Stool Softeners- TMI

Does anyone use them and if so what would you recommend? I have been having trouble lately going to the bathroom and when I do its hard and can hurt. Also with being pregnant I know it can cause issues there too. I was thinking about taking one but I don't know what to take.... any ideas?

A lot of us take them.  Even as a new post op, I had major issues with constipation. I get the stool softeners from puritan pride vitamins (puritan.com I think). I take 4 of these daily, but you may need less. They have buy 2 get 3 free or buy 1 get 1 free sales during the year.  Dulocax makes on you can find locally, and for the most immediate releif I'd try the Dulcolax suppositories--you'll get relief in less than an hour with the later. DAVE

Hi,

I also had terrible constipation problems in the past, but I have kept under control by taking two Colace in the morning along with a capful of Miralax in my morning protein shake and then two more Colace before bed.  Good luck!!

 

Debbie

 

 

I just buy the generic stool softeners, available at any pharmacy section of most stores. I take them as needed - you can take 1-3 of them daily, depending on your severity. When it gets to the point that I decide I need to take them, I take 3 for a couple days and then am fine again. Luckily, haven't needed them in awhile but needed them more early post-op.

 

Amy

I add Muselex to my shake each morning and it really helps. I did the softners but this is better.

I take 2 every night of the generic brand.  I also did the same think when I was pregnant.  If things get really bad I take some MoM also.

 

I started with Ducolox but now I just use a generic brand and it works just as good.

I would check with your OB to see what's safe when you're pregnant.

 

I don't know if this is something you would want to do being pregnant, but this just worked wonders for me today.  I made half a pot of coffee and put about three shakes of salt in with the grounds.  I was doing it to cut down on the bitterness of the coffee, but it resulted in two of the biggest bowel movements I have had post-op, like within twenty minutes after drinking it.  I didn't eat or drink anything else that would have caused that.  I had some stomach cramping with it though.  I'm not 100% sure that's what it was, but it's worth a shot if you're still drinking coffee.  Also, I have heard epsom salts diluted in water helps the bowels move.

Other than that, I have heard dulcolax has a good stool softener that is recommended for pregnant women.

Don't use them. My diet consists of enough fruits veggies and fiber to keep the party moving. I only have issues when I go HIGH protein and very low carbs and then running or swimming a couple miles will sort it out.