Gulf Coast Pain Management
Benign Pain

Many prescription medications can cause constipation. Activity and diet also affect bowel function. Due to these reasons Dr. Columbus recommends a regimen that includes use of a laxative. The goal is for you to have a bowel movement at least every two days. Because each patient and his or her response can vary, use the guidelines below to find a regimen that works best for you. If at any time your medication is changed, you may also need to increase or decrease your daily dosage of laxative.

1) Take two Senokot-S tablets at bedtime.

-If you do not have a bowel movement in the morning,
go to step two.

 2) Take two Senokot-S tablets after breakfast.

-If you do not have a bowel movement by evening,
go to step three.

 3) Take three Senokot-S tablets at bedtime.

-If you do not have a bowel movement in the morning,
go to step four.

 4) Take three Senokot-S tablets after breakfast.

-If you do not have a bowel movement within forty-eight hours,
go to step five.

 5) Add two tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia after breakfast and dinner as needed- Continue to take three Senokot-S tablets in the morning and three Senokot-S tablets in the evening.

-If you do not have a bowel movement within seventy-two hours after starting this protocol, please consult Dr. Columbus.

 If you start having bowel movements, use the previous step as your daily laxative protocol.

Guidelines for Managing Constipation
General

• Increase fluids to at least eight glasses per day. 

• Eat a high fiber diet

• Avoid foods with white sugar, pasta, pastries, cheese, and rice

• Exercise regularly

• Establish regular times for evacuations (usually after a meal)

• Drink a warm liquid one-half hour before breakfast to stimulate bowel movement

• Sit in a modified squatting position for evacuations by placing feet on a stool

• Avoid laxative and enema abuse   

FIBER

Sources of Fiber

Vegetables
Whole grain products
Bran cereal
Legumes (dried peas and beans)
Oat Bran
Apples
Citrus

Tips on Increasing Fiber in your diet

• Increase fiber slowly to give the digestive tract time to adjust and to avoid flatulence and cramping

• Increase fluids along with fiber to avoid constipation  

• Obtain fiber from a variety of sources

• Eat whole grain food because processing tends to decrease fiber content

• Choose fruit and vegetables with edible skins and seeds

• Eat whole grains such as  barley, bran, brown rice, buckwheat groats, cornmeal, popcorn, whole wheat, and wheat germ  

• Avoid medication after bran cereal because bran can block medication absorption