if the medication you are on is for long term. Your system can become dependant on something such as laxitive and then you have all kinds of messed up systems. My mom did this and having a really hard time getting it all straight now. Have you tried a stoole softner? Colace is a good one that can be taken on a semi regular basis.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I do home health care. A lot of the nurses I work with recommend an herbal tea called Smooth Moves. It seems to be mild and effective. It can be found sometimes in the grocery store or maybe a health food store or GNC.

 

[cybrkitn]

I add a fiber product called "benefiber" to mine and DD10 juice, milk, coffee...whatever. It might take a day but it works for us everytime.

It is a powder that can be added to literally ANYTHING (except soda) and leaves no grit, no taste and doesn't alter the beverage you use it in.

I had to be on pain meds a few months back and it did the same to me but the benefiber worked GREAT. The next morning after starting it (three doses over one day) and all was well, lol.

Hang in there!!

I was also going to suggest Benefiber. DS4 is having the same problem, just not caused by any medication. His doctor gave us a prescription and also suggested using Benefiber and just sprinkling it on his food for him.

 

[KAMLEM]

I don't know if this works for other people or if it is just me but I just try to drink apple juice when I have that particular issue. Works better for me than any medication ever could. Maybe a glass or two of apple juice everyday would do the trick?

I always heard that apples are binding. Aren't they part of the B-R-A-T diet?

 

[KristiKelly]

After all 3 of my c-sections, Dr. told me take Colace (there's is also a generic), it is safe to take - I took it while breastfeeding.

DD 20 mo. has trouble with this. Ped. told me to give her Milk Of Magnesia, she loves it.

And there's always prunes, mmmmm... *blech*

 

[hiwaygal]

In the vitamins/mineral sections of most pharmacies you can find psyllium, which is supposed to be a natural softener/laxative. Dulcolax is also fairly mild.

You might consider just eating a bowl of oatmeal in the mornings too.

 

[hello kitty]

Raisin Bran

 

[lulugirl]

When I was pregnant I had that problem, my OB suggested drinking hot water w/ lemon, worked very well!

 

[helenabear]

Eating Total every day in addition to lots of water seemed to help me out a lot with that problem as well

 

[Honu]

My DH takes a Colace in the AM and a Dulcolax before bed to counteract the effects of iron supplements.

 

[momrek06]

Make sure you pratically double your water intake also because this new medication could be taking away your hydration.

Like the poster mentioned above the benefiber is tasteless and not gritty at all. You can also take half a glass of prune juice everyday or just eat one prune everyday.

Tina has excellent advice here.

You could also add ground Flaxseed to your diet every day. Start out with 2 tsps. and work up to 2tblsps a day. I add it to my yogurt every morning. Most stores (Walgreens/CVS and health food stores) sell it.

 

[AuntieM03]

Our Doctor usually recommends Colace.

 

[becka]

I always heard that apples are binding. Aren't they part of the B-R-A-T diet?

They might be but I know for myself a glass of apple juice clears everything up. I actually love apple juice but I can't drink it most of the time because of the issues it seems to cause me. Maybe I am just wierd.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Is this a long term med? If it is have your doctor prescribe you Miralax.
My dd was on it for years because of severe constipation.
As of right now she is not taking it. Says she doesn't need it....every once in a while she will take it.

If this is a short term thing....

Then use over the counter stuff and drink, drink, drink, drink....
I eat bran, cheerios, oatmeal and eat prunes. Eating breakfast is vital to keep in track for some reason.
Walking also helps keeping things "moving".

 

[The Mystery Machine]

They might be but I know for myself a glass of apple juice clears everything up. I actually love apple juice but I can't drink it most of the time because of the issues it seems to cause me. Maybe I am just wierd.

No alot of people say that. I always wonder if it is an allergy, you know?

Apples are actually binding.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I was on medication for severe "morning" sickness that made me very constipated. I took a stool softener and that helped, but eventually I had to take suppositories.

 

[Wishing on a star]

1. If this is a side affect of medication, then please talk to your doctor. He should know what is normal, and know what to prescribe for this problem

2. I give a HUGE second to the Miralax. (same situation as the poster above - Ds had toddler constipation....) It is not a psyllium or fiber to add bulk and that can cause discomfort, it is not a chemical laxative, it works with your body to provide the necessary liquid so that your system can work naturally like it should.

MIRALAX