Codeine pros and cons

Hello Sarah,

Well done on getting almost to the end of your treatment. This is unfortunately when the side effects really can ramp up, as you are experiencing.

 I too was utterly reluctant to take stronger pain relief but eventually gave in during the final week and took oromorph as prescribed. What I can say is it really helped reduce the pain, which allowed me to sleep better and reduced the pain of bowel movements which had become something of a nightmare by that point. 
I took dulcolax which is a stool softener and I didn’t experience constipation. 

As it’s codeine you’ve been prescribed, it might well be a good idea to try it and see how you get on. You can always tweak the dose within the prescribed amount and find the balance with the laxido. If it doesn’t suit you, you can then ask for a review.

 I hope that you are able to get some unbroken rest, and wish you well for your last few treatments. Xx

Hi Sarah,

I was also prescribed codeine and found it to be really effective. I had a stool softener and also some other laxative (sorry it is a while ago now) but I didn't find I got too constipated and only took took the softener when I hadn't been for a few days. I also believe codeine is more effective when taken with another painkiller so you can use paracetamol or ibuprofen as you prefer, but they've probably told you that.

Good luck with it. Having the pain relieved is so helpful in allowing you to rest, relax and sleep as well as move around and have some level of normality so if codeine doesn't help, keep asking until you get the help you need. And please stay in touch. x