[colettewoolf]

Hi, I'm new here, but have been struggling with IBS and severe reflux issues for quite a while.Seeing a motility specialist now for reflux-related pain, and he put me on a couple of drugs that caused extreme constipation (not my usual problem). After a week with very small and few bowel movements, an x-ray revealed tons of poop clogged in my stomach.After Millk of Magnesia didn't help, doc prescribed the following to get rid of it all and start from scratch with fiber (he doesn't want to stop the constipating meds, Nexium and Ranitodine):15 Senokot tablets first day15 Senokot tablets second dayOne Capful of Miralax third and following daysSince I know the irritant effects of a stimulative laxative like Senokol, and my own propensity for very bad cramping, I was alarmed and called my GP. She also worried about the side effects, and suggested I start off with something much less irritating, like large doses of Miralax. Last night I took scoopfuls. Today I took one scoop, and will take two more (as pharamacist said). I'm pooping a little bit more, but no big elimination which is what my doc wants. But I'm conflicted --any advice? I think 15 Senokot would be brutal for me -- and this is one of those "no gain, no pain" drill sargeant type specialists, who tells you to grit your teeth and bear it. But I've passed out from severe cramps before, aeven had to go to the ER, and have no interest in repeating that experience!I'm a woman, 59 years old, otherwise in good health and not currently in any pain.Does anyone have advice, ideas on how to proceed, related experiences to report? I'd be very, very appreciative.

 

[annie7]

HI Collette wow--fifteen senokot would sure be a bit much for me. maybe you could try just taking a much smaller dose of senokot--like just the regular dose--along with the miralax--combine the osmotic miralax with the stimulant senokot. i've had good success with that sort of combination only i take milk of magnesia instead of miralax because miralax didn't do much for me. the osmotic laxative miralax softens things up and the stimulant senokot pushes it out.about the reflux meds--you might want to try some of the other reflux meds which don't have constipation as a side effect. when i'm going through a real bad reflux episode i take prilosec. it works for me and best of all it doesn't make my constipation worse--in fact some people say prilosec gives them diarrhea. i've also take tagamet occasionally--an h2blocker like ranitidine--and that doesn't make my c worse either. of course we're all so different in how we react to meds so as they say your mileage may vary but you might want to try experimenting a little.good luck! hope you find something that helps.

 

[Diana63]

Hello ColettewoolfMy goodness,i can not believe your Doctor gave you so many tablets to take,sounds far to much and Doctors do not always think about side effects.My system would never cope with all that medication,i collapsed after taking one sachet of a laxative before a Colonoscopy,but we are all different.What about Movical that is powdered sachets you make up as a drink,you get them on prescription,at least it may be a bit gentler to use.Hope you feel a bit better.Take care.

 

[colettewoolf]

Thank you so much for the suggestions. You answered so fast, I really appreciate it!So I took two capfuls of Miralax last night, and two this morning. I've had a couple of bowel movements -- one small, the other medium size.That's enough for me to stay at it, or as was suggested, try it with the Senna stimulant laxative. My doc wants me cleaned out, not just moving sluggishly, so I gotta flush out more.I went to my local supplements store today and found two things worth trying (I think): one is Rapid Relief Natural Laxative, which has 122 mg of Senna but also 91 mg of aloe and a bunch of other herbs. The salesperson says it's stimulating, but the aloe makes it gentler.She also recommended I not do that first, but try Constipation Stop which has 230 mg magnesium as the active ingredient in each dose (2 capsules), plus aloe and other herbs also.Any thoughts on this? Or should I just stick with the Miralax for a while? The pharmacist said you can take it every two hours without problem on a temporary basis.I'm so glad I might have some alternatives to those 15 senokots......my doc may like that remedy, but he doesn't have to deal with the pain!

 

[Diana63]

If the Miralax has helped your bowels move i would carry on with that and maybe increase it if you have to,i think it would be so much gentler than the Senokot,its okay to flush out your bowel but all those tablets i think would leave you exhausted!Thats what i think but of course i am not a Doctor! You really dont want it to be pouring out your bowel,gently is a better option for you and your system.I have heard of Senokot and Senna but not the supplements you mentioned although Aloe is supposed to be very good for the stomach and bowel.You can buy Aloe Vera to drink on its own,not pleasant but maybe worth a try,might sooth things a bit if you can take it.You are so right about Doctors not having to suffer pain and unpleasant symptoms,they just give you a prescription and thats that.Saying that my own Doctor is very understanding of my illness.I do hope you get on okay,please let me know.Take care.x