Question:
yucky question....laxatives!
Okay guys, now that I bared my soul and told you what a bad girl i was for not taking my vitamins, I have another question....Now that I am on high doses of iron I have another problem..I can't "go". Anyone know of a safe and effective laxative that we can use that works pretty fast? I am getting stomach pains and it's sunday and the doc is not there today...thanks a bunch, I can always count on you all... Barb — BARBARA R. (posted on April 16, 2000)
April 16, 2000
I do not have a quick fix answer-BUT for the long run, as you will continue
to have this problem in taking the iron supplement.
Whole Psyllium Husks....
Atkins recommends this for those on the Atkins diet, I followed it prior to
my WLS. I continue to use the WPH on a daily basis. I use up to 3 tbls. per
day in two or three divided doses. It will get you on a regular schedule
and make things easier to 'pass'.
I have learned to look forward to the light nutty taste of the psyllium in
my water. I found it very hard to get back into the habit of using it as
you have to drink it realtively quickly and it was hard to take that much
'bulk' in quickly. At 6 weeks post-op it became easier.
It can be mixed with juices, Crystal light, water, any liquid. I prefer in
plain old bottled water.
It can be found anywhere where natural foods, supplements are sold.
— Connie H.
April 16, 2000
I found that a cup of tea 1st thing in the morning does the trick for me.
I tried Metamusil, but I needed faster relief. Whatever you do, don't use
the Metamusil Apple Crisp Wafers! I used these and with the 1st sip of
water, they expanded in my little tummy. I couldn't eat for about 12 hours
and I had gas for about 2 days. Good luck!
— DOROTHY A.
April 16, 2000
Hi Barb, This has been my problem since surgery. I use milk of mag.
Every 3rd day, It tastes nasty but it works well. Good Luck and I decided
after reading yours to take my vitamins everyday. LOL Tina
— Tina F.
April 16, 2000
Barb: Try the Milk of Magnesia. My doc recommended it and I used it several
times. It works great and very gentle. Use one oz. and drink water
afterwards.
— Cindy H.
April 16, 2000
You can try Fleet glycerin suppositories -- you'll have a bm in about 15
minutes to an hour. I stopped the Milk of Mag - I really need more of a
stool softener than a laxative (plus I hate the taste); Correctol has a
gentle softener/laxative in a little pill that I take about every 3 days
and its worked out well.
— Toni B.
April 16, 2000
I am still preop but it seems as though there is a developing dependence on
laxatives in the responses of post ops posted to this question and that
concerns me. It is an indication of not enough oral fluids being consumed
or not enough fiber or both. While metamucil and the others that add fiber
is a better choice than Milk of Magnesia or other laxatives over the long
run, perhaps stepping up the water intake and fiber from foods would be a
better choice. As a nurse, I know that adults should drink between 2.5-3
liters of oral fluids per day. If most post ops are getting in 64 oz.,
that's only 64 x 30 ml/oz = 1920 ml=1.92 liters per day. Since the large
intestine (not the small) is where water is reabsorbed, WLS should not
effect the moisture content of the BM. Granted postops eat far less than
pre ops and I'm sure that is also a factor. Comments? Jean
— Jean S.
April 16, 2000
Hey Barb! I second or third or fourth or whatever that Milk of Mag
suggestion. For long-term, speak to your doctor. For short-term, it will
definitely relieve the problem. Hugs!
— Jaye C.
April 16, 2000
Jean - I'm 6 weeks post op and am on a (basically) no fiber diet. I drink
over 10 glasses of water a day. Consitpation was a problem during the
pureed stage-now I think a stool softener gets its moving. I'm hoping
someone posts about why Metamucil (etc.) doesn't work - I don't remember
the reason. Walking, a little fruit (stewed prunes), and getting in all
the water help, but I still need the correctol. This isn't permanent -
once I am able to add more fiber into my diet I'm sure the plumbing will
work fine.
— Toni B.
April 16, 2000
I was told Citrucel is better than Metamusil and also told about Colace
Stool softener. Good luck!
— Paula G.
April 17, 2000
Hi Barb, I have not tried it personally but I have been told that 1
teaspoon of Citrucel in 3-4 oz of warm water does waonders for us
post-oppers. Hope this helps!
— Laura P.
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