Hello,
I have been using Miralax for constipation issues and my last shipment was substituted with Polyethylene Glycol 3350NF. I have experienced swollen feet using this and have quit taking it, This type of product is to retain water for the colon but in my case there is issue with the feet. Will notify the doctor at my monthly visit to the VA clinic which is required for my Methadone prescription. I know some folks experienced this reaction taking Lyrica. Thought it best to pass this info to my fellow PN suffers. Enjoy the day.

Lanny

Quite a few years back I had a severe issue with constipation. I ended up in the ER, and after a series of tests the only thing I was told by the specialist was to take a heaping tablespoon of "Metamucil" every night for the rest of my life. I've been doing this for for the past 20 years or so, and have never had a problem since.

Metamucil is a natural fiber product better than any type of laxative, and it is safe to take indefinitely, I am living proof. My sisters tease me about taking an "Old lady" concoction, and if we're together any time after 7pm they will announce rather loudly, "It's medication time".

I've tried other forms of fiber, and even the Metamucil wafers. Nothing works as well as the "Original" Metamucil texture powder. If you try this please read the label carefully. It will probably take about a week or so before it starts working.....good luck!

There is some controversy about using Miralax chronically in children.

Here is a sample article claiming that some is absorbed into the body from the GI tract:

http://www.danasview.net/miralax.htm

Here is a list of reported side effects:
http://www.drugcite.com/?q=miralax

A person on Parkinson's had a tremendous effect on potassium when using PEG for bowel prep...he ended up in the hospital!

I still can't get over taking the same ingredient that's in antifreeze and I don't care how many times they say it's harmless. It's weird and I'm not doing it.

Unfortunately, I've tried enormous amounts of fiber in various forms including Metamucil, and all that does is increase gas and discomfort for me. So I used to use Dulcolax until recently, when I noticed that magnesium supplements do it for me.

I've seen here where mrsD said that if it has that effect, that means you are not absorbing it because it's the wrong kind, but then I thought, well, if I'm not absorbing it, maybe it's not hurting me either. All I know is it works for me...think about: Milk of Magnesia. Maybe it's the same thing only cheaper.

antifreeze is ethylene glycol....a slight difference. This is a poison and destroys the kidneys.

They sound alike but there are differences.

I've found the Metamucil "Clear & Natural" to be a super product. I take a heaping teaspoon 2 x day. Can be used in cooking, too. Tasteless and dissolves quickly in any liquid, even ice water.
I cannot tolerate the 'original'. Grainy and tasted terrible.

Those of us on methadone, some of the nerve medicines (gabapention, lyrica) are chronically constipated. In addition, I take Cymbalta, and my bowels have ground to a screeching halt. I have been advised to avoid fiber laxatives because of the danger of bowel obstruction. Just my two cents worth.

--is a very good answer for constipation as well, and most of us are getting enough of it as it is.

I am taking gabapention & metformin and I dont seem to have a problem...is it something that I sould watch out for down the road after taking it for some time?

No, it is primarily the opiates which cause constipation. I have had a problem all of my life, possibly related to CMT (hereditary neuropathy), which caused severe fissures, and compounded now by MSContin and Percocet, but miralax or generic polyethylene glycol works fine for me. One problem solved! (two actually, since the pain meds are working as well). I have not heard of gabapentin causing constipation, I am on it as well and it has not affected my bowels. If you don't currently have a problem I am pretty sure that you won't.