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Suggest Treatment For Severe Constipation While On Miralax
Question: I have been dieting since April 2016. I have gotten down to a weight I am comfortable with, given my age and health history. I eat a well balanced diet with plenty of fiber and protein. I've had issues in the past with constipation that usually resolve with a mild stool softener. Today I am on day 5 or 6 and still have not had a regular bowel movement. Monday I took 2 stool softener pills at one time (directions said 2 to 4 a day spread out or all at once). Nothing happened. Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon I did the same and still nothing. Today I took 2 pills this morning plus 2 this afternoon AND a suppository tonight and nothing but suppository remnants and a lot of gas. I've gained about 3 lbs. which I can't help but think is due to constipation. Is there anything else I could try? I would appreciate some suggestions. I feel so bloated! Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It does not sound like this stool softener is going to work for you.
Two thoughts: If you are not having cramping, you can consider a stimulant laxative.
Miralax is not a stimulant laxative, but works by drawing water into the stool to help it pass.
Stimulant laxatives on the other hand, stimulate the intestines to move things along. Stimulant laxatives also increase a stool's hydration (so be sure to drink a lot of water). Examples of over-the-counter stimulant laxatives are Correctol, Dulcolax, Sennkot, and Feen-a-mint, and prunes or prune juice.
To make your own prune juice, you can stew prunes in a little water for 20-30 minutes and drink it warm before going to bed.
Stimulant laxatives can cause cramping, and they shouldn't be used on a daily basis because the body can become dependent on them over time.
If you take one of these tonight (all night grocery or drug store?) and no results tomorrow, then the next step is an enema. Given your other medical problems, it may be best to go in to the urgent care at that point where they can help you and also they can check to make sure you do not have a bowel impaction.
I wouldn't wait more than another day to go in.
I hope this information helps and you get relief soon!
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It does not sound like this stool softener is going to work for you.
Two thoughts: If you are not having cramping, you can consider a stimulant laxative.
Miralax is not a stimulant laxative, but works by drawing water into the stool to help it pass.
Stimulant laxatives on the other hand, stimulate the intestines to move things along. Stimulant laxatives also increase a stool's hydration (so be sure to drink a lot of water). Examples of over-the-counter stimulant laxatives are Correctol, Dulcolax, Sennkot, and Feen-a-mint, and prunes or prune juice.
To make your own prune juice, you can stew prunes in a little water for 20-30 minutes and drink it warm before going to bed.
Stimulant laxatives can cause cramping, and they shouldn't be used on a daily basis because the body can become dependent on them over time.
If you take one of these tonight (all night grocery or drug store?) and no results tomorrow, then the next step is an enema. Given your other medical problems, it may be best to go in to the urgent care at that point where they can help you and also they can check to make sure you do not have a bowel impaction.
I wouldn't wait more than another day to go in.
I hope this information helps and you get relief soon!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I guess I forgot to mention that the Equate brand stool softener I've been taking in pill form this week also has a stimulant laxative. So I guess that isn't going to work for me. My husband does help care for me with the MS, so I'm sure he could help with the enema. If that doesn't help, does a bowel impaction require surgery? I've been eating raisins tonight while awaiting your answer. But they haven't helped yet!
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
I looked up Equate Maximum Strength Laxative for ingredients and see that it contains sennosides. So that would be like Senokot - a stimulant laxative as you said.
Yes, the next step is an enema. If that doesn't help, then you do need to see a doctor.
Bowel impaction does not usually require surgery. It can usually be dissempacted digitally (with a finger) in the office. Sometimes a severe bowel impaction can require surgery, but this is not typical.
Not sure that raisins will help as much as prunes, but if that's what you have in the house, go for it! You may try stewing them in a little water to see if that helps too.
Information
Detailed Answer:
I looked up Equate Maximum Strength Laxative for ingredients and see that it contains sennosides. So that would be like Senokot - a stimulant laxative as you said.
Yes, the next step is an enema. If that doesn't help, then you do need to see a doctor.
Bowel impaction does not usually require surgery. It can usually be dissempacted digitally (with a finger) in the office. Sometimes a severe bowel impaction can require surgery, but this is not typical.
Not sure that raisins will help as much as prunes, but if that's what you have in the house, go for it! You may try stewing them in a little water to see if that helps too.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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