CONSTIPATION--problem with so many of our drugs
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DS, good , glad it's helped going back. Even the camaraderie. Lot's of puns.. I think mixing up approaches helps too. Gawd I'd have to restudy cascara to even have a clue LOL. Haven't thought of it literally in decades. You wouldn't happen to remember what page. Is it possibly in the page where I wrote something on all the stuff pg.10?
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Sassy, it was one person recommending the Cascara because it worked for her, I may remember this wrong, but seems to me it was around the time someone mentioned a product called: Linzeeze- sorry don't remember the spelling of it, and you cautioned us about a new product on the market, but glad it worked for her. Yes lots of puns for sure, since alot of us were full of chit.
dsgirl
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Ds, I went and looked at page 10. I did a thing about all the different classes of things that can be used. This is the section that included Cascara
5. Stimulant laxative: Induces bowel movements by increasing the contraction of muscles in the intestines, and are effective when used on a short-term basis. Examples of stimulant laxatives include aloe, cascara, senna compounds, bisacodyl, and castor oil. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax, Correctol)
http://www.medicinenet.com/laxatives_for_constipation/page6.htm#stimulant_laxatives
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Their is a distant memory about cascara, It'll probably wake me up some night.. This was on WebMD
cascara Overview Information
Cascara is a shrub. The dried bark is used to make medicine.
Cascara used to be approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug for constipation. However, over the years, concerns were raised about cascara's safety and effectiveness. The FDA gave manufacturers the chance to submit safety and effectiveness information to answer these concerns. But the companies decided the cost of conducting safety and effectiveness studies would likely be more than the profit they could expect from sales of cascara. So they didn't comply with the request. As a result, the FDA notified manufacturers to remove or reformulate all OTC laxative products containing cascara from the U.S. market by November 5, 2002. Today, you can buy cascara as a "dietary supplement," but not as a drug. "Dietary supplements" don't have to meet the standards that the FDA applies to OTC or prescription drugs.
Cascara is used as a laxative for constipation, as well as a treatment for gallstones, liver ailments, and cancer. Some people use it as a "bitter tonic."
In foods and beverages, a bitterless extract of cascara is sometimes used as a flavoring agent.
In manufacturing, cascara is used in the processing of some sunscreens.How does it work?
Cascara contains chemicals that stimulate the bowel and have a laxative effect.
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Thanks again, Sassy, my doc. did not say why I should not take Cascara, but I do see in your notes it mentions for short term use for constipation, I used it for 7-8 months, because the Miralax he had recommended worked too well, I ended up with diarrhea when I used it, however it did cure my constipation, lol. I do take calcium with D, to help against my osteoporosis, and I have read Calcium also can cause constipation. I really am on too many meds and supplements, so it's no wonder I have issues. I have several health issues, Low Thyroid, High BP, High Cholesterol, got a coronary stent in 2004, so I do take the BP meds, and thyroid meds too, nothing for the Cholesterol. I ordered the Cascara online, there is only a Chain Drugstore available in my neck of the woods, and I learned here on BCO most chain drug stores quality of their supplements are not too good.
Again thanks for the info.
dsgirl
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MinusTwo and Sassy- Hello again,
Found that the prune juice does not do a thing for me. I tried the recipe for stewed prunes, golden raisins and apricot, it does not look real appetizing, but tastes great, I can chew the skins now, and it works for me. Funny how some things works so well for some, but not for others. I suppose the prunes stewed like Sassy suggested would work too as far as me being able to chew the skin properly, but the combination of the 3 dried fruits, really pleases my taste buds, so I will stick with that. I have my followup visit with doc. that performed the colonoscopy on thursday, and will be able to tell him the colace and fiber supplement plus the prune/apricot/raisin stuff is doing the trick. I do feel very bloated after taking the fiber supplement, but have no pain from it, and it does go away within 1 hr. or so I drink plenty of water, would like to cut down on that but don't dare, because I make a bathroom run to pee 2-3 times every nite, but do get right back to sleep.
PS: MinusTwo, I had purchased the raisins to make the drunken raisins for the neuropathy, and never got the Gordon Dry Gin, did you ever try it? I got sick on sloe gin once, and even the smell of it makes me gag. Does it smell the same as Dry Gin, hope not.
Dsgirl
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dsgirl - funny that the raisins are sitting on my cupboard and have been for several months. And I have no excuse since I drink Gordon's Gin occasionally and keep it on hand. Just never remember to get cheesecloth, and I know if I used a clean dish towel I'd immediately spill the whole mess. I actually got out a nice clean jar a couple of weeks ago so as to be ready, but....
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I found sushi nori seaweed sheets work for me. I got the boxed seasoned (salty) ones from Costco. If you google nori, you can see pictures.
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Has this happened to anyone? I recently increased my use of oxynorm and being aware of its SEs upped my fruit intake and thought everything was functioning normally. I didn't think I was constipated. So I awoke on Wednes morning with a headache and nausea. I took my usual meds and some paracetemol and stematil (anti-nausea) but headache and nausea got worse. Then I took two neurofen,but headache and nausea increased. I rang the hosp and one of the onc nurses told me to take oxy-norm and a different antinausea med. That worked and I thought I had just picked up a virus. Next morning I woke up with headache etc, took oxynorm and antinausea and promptly threw up. Phoned hosp and onc said to come in for ct brain scan. It came back ok. I suddenly thought could it be constipation? So I took a laxative when I came home and after going to the loo that evening I woke on Friday feeling ok. So my question is - can you be constipated and not know it? Also can constipation give you a blinding headache and v bad nausea?
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Aoiba. My two cents is yes.
Yes you can not realize you're constipated until you're miserable
Yes it can cause nausea from being backed up
Yes it can cause a headache if you're dehydrated
Yes it could have been a virus
These meds have all kinds of SEs. You might not have been aware of how potent the new meds were and your body was adjusting. If it happens again, I would definitely call the dr.
My solution besides prunes and beans and carrying a water bottle everywhere is 400 mg of magnesium at night. Initially you may have some belly pains but you will be regular. An SE is that it helps you fall asleep. Finally as good SE!
Hope you are doing well otherwise.
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Yogagirl, thanks for the links and the info.
Zills, thanks for your two cents. You know, I always thought you'd feel blocked up or feel pain with the dreaded constipation. Does your bloodwork show if you're deficient in magnesium? I ask because my onc doesn't want me to take any supplements and I want to check it out before I approach him. How are you doing?
Hugs xx
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Sas, just wanted to check in with you. So I finally did a stool sample and it was inclusive as apparently I didn't put my birthdate on the vial. The vial didn't require it so I had to do another sample. Yay, sample was negative for any parasites. That med that the infectious disease doctor prescribed did the job. After 20 years, I'm parasite free. On another note, I was around my friend's grandkids and I ate out lunch after our labour day weekend. Either one cause me to have diarrhea. Diarrhea for a week. Man I was wishing to be constipated. Finally over it but rear end is sore. I called the doctor's office for a requisition so I could submit a stool sample and they didn't send it. I'll still do one just to see but I hear a lot of people were also having a bout with diarrhea!
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I don't know the answer. I would think it would help with the bones. They sell a cal-mag supplement. I was told to take two calcium pills a day. My PCP okd the magnesium.
Once you start it and you are regular, it's awesome. Much better than those veg fibre pills which I was told by onc to stay on during chemo.
Too much pain pills and nausea pills can make you miserable/constipated. Worst misery I ever had. But it wasn't sudden.
Having ovaries removed next week so I can go arimidex. Tamox stopped working. Three spots in lower spine/hip. Just tired. Some pain but think it's more weak muscles. Chasing kids doesn't help.
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Oh you poor thing. Not easy having an op with two active kiddos. Will you have to stay long in hosp? Hope that you'll have support when you get home. Hopefully arimidex will do the job on thoses spots or will they radiate them?
I didn;t realise nausea pills made you constipated. Must look into getting the magnes as I feel laxatives can be counter-productive (ha ha).
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I meet with surgeon tomorrow but it's supposed to be drive-by, keyhole, laparoscopic. I love all these terms. Just outpatient.
More worried about fatigue the following week than pain. Will rescan in Jan and see if arimidex and xgeva are beating it or try something else. Just happy to have dodged chemo.
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JUdi-----------yeah send that doc a cigar LOL. How did you find him? Shorty story again please?
Zills good luck
Aio---yes, you can be constipated and not know it. On the headache thing, this is related to pressure----the distended abdomen can push on the great vessels (aorta and Vena cava) and the diaphragm. That would create swelling in the ankles from limiting blood flow from returning by the Vena Cava route. It can create a backpressure on the Aorta b/c of limiting forward flow. that could create a headache. Generally, it would create a felling of fullness in the neck, and a sense of pressure behind the eyeballs. The nausea can be from direct pressure on the nerves in the abdomen especially around the stomach.
A simple example is put a BP cuff on your arm. Don't let it deflate. You will sense what I mean.
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Had to share this---too funny---tooo true
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Sas, love the Cat in the Hat post. Found infectious disease doctor through referral as I was going to South Africa. Unfortunately, he is older then me so will likely retire in the next 5 years.
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I have been suffering severe constipation since chemo started, only having a bowel movement about every five days, and then it was excruciating. It was so bad I was going to quit chemo. I went to palliative care and they set me up with their "pooping protocol". It is working for me and is different than anything my chemo nurse said to try. So if you're really stuck (pun intended), here it is verbatim. I am not a doctor so use at your own risk
Hydration! Dehydration is the number one cause of constipation along with pain and other medications. Drink water, gatorade, diluted juices, etc, mix it up! IT WILL BE KEY TO BE VERY REGULAR IN THE TWO DAYS GOING INTO YOUR NEXT DOSE OF CHEMO.
Prevention of Constipation
The medicines for pain and nausea make the bowels slow down, so you'll need to take a stimulant laxative every day to counteract this. This is essential, because severe constipation can require hospitalization.
Goal: You should have a bowel movement every day or every other day. Do not use fiber supplements, get your fiber from foods you enjoy, oatmeal, prunes, green smoothies etc.
Purchase the following over the counter products at your local pharmacy.
- Sennekot 8.6 mg tablets (sennagen)
- Miralax, powder form
- Milk of Magnesia liquid form
- Bisacodyl (dulcolax) tablets
Keep these in your home so that you can stay ahead of your constipation
Prevention of constipation EVERY DAY NO MATTER WHAT
- Please start Senna: 1 tablet twice a day, every day to prevent constipation. You may gradually increase this dose to reach the goal of 1 bowel movement at least every other day. (up to four tablets twice a day)
- Take one dose of miralax (one capful) every day. (My nurse had me start with 1/2 a dose every evening and that seems to be working. )
- You may hold these medications for 1 day if you are having frequent loose or watery stools.
Rescue Treatment for Constipation: IF NO BM BY DAY 2
- If you do not have a bowel movement on day 2, that evening take Milk of Magnesia 1 ounce by mouth at bedtime or Bisacodyl tablets (2 to 4 tablets)
- Next morning (day 3) If no bowel movement Reapeat Milk of Magnesia with 2 ounces by mouth or bisacodyl tablets 2-4
- By afternoon if no results call your doctor for advice. Also call if you have severe cramping or abdominal pain, or you cannot pass a solid stool but are having uncontrolled liquid stools.
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Raven , nice list. Please don't forget to go back to the beginning and read. Many, many members have offered many ways to combat constipation. Not everything works for everyone. It is a trial end response. (nice typo hahaha).
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Sas-schatzi,
I did indeed read from the beginning many times, as I was trying to get some relief, with no results... I just posted the written instructions given to me by my palliative care team at Kaiser Permanente. I've been delighted to start pooping again! If this works for other women, that's great, I am not saying its the only way there is, just sharing information that worked for me.
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Raven, no not indicating anything negative. Just used it as an opportunity to suggest a look see at other ideas here.
The plan your team has put together, gives you a concrete "TO DO" list. A cook book recipe so to speak. I applaud them for taking the time. With all that happens to us--surgery, test, treatments.......it's constipation that can bring us to our knees crying for relief. 0 -
Sas-schati
Amen to that! Anything for relief from the scourge of constipation!
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Raven they're is a companion thread Rectal Issues. Often constipation leads to rectal problems. It's in stage4, but info is universal. No one complains when I bump it. The link is in the topic box here.
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So - I have an unusual re-discovery to share that's working for me - crazy as it may seem. Since I believe in everything in moderation, this will fit nicely w/my life style.
Much of the last 20 years my drink of choice was Gin & Tonic. As long as I had one a day or every other day, I stayed regular. I attributed it to the juniper berries, but it could just as well have been the quinine - who knows. I mostly quit drinking w/chemo, and when I finally felt well enough to enjoy it again, I gravitated to red wine. I recently went on a lovely "leaf cruise" and started drinking G&T again. And voila - regular as clockwork. Absolutely nothing else has changed, so.... It's gin again for me!!
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Ha, ha MT! No gin and tonic for me tonight .... Metamucil it is. Got on scales today and it said I gained 2 lbs. There is no way this happened. Told me exercise guru and first things she asked me "have you had a good bowel movement". Of course my answer was "NO". So nowhere to go tomorrow so gulping it down tonight!
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Does anyone know if eating prunes (and how many?) is more efficacious than drinking prune juice? Or if taking mag. tabs is better than senokot? Am trying to find the most natural long term solution. G&T sounds good but sadly I've gone off alcohol since dx.
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Aoibheann.
What works for one, many times does not work for another person. Even the amount of prunes used, or how many ounces of juice used. I find the stewed prune-concoction of Apricot-Prunes and Sun dried raisins works best for me. it was posted here. I usually eat it on top of some greek yogurt, not a pretty looking topping, but tastes very good and works for me. This is not the only thing I use though, 1 chew 1 or 2 fruit flavored fiber supplement as well, every day. No constipation for approx 2 1/2 months. I'd be tempted to try the gin and tonic that works for MinusTwo, a lot less work. lol. I have no experience with Senekot, sorry, I do take magnesium but not for help with constipation. I take calcium with D, potassium, and magnesium for my bones as I have osteoporosis. I think it was Sassy that suggested to read from page one and see what works for others if what you are trying is not working for you. Maybe you will find something that works for your body. Good luck.
dsgirl
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Aoibheann, I was told by my doctor to use Senekot but to be very careful as it is not to be used for long-term use. I tried prunes from COSTCO and I ate 7 prunes. Man, diarrhea city. I started eating jujubes because I love them and they work but once off of them, I became constipated. Going for the big kill tonight with Metamucil and then try and get back to normal.
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