[Travelinglady]

A stool softener can help, too.

Originally Posted by Travelinglady

A stool softener can help, too.

How exactly does a stool softener work? Does it draw liquid from your intestines the same way that an osmotic laxative works?

I have to restart taking OTC iron pills again (I won't do a transfusion for it) so I assume that will add to my constipation problems. But I plan to take the iron every other day. Supposedly, that helps the body absorb it better if it's not taken every day, but taken every other day.

Have you ever had to use a stool softener? How did it make you feel?

[Mountaindewed]

I’m not sure if this will help or not. I’m sorry if it doesn’t.

But I was constipated for two weeks in October. I took half a dose of Philips milk of magnesium. I was pooping water all night. I had one of those black Halloween icees from Burger King the day before. So it looked like I was dying. But I haven’t had any issues with constipation since. I have been totally regular. So it was worth it. Just don’t drink anything weird colored.

[Travelinglady]

How exactly does a stool softener work? Does it draw liquid from your intestines the same way that an osmotic laxative works?

I have to restart taking OTC iron pills again (I won't do a transfusion for it) so I assume that will add to my constipation problems. But I plan to take the iron every other day. Supposedly, that helps the body absorb it better if it's not taken every day, but taken every other day.

Have you ever had to use a stool softener? How did it make you feel?

To answer these questions, I think it must draw liquid out, since I don't know how it could work otherwise, but I'm not sure.

Yes, I take a stool softener, since the opiate drug I take tends to clog me up. I haven't noticed any difference in how I feel.

Originally Posted by Mountaindewed

I’m not sure if this will help or not. I’m sorry if it doesn’t.

But I was constipated for two weeks in October. I took half a dose of Philips milk of magnesium. I was pooping water all night. I had one of those black Halloween icees from Burger King the day before. So it looked like I was dying. But I haven’t had any issues with constipation since. I have been totally regular. So it was worth it. Just don’t drink anything weird colored.

My god! A black icee? Ewww! Well, I will keep the Milk of Magnesium and the stool softener as back-up plans in case my Slow FE Iron every-other-day dose backs me up.

Originally Posted by Travelinglady

How exactly does a stool softener work? Does it draw liquid from your intestines the same way that an osmotic laxative works?

I have to restart taking OTC iron pills again (I won't do a transfusion for it) so I assume that will add to my constipation problems. But I plan to take the iron every other day. Supposedly, that helps the body absorb it better if it's not taken every day, but taken every other day.

Have you ever had to use a stool softener? How did it make you feel?

To answer these questions, I think it must draw liquid out, since I don't know how it could work otherwise, but I'm not sure.

Yes, I take a stool softener, since the opiate drug I take tends to clog me up. I haven't noticed any difference in how I feel.

Ok, since you didn't notice a difference in how you felt -- bloating, gas, or belching, I'll assume that the stool softener doesn't cause those side effects that a laxative or prune juice does.

[possum220]

If I want to get things moving again I find porridge (oatmeal) in the morning helps and so do bananas.

Originally Posted by possum220

If I want to get things moving again I find porridge (oatmeal) in the morning helps and so do bananas.

Thanks for the suggestion. I will add that to my constipation arsenal. Although, I did read online that bananas cause constipation b/c they are recommended as part of the B.R.A.T. diet when one has the stomach flu and diarrhea.

[possum220]

I hope the oatmeal works for you. Kinda reminds me I need to eat some myself. A new medication has changed my normal functions. Bananas are a great source of potassium and fiber. It's truly amazing how our bodies are the same but they react differently to things. Make sure you are drinking enough water.

I have a sensitive gut so normally I have the opposite issue.

For me kiwi fruit and those seeds are deadly as well as stone fruit. Again they are a great source of fiber. Even pickles......
PS. Never forget good old baked beans ..... Try making lentil soup too.