Hi all
Anyone else had a fiery butt thanks to constipation caused by codeine-based pain relief? I also have some haemorrhoids which have been bleeding a bit under the strain of it all so have stopped the co-codamol.
On the plus side it’s distracting me from my SNB and lumpectomy scars which aren’t too painful at the mo and paracetamol is just about enough along with the odd ibuprofen.
Any remedies, apart from peppermint tea and roughage?
Thanks
C x
when did you have your op? i have read on here that the aneasthetic can make you constipated, it might be that still. i tried to make sure i had fruit everyday bannana, satsumas and one a them innocent small bottles of juices/smoothies, and some branflakes for brekki and it seemed to keep things moving. i didnt have co-codamol i have just stuck to paracetamol and ibuprofen. they have given me some tramadol as well which is stronger than ibroprofen they said, but havent tried it in case it zonks me out!.
figs are supposed to be good for constipation i think but i dont like them - apart from in a biscuit- but i dont think its the same!!
TTM xxx
Both codeine and anaesthetic are known to cause constipation. Try to eat plenty of fruit and veg, All bran/high fibre cereals, prune juice or prunes if you can stomach them (i cant!). If that doesn’t work try Fybogel sachets which you can get at chemists and supermarkets or sennacot. And if none of that works, Movicol (on prescription but you can get a similar thing behind the counter at chemists) always does the trick for me!
Good luck.
Al x
Yup, codeine turned my insides to concrete, which was really uncomfortable. If you’re able to cope with paracetamol and ibuprofen then any additional discomfort you get from them will be offset by the relief from your digestive system working again.
Actually, not sure about the ibuprofen, you might want to have a word with your people, as it can act like aspirin and make you more liable to bruise or bleed, so ask if you can take them yet.
Hello Ladies.
I have been taking CO-CODAMOL for many years,
The remedy i take is red grapes, prunes,just after taking tablet
i find these fruits has always helped, no harm in trying.
Which you all well for a nice Christmas.
Pat xx
i think your not supposed to have ibruprofen and aspirin together, because it thins the blood. i have just had 1 ibruprofen a day at most, but always take it on full stomach or with food. ( says to do so on leaflet). i bet if you ask chemist they will be able to help. my local chemist is quite good with questions like this or ring your BCN for advice.
xxx
Thanks all - will look into suggestions.
C x
Movicol worked for me. GP gave me prescription. It is pleasant to drink. I had lemon/lime sachets which you add to water and it is easy to take. Have had other things but Movicol was best. Hope you get some relief soon but it does drag you down when you get constipation. Val
Eating oranges is good for constipation, and you also get extra vitamin C!
Lactulose and senna liquid taken together is the best remedy I know and very gentle. both are obtainable over the counter at the chemist.
two teaspoons of senna liquid and four of lactulose will give you relief.
best wishes
Anthi x
I find codeine really constipating- I ended up needin an enema 4days after my mx (the shame!). Even one dose of cocodamol turns the contents of my bowels to solid concrete 
thankfully I don’t need pain relief very often but the anti sickness tabs also have this effect on me. So I take movicol, lactulose + when needed, dulcolax to ease the symptoms. Always best to prevent rather than trying to cure once the concrete kicks in, in my experience.
Hth
tina x
Thanks - some great suggestions.
C x