What do you take for constipation?

[Cookie]

I am looking for recommendations on what to take as a stool softener. I am terrified to take anything for fear of ending up with diarrhea, which is more my norm. Also, when my stools are too soft, I get a lot of leakage through my fistula, so in a way I am appreciating being constipated, but lately I have had bad belly bloating and cramps, so I want to take something mild. Any suggestions?

 

[My Butt Hurts]

After giving birth, the hospital recommended Colace, a stool softener. It didn't "make you go", I guess it just made it slipperier?

 

[shazamataz]

Here in NZ we have a product callet Lactulose which is a softener and pretty gentle. It's kind of like drinking a mouthful of thick sugary syrup. I use it with no D issues.

 

[Cookie]

After giving birth, the hospital recommended Colace, a stool softener. It didn't "make you go", I guess it just made it slipperier?

Slipperier...I love it...sound like just what I need. Thanks!

 

[Wizbit]

The IBD nurses that treat me recommend prune juice and lots of water. Yum.

 

[Lisa5326]

I really like miralax, it is a more subtle softener than say, milk of magnesia which is more abrupt...i take this if I haven't gone in a few days, with miralax. Miralax alone I take just to roll things along.

 

[Mazen]

I drink rosehip tea and it seems to help....

 

[Creepy Lurker]

I use Benefibre. It's just soluble fibre. It turns into much and just helps things 'move along'

 

[~TN~]

i use milk of magnesia. i've heard to stay away from laxatives that use stimulants.

 

[gibby]

I use Lactulose too, we have it in UK and was chuffed to see it in NZ. If i am really packed up i take movicol sachets, again dont know if they are across in US, but its powder you mix with juice and drink fast cos they taste pretty rank, but works quicker than lactulose which takes a good few days to get shifting, but only gives you D if you take loads, i normally have a sachet morning and night til things get going again then stop.
Gibb x

 

[jamie2462]

i just increased my liquid intake BY like 4x my previous norm, added bananas (they work for me, I dont ask questions) , freezies, and boosts and stay away from crunchy stuff for a bit....get things going again without getting things GOINGGGGG.

 

[penny3]

i went to an acupuncturist once who recommended drinking a spoon of honey dissolved in a cup of warm water to soften stool. miralax works really well too.

 

[Lisa5326]

I agree with jamie2462! I was put on 2day prep for a colonoscopy and day 1 I had to drink a LOT of juice and I turned from C to D!

So drinking a bit of juice or more water than you are used to will ease it on up!

 

[Crohn's_Doll]

I have always had bouts of C, sometimes I can't go for 5-7 days, very uncomfortable. I have tried stool softeners and the natural stuff and it has always given me pain and the sweats. Now I use a suppository and it helps in 15-20 mins..things go back to normal in a couple days. I do feel some pain in the tummy after but better out than in.

 

[JillianB82]

Ummm...I just put a little bit of red hot on something & within 20mins the big C is gone! LOL

 

[sherrylouz]

constipation

The main intervention for constipation is to increase the intake of fluids (preferably water) and dietary fiber. The latter may be achieved by consuming more vegetables and fruit and whole meal bread, and pulses such as baked beans and chick peas and by adding linseeds to one's diet

 

[CKnowsBest]

That's never a problem with me; it's always the opposite I have I'm afraid
But I've taken Imogas for the bloated tum and retention of gas before, which is brill.. How about eating lots of fruit and fibre?

 

[shazamataz]

The main intervention for constipation is to increase the intake of fluids (preferably water) and dietary fiber. The latter may be achieved by consuming more vegetables and fruit and whole meal bread, and pulses such as baked beans and chick peas and by adding linseeds to one's diet

I expect you are not a person with Crohns by suggesting this stuff! High fibre food is disasterous for many Crohnies, especially those with strictures!