I was given some amitiza samples to try for opioid induced constipation. In four days I was impacted. It is terrible. I have gone back to miralax and stool softeners every day. It works, but at 3-6 days I have a huge cramping BM. Anyone else with OIC have anything that REALLY helps??
Problems with Fecal Impaction?
Question posted by Kingbuba on 25 July 2016
Last updated on 14 February 2017 by Misha6
5 Answers
Misha6
14 Feb 2017
Right now I am taking six 5.325 vicodin for cervical and lumbar spine degenerative disk disease. This is what I take for the constipation and it really works.
I take 1 capful of miralax along with 1 tablespoon of constulose and two 5 mg dulcolax bisacodyl in the morning. At night night i take 1 tablespoon of constulose and 1 capful of miralax.
By the end of the next day I am cleaned out.
I do the above every other day as I am on a low dose of vicodin and the constulose can give me diarrhea.
I plan on increasing my vicodin dose from six 5.325 to either six 10 mg of vicodin or go back on 5mg of oxycodone four times a day as my pain is getting worse. I would then likely take the miralax, constulose and ducolax every day.
I have tried amitiza and linzess without much success.
DancnDar
4 Oct 2016
I also use Miralax and stool softeners. Probiotics might help. I also occasionally (once to twice a month) get bad cramping before a large BM. I don't want to add another pill to my collection, I'd rather keep to the Miralax because it works naturally and is a lot safer than those constipation meds that are out there.
Inactive
4 Oct 2016
Probiotics every day, along with at least 2 tbsp ground flaxseed sprinkled over or mixed in food - preferably mixed in with yogurt; also bananas, magnesium capsules - up to 4 at a time, as many as needed throughout the day (these will make you will go, I promise), omega 3 gel caps, bananas, and plenty of water. Limit the caffeine intake.
Inactive
4 Oct 2016
After passing the current impaction, the above mentioned will prevent another one before it forms. And, always lots of water!
DancnDar
4 Oct 2016
My 4 year old grandson takes Lactose twice a day due to constipation. I never even thought of that for myself. Have to ask my doctor. It can't be too bad if a 4 year old can take it daily.
patrickaloysius
4 Oct 2016
have u tried glycerin suppositories??? b
beachgal59
3 Oct 2016
You can skip to the end for my suggestions based on both Dr. visits and my research. Hopefully my story will help others.
Every body will respond differently to treatment based on diet, metabolism, meds, etc. I sincerely hope ya'll find relief somewhere.
I had no clue there was a name for what was happening to me during my first episode. After 1.5 yrs of the same muscle relaxer and opioid, due to bad press, doc decides to replace my muscle relaxer with a less effective one. Three weeks later... OIC. I lived alone and was so scared. Sitting or standing I was on the verge of passing out, sweating profusely, nauseous and, as in childbirth, had a physical need to pass this stool but couldn't; bearing down was too painful. I felt the stool, it protruded a bit and it was shockingly hard. I tried breaking it apart with a gloved finger, then tried a few other small objects (not recommended) but only a few sm pcs chipped away.
The stool felt larger than the circumference of my anus and it wasn't dilating for some reason. I blamed it on the ineffective muscle relaxer cos I had been doing ok til then.
I called my female neighbor, from India, to come help me; I lived alone & was scared. She vigorously massaged my abdomen, rt side, and lower back, had me drink several mugs of hot water over an hour, made a tea from some herbs; nothing helped short term. I'm sure it did help in the long run. I passed some of the stool the next day. When I was able to drive I went to the pharmacy & bought milk of magnesia, magnesium citrate and ducolax. I'd rather have intestinal cramps than the pain I experienced at my rectum.
I got in to see a Gastro doc two days later. He prescribed Miralax daily and Lactulose/AM & PM.
I moved out of state 10 mos ago. It was stressful & I didn't take the two meds regularly. I had a mini episode early this year. I drank the hot water, massaged, took 2cc more Lactulose than was prescribed and also did a reg miralax dose. I passed the stool like 6 hrs later and with only moderate side effects.
I recently had a colonoscopy. When I got the cleanse prescription I did some research on methods of bowel cleansing. There is a miralax cleanse. I haven't had an OIC event that made me want to try this but since it's OTC why not?
I had a moderate episode today which is what landed me here tonight. I keep the following under the bathroom sink: box of gloves, hemmherhoid cream, Vaseline, glycerine suppositories, and two enemas. Something in that arsenal will help to some degree. I passed mine w/in 2 hrs after hot water, Lactulose, manipulating the stool with gloved hand, & a suppository. I thanked God a lot when it was over!!
Lay off fiber till you pass the impaction (otherwise you're piling feces on top of feces that can't move), liquid diet, sip plain hot water as you would hot tea (I find it relaxing), and massage your abdomen & sides. I asked my doc for a 12 mo refill for Lactulose & Miralax (insurance is cheaper than OTC). I have found no quick fix. It's gonna be painful & scarey.
patrickaloysius
4 Oct 2016
i have had the same symptoms too beach gal ,mineral oil enemas are only thing that worked for me
SHEsevEN4
26 July 2016
I have tried everything had problems just like you, found best to stay with stool softeners and Miralax only thing with Miralax is you can go to much just have to adjust it, you are so right impaction cramping is terrible. Amitiza and linzess did not help me at all. Hope you are feeling better by now.
Kingbuba
27 July 2016
The Miralax just keeps it soft for me. It builds up and then I have a huge BM with a lot of cramping as it tries to finally move out.
Is there something safe to keep it moving out?? The cramps on the big BM leave me soaked in sweat.
Rose74
1 Oct 2016
Add Miralax 1 cap/ 1 oz with 8 oz of a drink or juice with a consistency at bedtime every night :-)
Related topics
amitiza, miralax, constipation, constipation - chronic, constipation - drug induced, opioid, impaction
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