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Flomax and solving constipation
I have been on amitriptyline for 30 years, managing its constipation/dry mouth by diet and chewing gum. Was in a world of excrutiatng prostate pain a few weeks ago, and urinary flow and frequency problems. Family doctor put me on Cipro for 2 weeks, but nothing changed. Then a urologist on rectal exam diagnosed enlarged and inflamed prostate, despite no infection detected in urine or blood tests. Put me on another 4 weeks of strong antibiotic and Flomax. Flomax helps, but drawing more water out of my body caused me severe constipation. I tried stool softeners but finally had to use a combo stool softener/17 mg two nights to have a bowel movement. Urologist nurse said doctor said it was OK to take a laxative every night on Flomax, but this sounds counter to EVERYTHING you read about relying on stimulant laxatives. Pharmacist suggested Murilax but that draws even MORE water out of the body. Does anyone have a solution to the Flomax constipation issue? I already am doing all the exercise, fiber, fruits, vegetables natural things I can.
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Agreed, don't want any Darth Vader action on my privates. I'm going to give the 16 oz of water 2 hrs before bed time to see if that is the answer. I wonder if the Flomax has a side effect of dry mouth. Again..thanks for the help!!
Lol, we’re on the same page. That 16 ounces of water I start sipping after eating so it lasts about 2 hours. I don’t know if you saw my other post but I take a quality Saw Palmetto, Stinging Nettle Root, and Pygeum Bark Extract. I tend to believe it has been helpful as about 6 months after starting I have noticed reduced symptoms such as longer time between voiding and reduced urgency to go.
Already doing the Saw Palmetto, will add the nettle and pygeum bark.....Great help..thanks for taking time. I've had a catheter since June 28, absolutely the worst 4 weeks ever.....just painful to walk or move, I've tried adjusting the leg straps every which way...but no luck at all. Doc says use NEOPSPORIN at the insertion point ( foley catheter), minimal help. Can't sleep at night due to irritation, finally developed an infection at 2 weeks of wear....prescribed an anti biotic for infection...took for 1 week. So, visit to Doc on 27th July hopefully to remove the foley. Lots of angst here......thanks for the help.....appreciated !!
Looks like the foley catheter stays in another 3 weeks....it is absolutely painful. Any idea how to keep the tube from moving around, when ever I walk it moves the tube and so I feel lots of terrible pain at the point of insertion. Any thoughts, comments MOST appreciated.
You mentioned adjusting the leg straps but did your doctors office or catheter supply people give you Statlock stabilization clamps? They attach to the inside of your thigh and clamp down on the catheter to hold it in place. It might take you a few tries to find the right spot on your thigh for the clamp for it to relieve the tension on your meatus (medical term for the opening at the tip of your penis). I found that it was most comfortable for me when the catheter tube was held straight forward with no side tension. You might have to form an "S" shape in the tube between the clamp and the tip of your penis, at least that is what worked best for me. Neosporin will only relieve the irritation after you have solved the issue of finding the right position, and it still might take a few days for it to work. I hope this was of some help. Good luck.
Thank you for the help....I do have a velcro strap that holds on my leg. The drain, and another tube that was explained to me as the "emergency" release are all held tight against the leg The doctor says to try using lanocaine for the discomfort.
Hmm... it sounds like you do not have a StatLock relieving the tension on the catheter. The StatLock clamp is mounted on an adhesive pad that sticks to the inside of your thigh. The position is critical and only you can tell when it is placed in the best position to relieve the tension on your meatus. When I had my first catheter, the nurse just slapped the StatLock clamp on my thigh where she thought it should be. My meatus became irritated and sore after just two days. I went back to the clinic and got a couple more StatLocks, removed the original one, found the proper placement and felt a lot better... and the Neosporin quickly fixed the irritation. I looked online for a picture or diagram to help you determine where to place a StatLock clamp but I could not find anything. I did find this video on YouTube that provided some useful information. The clinic that inserted your catheter should be able to provide you with the StatLocks. They are very sticky and you can shower with them, but they will only last about 7 days. I also alternated from one leg to the other every time I changed them to avoid irritating the skin on my thigh. I know exactly how painful this can be. I hope this helps.
THANK YOU!!! I have something similar. They have the two tied together but then attached to a velcro strap around leg. The problem seems to be when I walk or get up and down, the tubing at the meatus moves around, causing pain and irritation. It is just so irritating I can't sleep or move I'll try and move to the STATLOCK STABILIZE during next office visit. I want you to know, I greatly appreciate you taking the time to deliver this information in our busy world..super appreciated....I am so, so sore.
Present setup.....ouch on the meatus.
You are very welcome! I hope you can find some relief from the pain. Good luck!