Question:
How to find a healthy balance?

I read all the related posts on constipation and took the advice of Milk of Magnesia and supositiories. Ok, this worked well for about 24 hours of very loose stool but much relief. I was able to relieve the pain and discomfort for that day but now I feel it coming on again. I am eating 2-3prunes a day, eating Vector cereal (high in fibre and protien), drinking close to 6-8glasses of water a day, eating fruit and walking home from work everyday!! (a vigorous 30min rxertion). I am just so frustrated because I am doing all the right things!! I have considered a Metamucil or the other one that the surgeon on this site suggested but I hated drinking this stuff pre op! I dont think I could choak it down now. I was wondering how bad it would be to start taking Senokot (stool softener)? Is this considered addictive too? I dont want to have to rely on the Milk of Magnesia. (That stuff tastes like CR*P eh?) THanx to all replies.    — Lori W. (posted on June 30, 2000)

June 30, 2000
Hi, My name is Janice and I am from Edmonton and my Dr. was Dr. Cox. I am not sure who your doctor was put my home doctor put me on a stool softener around 6 months ago plus Flex Seed oil and I am fine now. Beleive me I know what you are going through. I went through that for around 9 months. If anymore questions feel free to email me.
   — Janice K.

June 30, 2000
Colace is another stool softener you might try (over the counter).
   — Paula G.

June 30, 2000
Lori, You said that you are drinking 6-8 glasses of water. My surgeon said I needed at LEAST 64oz. I was drinking that and still ended up dehydrated. Some people just need more. Especially if you're exercising. So maybe you just need to try more water. It really keeps things moving if you know what I mean! :)
   — Candace S.

June 30, 2000
I can't take the MOM at all. It makes me vomit. I am always constipated, even prior to this surgery. It is the result of previous back surgeries. I now take Correctol once per week. It works for me.
   — [Anonymous]