Pmr, prednisone and constipation
Posted , 7 users are following.
the oddest thing--I'm using dsns method, almost at the 5 1/2 mg. stopping point for 30 days, and I started the split dose a few days ago which seems to be helping with some of the stiffness and pain and fatigue. But: suddenly I'm struck with constipation which hasn't been a problem for me except at the higher doses and even then, it isn't as bad as it is now.
The only other changes in my daily routine are the switch to a different gluten free bread (I'm gluten intolerant--they came out with a new gluten free that replaces the kind I was eating) and a change in my eye drops for corneal edema. (Yes, I do suspect that eye drops can cause constipation).
Here is my question: is the constipation most likely just part of the pmr journey...the new gluten free bread...or the eye drops? One would think that as I get lower on the pred, constipation would ease up, which it certainly did.
I got pmr in sept. 2017 and am tapering down on the pred. This Constipation came out of seemingly nowhere. I eat 25-30 grams of fiber religiously every day and haven't had a problem until the past few days. Thanks!
0 likes, 3 replies
EileenH Twopies
Posted
Who knows!!! Me, I'd blame the bread until proven otherwise! Though if you can't get some of the old one to try it out is a bit difficult to prove!
BUT, poor adrenal function CAN lead to constipation and if you have dropped the dose and your adrenal glands haven't caught up get that may well be the reason.
Elijo Twopies
Posted
Eileen's comment about adrenal function could certainly be a possibility. I have IBS and fluctuate between constipation and you know what, so in with my experience it would not make a big difference. However, that said, we are all different. Try taking metamucil regularly, drinking more fluids, more exercise, more fruits and veggies, and I always found the prunes helped greatly. Try them. Good luck!
joey_12298 Twopies
Posted
I had the same constipation problem since starting Prednisone many years ago. But several months ago, I read that it is imperative to drink lots of liquids all day when you have constipation. I found that warm beverages seemed to help me the most. Maybe it relaxes the colon or maybe just a relaxing situation to stop & have a warm drink helps. It is imperative to add Phsyllium Fiber to a beverage three times a day. I put a teaspoon of Pure Psyllium Fiber (not those sugary name brands using a Psyllium formula) but get the real stuff from a Health Food Store into my morning coffee; afternoon fruit juice or hot cocoa & for the evening just mix it in whatever liquid I feel like having. It is flavorless but thickens up really fast so drink quickly. Hopefully, this helps you & if not.... I have high anxiety so occasionally take a prescription of Xanax to calm me further. You will sleep better & usually relax enough to go to the bathroom by morning.