HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Stool softeners - looking for advice

Support Forums
>
Crohn's Disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/8/2018 10:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone

I’ve now had my feeding tube removed and I’m getting 1,000kcal from nutridrinks and the rest from low residue foods. I also drink a lot of water (between 2,5 and 3 litres). My problem isn’t D but the other end of the spectrum. My guess is that there’s still a lot of swelling in the rectum, based on the shape of the stools, once I manage to actually get it out.

I need some advice re stool softeners. I’d like to start taking one for maintainance because I think my problem is mostly lack of space in the canal, rather than too hard stools.

Can you please recommend some?

Thank you smile
Posted 1/8/2018 11:15 AM (GMT 0)
You may want to try Colace a lot of people use it with success. Miralax is another one to consider. You will get mixed views on this subject because not everyone gets the same effect. Congrats on getting the feeding tube out & I hope you are on the road to recovery.

I hope you can get some relief.
Posted 1/8/2018 12:37 PM (GMT 0)
I would recommend Senekot, or particularly Senekot S. These don't have the addictive properties of some other softeners and laxatives. Taking in plenty of fluids would also be a good idea.
Posted 1/8/2018 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you both. I’m keen to try and minimise all the bad chemucals, if at all possible. On top of all the other stuff we have to take. So the more gentle, the better.

Straydog, thank you smile Not to be a Debbie Downer but you know things are bad when you’re almost wishing the tube was back. Almost.
Posted 1/9/2018 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
Oh no, I sure hope things start getting better for you soon. Keep us posted on how you are doing.
Posted 1/9/2018 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
Just a wee update in case it helps someone.

I spoke to my GI to check which stool softener would be the best (got worried in case I get the wrong one) and I’ve been prescribed suppositories and a mild steroid cream to help with the swelling at the very end. I am to continue with Optifibre and while I can use a stool softener, my GI was more keen on concentrating on the swelling and leaving the rest of the bowel alone.

Syraydog, thanks again. smile
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply