Question:
Miralax not working so well. Plus it is expensive. What option is left?

I always used Miralax with good results before my surgery. And, after I take it for 2-3 days it will eventually work for me now. (Along with stool softeners) I was just wondering if anyone's doctor might have recommended another option or if I might need something prescription. Also, Miralax averages out to be about a dollar a dose. I am disabled and have a very low income. It's very difficult for me to afford. Thanks for your answers in advance!    — PaulaJ (posted on June 29, 2009)

June 29, 2009
I take milk of magnesia and stool softeners. My doc okayed. Good luck!
   — lesleigh07

June 29, 2009
I use Smooth Move Tea. It comes in two flavors - original (which tastes like licorice) and chocolate (which has a very mild chocolate taste to it). You can get them at Super Supplements, but I know I've also seen them in other stores as well. The key is to let the tea brew for 10 or 15 minutes at least - the longer it brews, the stronger the results. It is a natural laxative, and if you a real constipated it may take a couple cups to get you going, but it takes 6-8 hours sometimes. I drink a cup at bedtime every other night, and it keeps me regular.
   — Wendy M.

June 30, 2009
My doctor suggested Benefiber. It dissolves so completely you can't tell it. You can put it virtually any drink (except carbonated beverages). I flavor my bottled water and just put in it there. Works great for me! Good luck!
   — ShirleyF

June 30, 2009
I primarily use suppositories, Fleet Glycerin Suppositories work very well for me and are very reasonable pricewise. I use one every morning to get things moving.
   — cydthekid50

June 30, 2009
I use generic correctol. Very inexpensive, small, take 2 at night and by morning, I'm good to go...literally. LOL
   — babs71958

June 30, 2009
My PA suggested both ground flax seed added into meals (like oatmeal or other hot cereal in the morning), or Benefiber. I bought a box of Benefiber "stick packs" that are little tubes you put into your water or other drink, and was using them two or three times a day in my Crystal Light On The Go, when I found out that Benefiber has actually come out with it's OWN flavored stick pack - in Strawberry Kiwi, which is really yummy!! Yahoo!! Now, I don't have to buy BOTH products if I'm short on money. I can just get the Benefiber - it's just like drinking Crystal Light! And, I'm a LOT more regular now. The PA also told me that if I was really having trouble, I could use Phillips Milk of Mag - and I found that in Wild Cherry flavor, much better than the old chalky mint flavor. Last but not least... regular exercise has helped me immensely - I mean the kind at the gym, using the rowing machine that squishes my stomach area, and the leg presses, and doing crunches...
   — Erica Alikchihoo