this was posted by ada on the rsd forum. i thought it might help.

My situation might be a bit different. I am not AT ALL allowed to take a stimulating laxative. Colace and Miralax will help BUT it causes my IBS to flare. Soooo....I think Dahlek hit the nail on the head. The REAL key is water and LOTS of it. I was taking Nexium, do take Vicodin and also take Klonopin. All 3 are constipating. ALL of my docs have said fiber and water. However, you have to expirement to find the right amount. At first I did take Miralax and it straightened me out but my Urogyn did NOT want me on it for very long (female issues as well as IBS). But then I switched right over to Benefiber and again, a LOT of water. All I need now is 1/8 of a tsp. and I am good to go...regularly...every morning like clockwork.

Curious? That 'prune paste' thing was running thru my mind...It's been posted what seems like everywhere! I've not had to resort to it, just chilling out, water and peri-colace have done the job. I know folks who swear by it tho!
There are lots of variations of it, and I probably should keep all the ingredients on hand. SIGH!

Another key thing to do? IS walk! Even little bits! That moving well,? Helps get things moving. IF you are capable, go to the grocery store and DO one lap around the perimiter before doing your regular shopping. This is the kind of little thing that can pay off in the long run. [Just in case? Be sure to know where the public restrooms are tho....never can tell]

Just try not to force issues, you will only exhaust yourself and stress yourself unnecessarily. With PN stuff, you don't need to add other extra problems! Once things start working, do not be surprised about some aspects running 'hot' and 'cold'. Honestly I don't know how other to put it tactfully? It's at times such as these, that HOW the human body works and all truly amazes me! [Mind you, I've been constipated for up to 3-1/2 weeks and actually LOST weight!] So be calm and try the variety of things offered here and wait. REALLY - !'s - j

PS Kathi? - I have been wondering about Benefiber...I think it's something I'm gonna keep on my shelf! -j

j, from what others have said, they use it like jam/jelly.

always worth a try to do things a more natural way....with LOTS of water every day.

Dahlek,

Benefiber has always worked well for me. More recently (long story) my Gastro wanted me to try Fibercon...capsules. Oh, boy, talk about bloating! Anyway, I stopped that and went right back to the good ole Benefiber. And I should add, I know taking fiber CAN cause further constipation with high doses of the opiates. I do try to eat some kind of fiber cereal too; about every other day. The deal I experienced with Miralax (prescription at the time) was that I was told to take 17 grams or whatever that capful is. I think it is 17 grams. Anyway, what a mistake that was!!! I cramped so bad I thought I would die. I kept taking it down and down and down until I was at 1/4 of a tsp. THEN it was okay. I stayed at that for about two weeks until I was sure I was fairly regulated. THEN I made the switch to Benefiber. But know also I have GERD, Gastritis and IBS. So, what I do HAS to treat both diahrea AND constipation. And I was taking the probiotic "Align". It works great too. I have just stopped it for a short while because I was trying to determine at that time if it was the Fibercon or the Align causing bloating and it was the Fibercon so I can go back to Align any time. However, I also know it causes bloating at FIRST then that goes away. It did for me as it was the first one I tried...before the Fibercon.

Ugh, I am rambling. But you are also right about walking...that will do it too! I know people have to try various things based on their conditions but the main thing with me is NO STRAINING WHATSOEVER...so anything stimulating can be bad for a number of reasons.

And last but not least, I could tell you all of a horror story....a barium enema impaction that sent me straight to the ER. And through no fault of my own; mainly due to a rectocele I have and another godawful story. To be honest, I wonder sometimes if THAT wasn't the cause of the fractured tailbone!!

I can't help but wonder if you've been well....sort of 'put off' by all of this discussion?

Curious? As for the prune/combo stuff...yes, like a 'jam' has been my impression of it and it's use....I've never ever gotten to THAT point yet...tho. Aside from my PN onset? When I wasn't 'puter versed...Well, I have to tell you then? I was ready to do either the mineral oil or cod liver oil dousing approach. I was sooo ignorant! [not to mention bloated, weak and sore from 'trying'!]

Kathi? All I can say is URRRPPP! Kind of like a dog or cat that's about to 'donate' something choice onto the carpet! At least, life isn't dull? As Mrs D has discussed about the needs to balance our Calcium/ViteD and Magnesium...That last one can be well, a surprising one. I let you all look up her prior posts about this delicate aspect. Unless of course, Mrs D wants to send you 'directly to go!'
OOPS! Did it again! Another bad pun! Sigh? Hugs and all to all - j

If gas is good........then I'm in the Olympics.
I've become the stereotype ole man, bald, paunchy,
overweight and............ Pull my finger......!

The prune paste is a very good idea ,but Courious's
Dr. is wise lol fooled you..Been away and tired but what's
new..Even though they all the water drinking (univ said not good idea
not to drink 8 glasses of water) donlt think I agree,I think water
is a must,like the V,olive oil very good idea...Hugs to all Sue

Why K so very true/ Sue again..

Miralax has always worked very well for me. I have had impaction type problems with fiber-type supplements, as Mrs. D suggested.