Codeine and stomach problems - any advice would be welcome

tillytop
tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
edited 11. Jun 2012, 10:06 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello Peeps

I have been trying to wean myself of the high doses of codeine I have been taking but still need to take a small amount at bedtime to help me manage the night.

But I know now that the codeine seems to have been to blame for the awful stomach pains and severe constipation I have struggled with the past few months - and even a comparitively small dose (30 - 60mg daily) gives me stomach problems. I have been living on Movicol and Fybogel to try to ease the problems with limited success.

Have made an appt with doc tomorrow to discuss but wondered if any of you have a) had the same problems with codeine and b) have found anything which helps with the constipation without causing the opposite problem - either prescribed, or over the counter. If I can't get this sorted, I won't be able to have my Rituximab next week - unless they are willing to let me sit in the loo for the entire 9 hours of the infusion :oops:

Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks,

Tillyxxx
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Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Cocos are notorious 'bunger uppers', Tilly, which is one reason why I keep to the minimum. I've never actually had to take anything to ease the passage, as it were, but, being a veggie, I munch my way through a lot of fibre in a day and, as I drink tea by the 1/2 pint mug, I also get through a lot of liquids. I always keep a packet of dried figs in the house and, when in doubt, have 2-3 as a precaution. It works for me. Whenever I'm in hospital and therefore not able to move around much, I drink water and fruit juice as if they're going out of fashion simply to keep things on the move. I hope you can find something that helps you.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I was extremely bad with the dihydrocodiene when I was on those.. Tried all kinds of things. The only one that worked well for me once I figured out just the right side was benefibre. Not on prescription I believe and can be costly. Asda sell it in tubs, but you can buy sachets so you can try it.. It's tasteless and can be added to food or drink.
    I wish you all the best hun.
    Are you on any stomach protectors? I know they're usually prescribed for the anti inflams and not codeine just wondered though..
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
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    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    My poor, poor tillytop, this is not fun is it? I take docusate caplets (when needed) which the GP prescribed but before that I used to munch figs or swig a large amount of syrup of figs - when I could find it in the shops that is! I honestly don't know what the answer is but you do need to talk to your GP about it: I will be with you in spirit tomorrow. ((())) DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks so much Sticky, Tony and DD - I knew I could rely on you for sensible (if not pleasant :roll: ) suggestions. It's good to know it's not just me and gives me a few ideas to discuss with the doc.

    Tony - thanks for asking about the stomach protectors - yes I take Lanzoprazole which does help to some extent with the evils of the anti-inflamms and the steroids.

    Just an aside - when I looked on t'interweb in the middle of the night, to see if there was any sensible advice on this subject - many of the sites I found were aimed at people taking codeine for RECREATIONAL USE! :shock: Makes me furious that someone would choose to take codeine, with all the associated problems, just for fun - when the sad rest of us would probably do anything to avoid it!

    Thanks again.

    Tillyxxx
  • Shooter
    Shooter Member Posts: 32
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    this may seem odd but try lots of water i mean only a full mug when in pain this helped me hope it works for you
  • traluvie
    traluvie Member Posts: 2,579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Tilly,

    I suffer with going to the toilet and it took me a while to find something that helped..
    I have senokat.. now they help but not wonders. They make going to the toilet easier, but i do only take 1 at night but can increase it to 2, so am thinking of trying the 2 see if it helps better.
    Hope you can find something soon..x
    th_tn_TisFORTIGGER.jpgxxTracyxx
  • suzygirl
    suzygirl Member Posts: 2,005
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Tilly, I suffered terribly with this when I was on co-co's. I now take tramadol. I use liquorice, a few people mentioned it when I was in hospital, the natural stuff from a health shop. Just one or two a day. Balck coffee is also useful, as well as plenty of water.

    Lentils used in soup etc, are quite good as well. Well any veggies in soup help really.

    I hope you find a solution, it seems never ending sometimes.

    (((hugs))) and a nuzzle from Izzy x

    P.s I also have some dulcolax from the docs.
  • freesia
    freesia Member Posts: 409
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Codeine is VERY bad for "bunging" you up...

    I take 2 senna & 1 or 2 ducosate sodium every night..... that seems to "do the trick" so to speak...

    fybogel/movicol did nothing for me, and tasted horrible....

    Good luck at the doctors

    Hugs freesia xx
    hugs freesia xxx
  • PollySid
    PollySid Member Posts: 343
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I found it very difficult (literally :oops: ) when I first started taking the Co-co's regularly.
    I was determined not to take any laxatives so persevered, eating extra fruit, veg, cereals and drinking more water.
    I find Weetabix helps me, as do grapes. (Mum used to swear by grapes :) ).
    My digestive system seems to have got used to the Co-co's as I am fine now, 9 months later.
    I know from past experience (years and years ago) that laxatives such as Senakot would give me terrible stomach ache so I have avoided them ever since.
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks all for your advice - really do appreciate it.

    Love Tillyxxx
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Tilly
    Yes i take codeine but only one at night.....never the less it bungs me up.
    I find a glass of prune juice works or me...senokat didnt....I take about 100mls a day of it and if I take it regularly it works ...take slightly less if I dont need it. I buy it in bottles from the Co or A..a. It keeps forever until it is opened.
    As for the recreational use. :o I remember when I first started taking them the doc said that if they got out on the streets they were very addictive but for people with pain they wern't {taken within reason}
    Good luck
    I'll go and pour my prune juice out now :lol:
    Love
    Hileena
  • PollySid
    PollySid Member Posts: 343
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hileena111 wrote:
    Hi Tilly
    I find a glass of prune juice works or me
    I'll go and pour my prune juice out now :lol:

    Never thought of prune juice, I don't dislike prunes so might give it a try.
    I can have a glass with my Weet**bix in the mornings :).
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Hileena and Polly.

    With all these good tips I don't think I will ever be constipated again! :lol:

    Just come back from the doc and he has prescribed Oromorph for me to try instead of the codeine so will give that a go.

    Thanks again.

    Love Tillyxxx
  • fowls48
    fowls48 Member Posts: 1,357
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Tilly

    Be careful of the senokot as taking it for too long is not good for the stomache .I had this problem and tried sainsburys high fibre bran it worked wonders for me .


    karen.
  • Heather65
    Heather65 Member Posts: 262
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    this is very intersting as im very bunged up at the mo its since i increased my co cods to the 30/500mg 2x4 times a day it can be very painful going and am looking for some tips i work nights so that upsets my routine to ,i will try out a few ideas thank Heather65
  • sugarbuttie
    sugarbuttie Member Posts: 225
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I too shall be giving the prune juice and figs a whirl. I take dihydrocodeine and my GP has prescribed 'Laxido' (a powder that you mix into a drink) but it causes the opposite effect of the problem!! I have asked to try something else on my repeat prescription form as the side effect is worse than the original problem.

    I know it is important to only take stuff that increases water/fibre to the bowel. Stimulant laxatives are to be avoided as they can cause the bowel to become lazy. So...I am all for natural stuff. Pure orange juice helps a bit. So I am hopeful that the old figs will be good for me.
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for all your replies and for the useful "tips and tricks"! I really appreciate it.

    Now I am taking Oromorph rather than codeine, hopefully I won't have so much of a problem - but if I do, I will know what to do (and what not to do!)

    Thanks again.

    Tillyxxx
  • Heather65
    Heather65 Member Posts: 262
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi tried the prune juice the last two days and it seems to work so thanks for the tip
  • mig
    mig Member Posts: 7,154
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Dont do what i did yesterday,went into a shop that sells old fashioned sweets and brought a bag of pontefract cakes and sat and ate half the bag after tea time,did they work ? OH BOY did they work,good job we are not going out this week-end but i did enjoy them. :oops: :lol: Mig
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh Mig! :D Oh dear me, that is funny: not for you, I realise that but . . . . well, it got my Saturday off to a good start. :wink: Isn't licorice involved with Pontefract cake? I have a dim memory of licorice being an effective unblocker but as I can't stand the stuff I put that to the back of my mind (which isn't that far away). DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • mig
    mig Member Posts: 7,154
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Had to put the other half bag out of harms way.So my friends the moral of this story is "a little of what you fancy does you good but dont over do it " :lol: Mig
  • freesia
    freesia Member Posts: 409
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    mig wrote:
    Dont do what i did yesterday,went into a shop that sells old fashioned sweets and brought a bag of pontefract cakes and sat and ate half the bag after tea time,did they work ? OH BOY did they work,good job we are not going out this week-end but i did enjoy them. :oops: :lol: Mig


    HA HA HA - SORRY but had to laugh at that..... :lol:
    hugs freesia xxx
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Heather
    Glad the prune juice helped you

    Love
    Hileena
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Heather, Mig, DD, Freesia and Hileena

    Mig!!!!!! :shock: :shock: :shock: you did make me laugh - sorry about your "problem" but at least, as you say, you now have an enjoyable solution should you need it!

    Well I DIDN'T eat the rest of Mig's Pontefract Cakes but I might as well have done! Since I stopped the codeine, I now have the opposite problem :roll: I was having a better day yesterday (or so I thought) so we decided to go to the seaside :D. Got there, had a lovely lunch - then went and sat in the park in the sunshine. :D Unfortunately we had to pitch our chairs immediately in front of the public toilets so that I could keep "running" in and out. And there we had to stay until I felt I could manage the hour and a half's drive home. :roll: Not quite the day we had planned and I felt so sorry for my wonderful, ever patient husband.

    So my next question - anyone know any effective "blocker uppers" - other than codeine? :lol:

    The term "swings and roundabouts" comes to mind.

    Tillyxxx
  • Heather65
    Heather65 Member Posts: 262
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    morning all and what a nice sunny day it is for a change glad you managed to have a day out tilly even though you spent much of your time in the loo as you said its either one or the other ,im still a bit bunged up but the prune juice is working i dont want to stop my cods as they are the only thing that help with my neck pain it s a bit hit and miss maybe your body needs time to adjust and get back to normal x