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Stool softeners?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 4/25/2018 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hey guys,

Went to ER on Friday for severe abdominal pain and vomiting. X ray showed no blockage, CRP was 25 but last month it was up to 62 so the prednisone I'm on seems to be helping. Doc said white cell count was elevated but didn't get the actual number. Had IV fluids, anti nauseas and pain meds and that seemed to help! Went back home and have been having some discomfort but not as severe. It's been since Friday morning that I've had a bowel movement so I am getting extremely uncomfortable. So much abdominal pain if I try to pass gas or have a BM. I am still passing gas (just painful) so I know I'm not obstructed, but man oh man I'm uncomfortable. I also started a new job on Monday and I'm hesistant to take a laxative in case of the results with my new job! I see my GI Thursday so I'm not super concerned, just wondering if I could take a stool softener tomorrow night once I'm back from work and if you think that will help. I have a stricture in my terminal ileum, obviously giving me a lot of troubles. UGH.
Thanks for your input!
Posted 4/25/2018 4:11 AM (GMT 0)
Stool softeners like colace (ducosate) are pretty mild - so much so that they probably won't do you much good.

Miralax works pretty well but often needs you to take it several nights in a row before it starts working.

If you're really bad off with constipation, you might consider a rectal suppository laxative or an enema laxative. I had to have that done after a surgery many years ago when I didn't have a BM for nearly two weeks after the surgery. It was not fun, but it worked within a few minutes.
Posted 4/25/2018 10:25 AM (GMT 0)
If you want to start with a stool softener then I'd recommend Senekot-S. But as the previous poster mentioned, you might need to go with something stronger if you go much longer.
Posted 4/25/2018 11:08 AM (GMT 0)
Okay thanks guys!
Posted 4/25/2018 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
I use Senokot, but when I had my stricture it caused too much cramping for me. I agree with Beave that a rectal suppository will put you out of your misery within an hour so you can time it in the evening when you are not at your new job. Miralax is gentle and a good idea if you are getting backed up. It adds water to your stool to help you go. Colace is also safe but might not help your colon contract so you can go. Good luck....we've all been there!
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