Re: Constipation

[Guest guest]

Tina Marie's Displays wrote:

> It is important to have a b.m. every day...it is toxic for that to stay inside

of you for days like that. That right there can make one feel lousy. And as

hard as it is, we all should drink plenty of water too to help with the flushing

out. I keep a pitcher of water in the frig with a couple lemons slices in

it...sometimes I switch to limes or both. Makes it easier for me to drink when

it has a little flavor.

I know this is an old message, but I feel compelled to reply.

While it is indeed important to deal with opioid-induced constipation (I

have it, which is why I was searching for information on the subject) it

is *not*, repeat, not necessary to have a bowel movement every day.

Medical references have much to say on the subject of people obsessed

with " irregularity " and their " unclean " wastes. Quoting from the Merck

Manual:

Many persons incorrectly believe that daily defecation is necessary and

complain of constipation if stool frequency is less than expected.

Others are concerned with the appearance (size, shape, color) or

consistency of stools, although sometimes the major complaint is

dissatisfaction with the act of defecation. As a result, they abuse the

colon with laxatives, suppositories, and enemas. Overzealous treatment

with laxatives can result in cathartic colon (a " pipe stem " colon

lacking haustra on barium enema examination, thus mimicking ulcerative

colitis) and melanosis coli (deposits of brown pigment in the mucosa,

seen on endoscopy and colonic biopsy).

Obsessive-compulsive people try to control anxiety with perfectionistic

behavior; their need to rid the body daily of " unclean " wastes may take

on exaggerated importance. Depression may be associated with failure to

defecate daily. A cycle may develop in which depression reduces stool

frequency and failure to defecate augments depression. Such people often

become chronic cathartic users or spend excessive time on the toilet.

Constipation is blamed for many complaints (abdominal pain, nausea,

fatigue, anorexia) that are usually symptoms of an underlying problem

(irritable bowel syndrome, depression). Patients should not expect all

symptoms to be relieved by a daily bowel movement.

[Guest guest]

Diane,

I also take the Colace/Docusate. The only thing that works consistently for me

is the licorice, as I already have mentioned.

Jeff S.- NY/PA

[Guest guest]

,

<<What am I the Constipation Expert???? >>

It's amazing what we learn when dealing with all the issues that come up because

of our pain.

Regards,

Jeff S. - NY/PA

[Guest guest]

<<< I know this is a personal subject, but we are all dealing with it so

it's good to swap remedies. Does anybody have a solution they swear

by?>>>

Diane & all,

I have been using Miralax (it is by prescription) powder for a few years now

and it works wonders. You mix it with any liquid...no taste, no grit, no

cramps....I swear!!! I mix mine with my ice tea and can't even tell it's in

there. I have never had any side effects from it and it makes me

" regular " ...not 'too much' like some stuff does! I will never take anything

else again....this stuff is just too easy.

Try it....you'll like it!

Ann

[Guest guest]

..I have found increasing water intake works wonders. Just water- not iced

teas, which is my preference. When I drink 2qts or so a day I am just fine.

Its a matter of keeping the kids away from the bottled water (I am picky). I

have miralax also, which works well, but so does the water and its one less

rx.

Regrds,

Diane in Fl

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