Laxative use.: Now, for the first time... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Laxative use.

Desanthony profile image
24 Replies

Now, for the first time in years I had a couple of days of constipation. I was wondering which laxatives you use which work and are not a concern to us with AF please?

I know some are and there are warnings on them. The last time I took them was for a couple of oscopies about 5 years ago and then was given senokot - and the usual wonderful liquid they give you - which really does the trick. It was when reading the pack notes that come with senokot that I noticed they should be taken with care by people with any heart problems. I questioned this and was told that it would be no problem. That pack of senokot went out of date and my wife cleared it out of the bathroom cabinet earlier this year (can you believe we are almost half way through 2023?) This time I took Fybogel which did work - eventually. Just wondering what you would suggest.

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Desanthony profile image
Desanthony
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24 Replies
stoneyrosed profile image
stoneyrosed

I have used laxido, which was prescribed by my GP who knew about my medical condition (AF) all was fine.

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply tostoneyrosed

I’m with you, think you can buy over counter too

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

Prunes - very good article by Zoe team about how prunes work in the gut to help ease the problem. 1 or 2 prunes with breakfast and you will never need to buy laxative ever agin.

Chia seeds are also excellent & WW is also a must = water and walking.

Threecats profile image
Threecats in reply toCDreamer

I will certainly second prunes! I always had problems with a sluggish bowel until I discovered them. Two prunes a day is my sweet spot and plenty of water, too👍😊

Vonnegut profile image
Vonnegut in reply toThreecats

I have five with morning muesli and other fruit and sometimes added prune juice as not able to walk very much now since fatigue struck.

Peacefulneedshelp profile image
Peacefulneedshelp in reply toCDreamer

I agree with CDreamer, I eat exactly 2 prunes a day and it works wonders. A couple of time before that when I first started the medication, I had to get some suppositories. Water, water, drink enough so the colon has enough moisture to get things moving.

Jalia profile image
Jalia

Laxido. Available at pharmacy and given to me in hospital following op.

BaileyC57 profile image
BaileyC57

I put Benefiber in my decaf coffee every morning and my heart doc said I could still use it with AFIB!

Frances123 profile image
Frances123

Another one for laxido which is an emollient laxative that softens the stool. I had it prescribed by Gp once but you can buy over the counter. Steer clear of stimulant laxatives like senna that just speeds up bowel movement.

A more natural approach I found quite by accident is kiwi fruit. I started having one a day to help with bone health, Vit C and digestive issues. Next morning after the first one I realised it had another benefit. Hence, I now keep the greengrocer in business.

Suesouth profile image
Suesouth

hospital prescribed senna for me!

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman

You might find another thread on this useful. I've just posted this reply on it:

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

Steve

Maggimunro profile image
Maggimunro

no need for laxatives if you take magnesium in the evening. Constipation used to be a frequent event for me but. Not anymore.

pottypete1 profile image
pottypete1

I use Macrogel.

Macrogel is a very gentle laxative. You can vary the dose to suit the situation.

Tarikor profile image
Tarikor

try to avoid drugs and chemical crap that ALL come with side effects, some quite pernicious.

Use a tablespoon of organic MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) coconut oil instead, between two and four a day. You will see the difference very quickly, with the only side effect of poop not quite being stuck.

I cured my constipation by avoiding ALL GRAINS completely, and especially anything with sugar in it (including artificial sweeteners).

Surprisingly, eating a high fat diet has not only made me lose fat weight (I have kept my muscle mass) but I no longer have constipation for the first time in twenty years, and my skin looks ten years younger. Psoriasis, dermatitis, all gone for the first time in ages as well.

Let me know how it goes if you decide to add more fat to your diet, cheers!

Tapanac profile image
Tapanac

movicol given to me by doctor. Also he gave me laxido. Both work

More gentle but does work I take (from the supermarket cooking section ) and more natural

4 soft prunes + 2 soft figs

If very constipated 6 prunes plus 2 gigs

Good luck!!

Auriculaire profile image
Auriculaire

Dried fruit like prunes figs or apricots . Magnesium supplementation. Ginger.

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49

Hi

After a colonoscopy with no problems the Australian surgeon doing it said.

You have the longest colon scranched up in a small space.

I suggest you take COLOFAC 140mg with a large glass of water 1 hour before breakfast.

It works relaxing the colon and the bowel bingo. Otherwise 1/2-1 kiwifruit on organic full oats in water for breakfast. I must go daily morning to feel comfortable.

None of the others thanks. Keep cheese to minimum. Prunes and figs good too.

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)

2learn profile image
2learn

I'd start with water, fruit and fibre and some exercise before any laxatives. I've also heard 2 coffees at breakfast time helps, good luck

Barb1 profile image
Barb1

Agree about Laxido. I always take 2 at a time which seems to do the trick. Up to now the most I have taken in 12hrs is 6 packets.

Belle11 profile image
Belle11

I take a couple of teaspoons of psyllium husks and plenty of water, (it's the fibre that's in fybogel, without added artificial sweetener) available in health food shops. It's a gentle soluble fibre - and good for preventing constipation. Magnesium citrate works for me if I ever do get constipated - as seems to happen if I eat very low carb.

frazeej profile image
frazeej

Similar problem here. I use generic Metamucil as a fiber supplement, 3 Tablespoons in water during the day. Half after lunch, half after dinner. Usually works by the following morning. If not any action by morning #2, a small (8 ounces) of prune juice will get action going within an hour. I seem to be sensitive to the sorbitol in prune juice, so the effect is rather quick, almost to the point of "urgency". Metamucil every day, prune juice as needed. Works for me!

Madscientist16 profile image
Madscientist16

Polyethylene glycol. Ask your Chemist or Pharmacist. Safe, effective and no cramping.

Lena52 profile image
Lena52

My gastroenterologist advised 1 teaspoon a day of Epsom Salts (magnesium sulphate) a day, which I have been taking for 10 years now. I dissolve it in boiled water and add a touch of orange juice to improve the bitter taste. It works a treat, is readily available and you can adjust it to your needs. I have asked numerous specialists (cardiac and renal) and GPs if it is ok in their opinion, and they have all said it is fine. I use food grade Epsom Salts, but have also used it when food grade is not specified on the container.

hausjac profile image
hausjac

Movicol is the best and you can get it in several flavours. My late husband who had Parkinsons and so had major constipation problems swore by it and liked the chocolate flavour!

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