Question:
Can I take Ex-Lax?

I can't beat this constipation and I'm tired of the discomfort. I have tried the liquid stuff (can't think of the name, white no flavor just chalky). I wanted to know if anyone has tried a ex-lax pill? This has always worked in the past and I would like to try it now. Please let me know if you have any info. Oh, I am almost 4 weeks post-op. Thanks    — Kelly C. (posted on December 3, 2001)

December 3, 2001
Ex Lax is OK but can become habit forming. Your better off with Colace a stool softner. They arent habit forming....
   — bob-haller

December 3, 2001
Try adding more fiber to your diet like whole grains (whole wheat bread), chick peas, beans, oatmeal. I eat a couple of triscuit crackers at night or a small bowl of wheaties. If you're counting carbs you subtract the total grams of fiber from the total carbs to get the true carb count. I always have protein when I eat high fiber carbs. Eat the protein first and then eat the carbs.
   — [Anonymous]

December 3, 2001
I understand your problem. Since my surgery 13 months ago I feel like I am the queen of constipation. Other than pretty substantial hair loss (although it's growing back beautifully!!) constipation has been my only complication. Unfortunately it's a miserable one though. Just a couple of weeks ago I ran across a WONDERUL product that has really helped me. You know we have to be careful with fiber con tablets or the like because they blow up and can cause a blockage. Well, while searching for yet another constipation remedy at Wal-Mart I ran across a product called Fiber Choice. It's a sugar free chewable fiber supplement. It's orange flavored and very pleasant tasting. It states right on the package that it can be taken with or without water and it will not thicken or swell. It's worked miracles for me. I take 3 tablets each night just before going to bed and take a Gas-X along with it just as a precautionary measure. I haven't felt bloated or uncomfortable from taking this product. Really, it's been WONDERFUL - I feel much better overall now that I am regular. Prior to finding this product I did take ex-lax but found that the chocolated type was the only one that didn't make my stomach cramp. Also, if I rotated products I had more success and didn't have to use as much. For example I'd take ex-lax one time and correctol the next time and colace the next time and smooth moves tea the next time and milk of magnesia the next time, etc. It's a miserable cycle and so unhealthy. It's like the more you use laxatives the more you have to have them. I'm sure you know that getting plenty of liquids, fiber in your diet and exercise are really important too. Try the Fiber Choice. I hope it will work for you. GOOD LUCK!!
   — ronascott

December 4, 2001
Hi, I know you're only four weeks post-op and probably not up for exercise just yet. But I wanted to let you know that I had terrible constipation and I've tried everything. Once I got to around 2 months post op and felt like I could exercise, I have found that the exercise works wonders on the constipation. I exercise 45min 3-5 days a week and I'm virtually regular now with no laxatives or stool softeners and I'm even on prescription iron supplements which can make the constipation worse. Just wanted to give you something to look forward to. Once you are able to exercise, this little problem may improve. By the way, ex-lax gave me the most horrible abdominal cramps I've ever experienced but it probably depends on individual reaction.
   — Angelia M.