Best stool softener to use

[harrietkatie]

I haven’t had a bowel movement since Tuesday before I had my lap. I’m home with a catheter now but I know if I get constipated it’s bad for the catheter! As it can press on the tube and block it.

Has anyone taken a stool softener and had success? I don’t want to strain on the loo, and I definitely don’t want large hard stools to pass.

Sorry for this post! Not the best subject to talk about xx

[Killjoyxxx]

Try lactulose solutions I hadn’t been for 6 days post op but did within a day of taking this x

[harrietkatie in reply to Killjoyxxx]

Okay thank you. Was it soft? I’m so scared it’s going to hurt or push my catheter out!! X

[Killjoyxxx in reply to harrietkatie]

Yeah, I was struggling before because it wasn’t but that stuff works great x

[harrietkatie in reply to Killjoyxxx]

Amazing thank you so much, will get my partner to get some in the morning hopefully the catheter will be out and stay out come Monday! Fingers crossed, it’s been a right pain x

[Fabbird]

Hi, I used to use lactulose and it definitely works. However I also found it made me rather windy. I switched over to Movicol which seems to work just as well but doesn’t create as much wind. The disadvantage is that it’s on prescription whereas you can just buy lactulose over the counter.

If things have got very stuck, it may be a bit uncomfortable as they start moving again, but that is usually short lived.

Hope you feel better soon.

[Hidden]

I wouldn't get lactulose because it is only effective if you drink gallons and gallons of water. Movicol is better - I was given it after my hyst. You can buy it over the counter from the chemist, you don't need a prescription.

[Fabbird in reply to Hidden]

Yes, you are quite right. I just checked and Movicol can be bought over the counter. Thanks.

[kitty270]

Try laxido powders. 2-4 a day really softens stools but be careful you don't use to much because it can cause diarrea. Hope you feel better soon, take care x

[Biya79 in reply to kitty270]

Yeah that’s what I was given by my doctor it works really great

[Dapperfly]

Using a suppository can make it soft (if it there to pass), running it under warm water before use make it somewhat more pleasant- a mixture of that and movicol or lactulose plus plenty of water (try for 1500-2000ml). I don’t think you can get movicol without a prescription but I could be wrong x good luck

[Arlene48]

Senna tablet is good it's a fibre stool softener. Or try natural methods increase your food fibre intake more fruits and vegatabke. Eat dates and prunes , papaya they are effective natural stool softener. Drink plenty of water 6-8 glasses a day.

[Fabbird in reply to Arlene48]

Hi, Senna isn’t technically a stool softener. It’s classed as a stimulant laxative which means it increases intestinal movement and can cause cramp. I was advised to avoid it except as a desperate measure.

Instead my gynae said try to keep to the osmotic laxatives like lactulose and movicol. Like you say, also plenty of fibre from fresh fruit and veg, plus water.

[Biya79]

Hi I used to have severe constipation due to my iron tablets but my doctor prescribed me laxido which is a powder u mix in with some juice or water whatever u prefer and it works miracles haven’t strained at all since I have been drinking it

[bibi_16]

have you tried physillum husks on empty stomach in the morning one 1 table spoon and a large glass of water

[bibi_16 in reply to bibi_16]

its natural fibre

[bibi_16 in reply to bibi_16]

you can also get capsules with fibre in them or just the fibre which come in a husk form very cheap to get in an asian grocers store a large box for £2.50 where if you go t holland and barrett or boots its extremely expensive .

[harrietkatie]

My doctor has just prescribed me laxido sachets so I’ll get some orange juice to take them as I’m sure they taste gross. Also an oral tablet for my thrush antibiotics always causes me to have thrush! Not nice whilst I have a catheter in too x