Stool softener question....

Okay this is just a little TMI but I need help....

After my back surgery in mid August, the surgeon told me I had to start taking a stool softener in order to avoid any straining to the surgery site.  He told me that I should take it from now on as my back is weak and straining could cause my other discs to rupture. 

So he recommended Phillips.  I bought it and have used it for 2 months.  Phillips says it doesn't cause cramping, but it does on me!  It never fails that within 20 minutes after taking it, I am RUNNING to the bathroom!!!!!  So Lisaladybug was telling me to try Colace brand.  It also says it doesn't cause cramping.   SAME THING---RUNNING TO THE BATHROOM!!!! 

Is this just my lot in life or does other people have this same problem?  Do you have any recommendations?  I know a lot of WLS patients use stool softeners and thought I would just ask.  I definitely need some help here!

 

I use the Wal-mart brand of stool softner.  Be sure it does not have a laxative added.  They sell both right next to each other on the shelf.  The stool softner is a gel capsule that is two toned red and white.  The one with a laxative is a solid red pill.   I take one in the morning and one at bedtime.  I also take an iron pill at the same time which tends to constipate so I think they keep each other in check.

Lois,

Once upon a time I had this problem as well. I had tried the colace and stool softeners...and laxatives. No luck for me. I finally tried drinking a cup of Smooth Move tea (Meijer's) and it did wonders for me. It is also good to just up your fiber. I did that by eating 1 cup of Fiber One cereal. I ate it dry..like popcorn. 1 cup has 28 g of fiber. The nuts told me to try to get +30 g.

Sherri

Hey Lois,
 As you know, I have the same back problems,plus IBS, so I have to be careful. I eat fiber one, and was told to use alittle prune juice as well.I have tried all of  the stool softeners too and had the same results- horrible pain & running to the bathroom. You can ask your Pharmacist, there is one that is for babies that doesn't cause the problem the others do- but I can't remember its name. Sorry, not much help,huh? LOL

I have upped my fiber because that is what the surgeon also said to do.  I always look for the ss that says "no cramping" "not a laxative", etc. etc.  I'm not sure if this is because I am so new from having my gallbladder out yet or not either.  That was only Aug 4th.   All I know is if I don't take it, I feel like I can't go and if I do take it, I am cramping and can't get their fast enough!     I think I will talk to the pharmacist and see what they recommend.

Oh!  No gall bladder can make you susceptable to "immediate bathroom syndrome".  Culprits can be artificial like stool softeners or natural like fats (especially fats).  If I get constipated, a pat of butter on a cracker is enough to get me moving.