Constipation

• Discuss constipation with the doctor to determine a cause before using any constipation remedy.
• Contact the doctor if there has not been stool for three days or longer.
• Ask doctor if increasing intake of fiber would be beneficial. If you are having problems with weight decreasing, you will not benefit from increasing the fiber in your diet.
• Add high fiber foods (bran, fresh fruit and vegetables, prunes) in small amounts, increasing intake over several days for a total of 25 - 35 gms per day.
• Eat at the same time every day.
• Read food labels for fiber content.
• Eat skins of smooth fruits and vegetables.
• Drink 8 - 10 cups of fluid each day, including prune juice, warm teas, and hot lemonade.
• Limit food and beverages that cause gas, including carbonated beverages, cabbage family foods, and dried beans or onions.
• Ask the doctor for permission to include mild exercise to stimulate bowel movements.
• Do not use rectal suppositories unless you check with your doctor.

Increasing fiber in your diet will not prevent or help treat the constipation caused from pain medication. If you take pain medication on a regular or daily basis you will need instructions from your doctor on how to prevent constipation or how to resolve it if it develops.