I used miralax, 1/4 cap daily, then started on activia daily, so now I don't have to use miralax every day, oh to be normal again, whatever normal is.

I use metamucil (sugar free) and I never miss a day. It can also help lower your cholesterol. One tablespoon at bedtime mixed with water does the trick. Fudgies ... I need to remember that one.

I used to use citrucel...it is gentle. My neuro told me to stop it, so I did. Found I didn't need it. No matter whether I have fudgies or rocks, I tend to bleed...I hate this part of my problems...

Why did he tell you to stop? I have been taking two benefiber every day.

We have similar products here to those in the US, but our's have different trade names, so I'm often unsure if we're talking about the same thing, but....

I was told never to take Metamucil, as it can have the opposite effect in an MSer, to that for a "normal" person.

For some reason it interferes with peristalsis in the bowel of the MSer, causing the bowel contents to come to a stand still rather than passing through.

I know that several people here successfully take Metamucil, and unfortunately I couldn't find the article I had that demonstrates what I was told, but just letting you know in case you fall into this group.

I faithfully took Metamucil for awhile with no results really.

My urologist wanted me to stay away from Phillips Magnesium stool softener and just use Miralax.

After talking with my gastro and using the Miralax, benefiber, fruit and fiber foods, etc I have found that a lt of it is individual trial and error. For example I have good results with a spoonful of benefiber in my morning coffee and a yogurt with berries or a bowl of Kashi cereal. I use a dose of miralax every 2-3 days.

Try to see if you can find a good solution for your body. Best of luck.

i took miralax for a short time but it was too strong for me.
the generic for miralax is: polyethylene glycol. it's less expensive to order generics if possible. plus, miralax is a LAXATIVE. so, it's stronger than a stool softner.

i take 2 docusate sodium gel tabs at nite with good results. it's generic for colace. also, cheaper. you can ask your pharmacist for it. it's OTC. and, it's a STOOL SOFTNER so it's action is milder. if i need stronger i still take the docusate but i add a Tablespoon off sugar free metamucil.

of course each person is so different. that's just what i do but i havn't had your troubles. it's always a good idea to talk to your dr.

I think it's finally just hitting me that lots of people with MS have constipation. I've had it for years and attributed it to the antidepressants. But I'm now starting to wonder if it is a MS thing. I tried Activa and had a horrible reaction--vomiting, extreme gas, pains, diarrhea. I gave it a second chance the following day and the same thing happened. My body apparently said no way!

My biggest problem is peristalsis. Stool gets to the bottom but then it doesn't want to come out. Even if I take colace (or fish oil which surprisingly does the same thing) it still is a problem. It may be soft but if there is no movement then it's not coming out.

My question is this: does Miralax take while to work? I tried it for a few days and it worked on the first day but stopped after that. Should I give it a go again for longer?

Also has anyone tried something called Amitiza? I tried it one night and it seemed to work. But I think it gave me a headache and made me feel crummy the next day. I am kind of adverse to taking yet another prescription medication. But I should probably try again? It also doesn't help that I was diagnosed with iron deficiency and most iron supplements are constipating!!

Thanks for letting me know about this one Koala. I fall into the 'Started taking Meamucil hoping for something to 'pass'' category and it had the exact opposite effect you described in me.

Sadly, while I eat prunes with my dinner, and yogurt (though I dislike Activia, I eat Source fat free vanilla instead) in the morning, either the MS is binding me up, or something else is.

No joke, I can go 4-5 days and then I'm running to the hills, and they're alive with the sound of music . It can't be that healthy to not be going for 4-5 days at a time!

I have a doc's appt. on the 30th of this month, I'm going to ask her about a couple things, I'll add this one to the list me thinks.