medicineHere’s some real “nurse talk” for your tip today.

If your doctor ever prescribes a prescription pain medication for you– after surgery or to treat chronic pain–be sure to take a stool softener with your pills. Prescription pain meds cause constipation, which may end up causing even worse pain than your original injury or disease.

Brands such as Colace or Dulcolax can be bought over the counter at any pharmacy. You can pick them up when you get your prescription. Just follow the directions on the bottle for dosage.

Stool softeners are not the same as laxatives. They do not make you need to move your bowels, but they will soften your stool so that it is easier to go.

So be sure to remember the stool softener when you pick up your pain medications. You’ll be glad you did!