CONSTIPATION

As if the discomfort that goes along with your spine problem is not enough, a frequent side effect of narcotic pain medication is constipation!   The narcotic not only depresses your perception of pain, but also depresses your colon function. Also, decreased activity/immobilization before and after surgery may cause constipation. If you have any chronic gastrointestinal conditions, please consult your internist/primary care or a gastroenterology physician.

It may be a good idea to start on the following regimen to prevent constipation.   You can get these medications at your pharmacy or grocery store and they are over the counter.

1. Water - at least 8 eight-ounce glasses per day.
2. Metamucil - this is a fiber source; follow instructions on the box.
3. Surfak - this is a stool softener.
4. Senakot - restores the normal movement through the colon. You may take up to 8 of these per day is needed.
5. Milk of Magnesia - a laxative for severe constipation.

If none of the above is productive, you may also try glycerin suppositories or a Fleet's enema, to get things started.

As your need for narcotics lessens, your activity level and walking increases, your bowel movements will become more regular and you can discontinue the above medications gradually.

If these suggestions don't help, and you continue to have a problem, please call the office for further advice.

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