Constipation from opiates?

I have COPD, Lung Cancer in stage 4, CHF....and have begun to use morphine for breakthrough pain. Problem is very hard stool and constipation no matter how many fruits, vegetables fiber etc. I eat ... Forgot to mention I also have bowel hernia (previously repaired, but is partially back out) so it is important I not strain when I do try to have BM. Does anyone know of anything that would help me that is safe to take everyday? Sodium is also a big concern, but I do take stool softeners. I have tried Herbal type things...and ovtc fiber mixtures etc. I need something gentle, safe with no side effects for everyday use. Can anyone help me with this?

coloxyl and senna tablets - softener and motility stimulant combination. sorbitol.
thats pretty much what we use in the hospital - these are OTC meds
good luck - constipation is a terrible side effect

Try Mineral Oil every morning, a couple tablespoons.

Talk to your doctor. There are suppositories that are very effective. Good luck, and my sympathies.

I have in the past, had the physician to increase the patient's stool softeners until they reached the point of controlling the constipation. Contact your physician to see if he/she is okay with any increase.
Bran cereal used as a cereal or mixed into other foods such as breads is a very good way to increase fiber. We used a mixture of bran cereal, apple sauce and prunes pureed together in one of the skilled nursing units that I worked that eliminated all the stool softeners. We increased or decreased the amount taken depending on individual needs. It was considered a treat by the folks taking it as it is quite tasty.

http://www.med.umn.edu/img/assets/6922/N... gives the recipe: Try a prune juice cocktail- mix 陆 cup applesauce, 2 tablespoons bran and 4-6
ounces of prune juice. Store in the refrigerator. Take 1 tablespoon per day at first
and increase gradually.

For immediate relief you could give yourself an enema. I know that doesn't sound too appealing but you could find one that is gentle enough to use everyday until you find a good high fiber diet that works.

I'm sorry to hear you're so sick.....why dont you try taking some acidophilus. Its also good for your immune system. You can take it everyday, it says take 2 with meals...but I take about 4. Its very safe to use daily.