Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative & dietary fiber supplement. Psyllium may also have small benefits for heart and metabolic health. It’s best to talk with your clinician before taking it regularly.
Jenn, my apologies! I just saw your question about CQ10 from back in December. I will get it out to Those Nerdy Girls asap. I'm curious, too, since I recently went on a statin, and my internist told me to also take CQ10. Nerdy Girl Gretchen
thanks for the post as i always wonder how it worked. Did you see anything related to it's usefulness in helping w/ constipation secondary to prescribed narcotic use? though i suspect that might fall under the same umbrella as chronic conditions but figured it was worth asking. thanks.
Good question. Bulk-forming laxatives like psyllium aren’t recommended for constipation that’s caused by opioids. Opioids disrupt the normal movement of food through the digestive tract, so psyllium doesn’t help (and might even make the situation worse). The American Gastroenterological Association has guidelines on opioid-induced constipation that include other treatments (https://tinyurl.com/28mc9jaz).
As a general rule, checking with your clinician or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medication or supplement is important, especially for anyone who takes medication or has a health condition.
thanks for the link. I have tried some OTC meds recommended by the pain management group but found the result "too forceful" for my system and ended up feeling worse and really depleted. I was hoping for something more natural and gentler and the opioid use will be long term. though it is really good to know that i shouldn't go this route and or just start eating a lot of fiber rich food. Glad i trusted my gut on that one.
Having constipation is uncomfortable, but it can also be painful and serious if untreated. If you haven’t already, I’d suggest sharing this with your pain management team and asking for other options. There are many approaches, including lifestyle tips. Some prescription medications are specifically approved to treat opioid-induced constipation. I work in oncology, and the nursing teams have a lot of experience helping patients with this, but everyone’s situation is unique. Sometimes, it takes trying different things to find something that helps. I hope something they suggest soon gives you relief.
I know it is serious if not properly addressed. I have talked to my provider and she just keeps pushing meds. She is not listening to me and my experience
I’m so sorry to hear that Jacquie. It’s good you’re looking for ways to prevent constipation, like diet changes. Getting more fluids and physical movement can also help. It’s also good you’re listening to your body. I hope you find some approaches that feel right for you.
How do I post a question to the priority question box (I am a paid subscriber). Thanks!
Jenn, my apologies! I just saw your question about CQ10 from back in December. I will get it out to Those Nerdy Girls asap. I'm curious, too, since I recently went on a statin, and my internist told me to also take CQ10. Nerdy Girl Gretchen
No worries. I do have another question to send and I have a link for that now thank you thank you thank you.
Hi, Jenn! https://forms.gle/dvJiFLcCuWjY3rPm6
thanks for the post as i always wonder how it worked. Did you see anything related to it's usefulness in helping w/ constipation secondary to prescribed narcotic use? though i suspect that might fall under the same umbrella as chronic conditions but figured it was worth asking. thanks.
Good question. Bulk-forming laxatives like psyllium aren’t recommended for constipation that’s caused by opioids. Opioids disrupt the normal movement of food through the digestive tract, so psyllium doesn’t help (and might even make the situation worse). The American Gastroenterological Association has guidelines on opioid-induced constipation that include other treatments (https://tinyurl.com/28mc9jaz).
As a general rule, checking with your clinician or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medication or supplement is important, especially for anyone who takes medication or has a health condition.
thanks for the link. I have tried some OTC meds recommended by the pain management group but found the result "too forceful" for my system and ended up feeling worse and really depleted. I was hoping for something more natural and gentler and the opioid use will be long term. though it is really good to know that i shouldn't go this route and or just start eating a lot of fiber rich food. Glad i trusted my gut on that one.
thanks for the help.
Having constipation is uncomfortable, but it can also be painful and serious if untreated. If you haven’t already, I’d suggest sharing this with your pain management team and asking for other options. There are many approaches, including lifestyle tips. Some prescription medications are specifically approved to treat opioid-induced constipation. I work in oncology, and the nursing teams have a lot of experience helping patients with this, but everyone’s situation is unique. Sometimes, it takes trying different things to find something that helps. I hope something they suggest soon gives you relief.
I know it is serious if not properly addressed. I have talked to my provider and she just keeps pushing meds. She is not listening to me and my experience
I’m so sorry to hear that Jacquie. It’s good you’re looking for ways to prevent constipation, like diet changes. Getting more fluids and physical movement can also help. It’s also good you’re listening to your body. I hope you find some approaches that feel right for you.