Question 1

no bm in 8 days. take daily probiotics, stool softeners, & miralax (polyethylene glycol). stomach looks large and in some pain. what should i do? have appt w gi dr this wk.

Accepted Answer

GI good idea: It sounds like you are doing all the things that you should on your part.  You may could ask your gi, if apt not until later in week, if they would be ok with you trying a fleet enema, (sodium bisphosphate) but with colitis (depending on the type), you really should have that discussion with your GI doc....Sooner than later.

Question 2

after 2 weeks, ivetaken daily laxatives and stool softeners for 5 days, and can barely get out anything. if gas still passes, is it still a blockage?

Accepted Answer

Increase your fluid: Intake , if no help after 24 hours see pcp.

Question 3

how long is it safe to use a stool softener daily?

Accepted Answer

Sure, but...: Docusate (per pdr) helps moisten & soften hard, dry stools. It is not a true laxative, but facilitates natural defecation, usually within 12 to 72 hours. This is safe & available for anyone over 2, & assumes normal GI anatomy without inflammation, stenosis, extrinsic or intrinsic obstruction. Change in baseline bowel habits however warrants evaluation rather than indefinite otc treatment.

Question 4

i had rny 2 years ago. because of my diet, constipation is an ongoing issue. is it safe to take one or two stool softeners daily?

Accepted Answer

Constipation: I am not familiar with RNY. Constipation is best treated with good fluid intake, sufficient fiber in your diet and there is no harm in taking stool softeners twice a day. The goal is to avoid a laxative habit,however. If really necessary  taking one senokot a day may help as it combines a stool softener with a gentle bowel stimulant(senna). If you have the urge and can't move, use glycerin supposi

Question 5

i am takin benefiber and stool softeners daily until i heal my hemorroid and go back to the doc in 2 weeks but i still have hard stool.any advice?

Accepted Answer

Magnesium and PEG: I would try taking some drinks with magnesium, such as Calm.  A lot of people are deficient in magnesium. This is why Milk of Magnesia works as a laxative. Magnesium supplements/drinks like calm help relax smooth muscles. You will also sleep better.  I hope this helps you.   Another over the counter is Miralax (polyethylene glycol) which is made out of Polyethylene Glycol. It will definitely work by trapping water.

Question 6

good morning....i am taking an iron supplement.  i take fiber supplements too and recently my stools are very hard and i am straining when i have a bowel movement.  is it ok to use a stool softener daily to help with this?  i have increased my water intak

Accepted Answer

Doctors can check: Each person with constipation needs to be sure there is no other disease causing it. If constipation is just due to slow movement of the food and poop through the gut, then the things to try are vegetables, water, fiber with water, prune juice, prunes, polyethylene glycol, Senokot or other senna, milk of magnesia, other laxatives... A doctor can evaluate to check for anything serious.

Question 7

how many mg of stool softener should you take daily while on pain meds to reduce constipation? i'm post op for hemmoroidectomy.

Accepted Answer

Stool Softener: With opiate pain medications, a stimulant laxative should be used along with a stool softener.  A stool softener alone is not often sufficient with opiate pain medications.  I would recommend 200 - 400 mg of a stool softener daily along with a stimulant laxative such as senna.

Question 8

are colace (docusate sodium) clear stool softeners safe to use daily? i've been taking 1 a day for a few days now

Accepted Answer

Yes, but...: it is perfectly OK to use Colace (docusate sodium) on a daily basis, but for no longer than a week. If you continue to have constipation beyond that time, then Colace (docusate sodium) is not the proper medication to be using. You should consult with your doctor about a plan for the long-term. In the meantime, adding in extra fiber to your diet and perhaps taking a fiber supplement such as Metamucil maybe useful. Good luck.

Question 9

can kids take doss stool softener?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but lower dose: Docusate (doss) is safe for children and it has pediatric dosing tables; do not give a child an adult dose. I would check the medication insert or online at doss's site for this to most accurately dose for pediatrics. Otherwise, it is safe for use in children and I have given my daughter pediatric docusate before. I hope this helps!

Question 10

what does stool softener actually do?

Accepted Answer

Helps moisten stool: They cause stool to retain more water and thus be softer in consistency.

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Doctor answers about:

Daily stool softener

A member asked:

No bm in 8 days. take daily probiotics, stool softeners, & miralax (polyethylene glycol). stomach looks large and in some pain. what should i do? have appt w gi dr this wk.

A member asked:

After 2 weeks, ivetaken daily laxatives and stool softeners for 5 days, and can barely get out anything. if gas still passes, is it still a blockage?

A member asked:

How long is it safe to use a stool softener daily?

A member asked:

I had rny 2 years ago. because of my diet, constipation is an ongoing issue. is it safe to take one or two stool softeners daily?

A member asked:

I am takin benefiber and stool softeners daily until i heal my hemorroid and go back to the doc in 2 weeks but i still have hard stool.any advice?

A member asked:

Good morning....i am taking an iron supplement. i take fiber supplements too and recently my stools are very hard and i am straining when i have a bowel movement. is it ok to use a stool softener daily to help with this? i have increased my water intak

A member asked:

How many mg of stool softener should you take daily while on pain meds to reduce constipation? i'm post op for hemmoroidectomy.

A member asked:

Are colace (docusate sodium) clear stool softeners safe to use daily? i've been taking 1 a day for a few days now

A member asked:

Can kids take doss stool softener?

A member asked:

What does stool softener actually do?

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