What does Colace do?

Right now I have a BM about every three days. I'm slated to start taking my iron pills on Monday (3 weeks out) and they do a number on me with constipation. My BM isn't hard but it's not the runs either. Will the colace help get things moving more frequently without causing the runs? I just kinda want to get things regulated before the constipation hits. Gayle Queen of Yarn Balls:juggle W-22.5 and happily counting down

Colace is a stool softener. It does not have the runny effects of a laxative. It should do what you need it to do. Joy

Gayle, I use it about every 3 days. I have had a constipation problem since surgery and the Colace has really helped. It is simply a stool softener and will not affect the natural cycle of your system. It has not caused any kind of loose BM's for me. My biggest problem is that it comes in a small gel capsule that I cannot swallow (because of the size of my stoma). I have to dissolve (soften) the gel cap in about 2 oz. of very ho****er and then squeeze the colace out of the gel. I mix the medicine in the water (after removing the emply gel cap), and then mix that with about 3 oz. of prune juice. The Colace tastes horrible! It is vile stuff. This is the best way I can tolerate it. Good luck! Maureen

Maureen, Colace comes in a liquid.....not nearly as vile! Rachel

So do I really need it then? I mean I have the BMs it's just that they are every three days. Should they be more often? Or is three days O.K. as long as they aren't hard? Gayle Queen of Yarn Balls W-22.5 and happily counting down

If your movements are not hard and you are not uncomfortable or straining, then you are not constipated and you do not need to worry. You are eating much less and your natural pattern may differ from before. It is not necessary to have a movement every day. (I do find that 6 days becomes VERY uncomfortable, however ) Joy