Expert: Vincent Camarda - 1/18/2004

Question
I am also an expert on this site in the field of orthopedics.

I am currently taking 30mgs of Avinza daily to combat the pain of AVN of the hips and knees.  After the initial problems of getting used to the drug, I find that I am extremely constipated and I am taking over the counter Senna vegetable laxative for help (this was approved by my doctor), but it's not helping.  I have begun to have problems with hemorrhoids and gas pain.

What can I do to combat the constipation.  I have tried prune juice and the senna that colace which is not really helping.  The Avinza is perfect for my chronic pain, but the constipation is extremely troubling

Thank you for your time.

Sharon DAvis

Answer
You are probably impacted.  The drug treatment you have tried so far are for long term use.  There is a product called magnesium citrate.  It is used primarily to clear out one's gut before surgery.  That should take care of the immediate problem.  If the Avinza is working well otherwise, you may require longer laxative use.  If used before you become impacted, it can prevent the impaction from reoccuring.  I hope that I have answered your question.