Question 1

can i take a stool softener while having an active case of diverticulitis?

Accepted Answer

It is usually: suggested that diverticulitis best to a diet which contains significant residue . Since stool "softeners"usually contain artificial "bulk" I would think it would be OK. HOWEVER I would suggest you consult with you Treating Health Care Professional before taking ANY medication which might have an effect upon your bowel condition!
Hope this helps
Dr Z

Question 2

i'm recovering from an appendectomy. should i take a stool softener to make the transition back to a fully functioning gi tract easier?

Accepted Answer

No: After an appendectomy there may be a period of ileus or non propulsion of the bowel due to parasympathetic enhanced activity.  A stool softener will not enhance or improve ease of movement of bowel function.  In contrast, where a bowel resection and anastomosis is performed, there may be a narrowing of lumen at the suture line and here a stool softener may help.

Question 3

is it okay if i take a stool softener every day for about 2 weeks?  i have a hemorrhoid and i'm trying to heal it & going for a checkup then

Accepted Answer

Should be okay.: when used for short periods of time, stool softeners should cause no problems. I would try to get off of them as soon as your problem is under control, however. You should be fine for the planned two weeks. In the long run, a diet high in fiber, with an increase in fluid intake also, should be helpful. Good luck.

Question 4

i don't get perscribed medications often, so im probably overreacting. i didn't know i had to stop taking benzonatate after my coughing stopped. i'm starting to experience constipation. what should i do? should i take a stool softener?

Accepted Answer

: Drinking lots of fluids,eating fiber in the form of veggies and fruits,exercising are all important. If you have no urge for a bowel movement take a bowel stimulant like senokotS according to instructions or take miralax. Drinking hot water may work. 
. If you have an urge&amp; can't move, work from below with dulcolax rectal suppositories or fleets enema.

Question 5

can i take a stool softener everyday constipated my whole life, tons of fiber, water, and exercise everyday.

Accepted Answer

Many : Many patients take stool softeners on a daily basis. However it might not be a good idea if the cause of your constipation is not related to the quality of your stools.

Question 6

is it normal to not have a bowel movement for an entire day after taking 2 immodium the night before? should i take a stool softener just in case?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Why did you take the Imodium (loperamide)? It's meant to treat diarrhea. It's not unexpected that it would keep you from stooling. Taking antidiarrheals and then laxatives seems to be counterproductive.

Question 7

internal hemorrhoids are swollen and make the passing of the stool difficult need to strain hard and have to use enemas to have a bm. the stool is flat but soft, i take a stool softener every evening.

Accepted Answer

If u have bad: Internal hemm, please see a rectal specialist as u may be a candidate for rubber banding, or they may need to be lanced or removed.

Question 8

the first part of my stool is always hard, i don't suffer from constipation, i drink plenty of water a day, excercise & a vegan for 4 years that far exceeds recommended amounts of fiber. i take a stool softener twice a day and suffer from hemorrhoids?

Accepted Answer

: Stool is hard but you are not constipated so constipation is not a risk factor for hemorrhoids in your case. There are several risk factors for hemorrhoids and some of them are non-modifiable. You have done well to modifiable risk factors but you could not change your terrain (genetic factor, a non-modifiable risk) so if conservative care is not enough for tackling the symptoms, see a surgeon.

Question 9

is it okay to take a stool softener every day?

Accepted Answer

No: it is not a good idea to use them in the long run. In the short-term, for a few weeks or less, if necessary, they should be tolerated very well. Good luck.

Question 10

how long is it safe to take a stool softener for?

Accepted Answer

Long time: Stool softeners can be taken safely for a long period of time, however, this should not lull you to believe that your problem may be a benign one. There are different causes of constipation and you may need to either describe your problem in greater detail or see your doctor to figure out why you are constipated.

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Doctor answers about:

How often can I take a stool softener

A member asked:

Can i take a stool softener while having an active case of diverticulitis?

A member asked:

I'm recovering from an appendectomy. should i take a stool softener to make the transition back to a fully functioning gi tract easier?

A member asked:

Is it okay if i take a stool softener every day for about 2 weeks? i have a hemorrhoid and i'm trying to heal it & going for a checkup then

A member asked:

I don't get perscribed medications often, so im probably overreacting. i didn't know i had to stop taking benzonatate after my coughing stopped. i'm starting to experience constipation. what should i do? should i take a stool softener?

A member asked:

Can i take a stool softener everyday constipated my whole life, tons of fiber, water, and exercise everyday.

A member asked:

Is it normal to not have a bowel movement for an entire day after taking 2 immodium the night before? should i take a stool softener just in case?

A member asked:

Internal hemorrhoids are swollen and make the passing of the stool difficult need to strain hard and have to use enemas to have a bm. the stool is flat but soft, i take a stool softener every evening.

A member asked:

The first part of my stool is always hard, i don't suffer from constipation, i drink plenty of water a day, excercise & a vegan for 4 years that far exceeds recommended amounts of fiber. i take a stool softener twice a day and suffer from hemorrhoids?

A member asked:

Is it okay to take a stool softener every day?

A member asked:

How long is it safe to take a stool softener for?

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