Having constipation problem and need advice
#244182 - 02/04/06 04:48 PM
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ArtKen
Reged: 07/12/03
Posts: 301
Loc: Brantford, Ontario, Canada
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My constipation is probably more related to diverticulosis but in addition to taking fibre I have taken one dose of ratio-lactulose so far.
So far no luck but am I supposed to continue with Metamucil as well or just do the laxative?
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Hello! Didn't know you were taking metamucil. It contains psyllium which can be an irritant making constipation worse. You may want to consider citrucel, benefiber, or Heather's Acacia. You might also want to try increasing your insolubles a bit, and of course, drink tons of water and see if you can get a bit of exercise - even just a few 10 minute walks here or there might help. I would try to leave the laxative as a last resort - they are so hard on the system!
-------------------- Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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Well did take some of the laxative mentioned and have managed at least to get some movement for now, especially some of the harder stool.
So far as the pysillium what I take is a gereric brand with no additives.
I see doctor tomorrow. Both local druggtist as well as Ontario Nurse hotline said the lactulose was safe and not harsh
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I took the lactulose this past Wed. night & it didn'rtkick in till Saturday morning, so it may take a while. I didn't find it harsh at all.
-------------------- Kiwi
IBS-C
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Art, Yes, because it is so safe and not harsh, just like Miralax, it may take a bit of time to work. As Kiwii just mentioned it took a little over three days plus. Miralax and Lactulose are not the same, but they do work the same way. Miralax can cause gas when you first start it. Thus, if Lactulose doesn't, you might as well stick with it. -Bob
-------------------- <img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
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Does Lactulose have less side effects than Miralax? I didn't think Lactulose was available in the USA.
-------------------- ~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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I've never tried Miralax. My GI gave me some pacets of Lactulose just in case I get real bad. My mom also takes Lactulose everyday, she has prescription for it. So yeah, I guess it must be available in the US.
-------------------- Kiwi
IBS-C
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Beth, If you ask him, Dr.J will give you a scrip for it. As Kiwii said it is readily available here. -Bob
-------------------- <img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
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Hi Alicia, Not all laxatives are harsh. Miralax, and I guess this Lactulose aren't. There is a woman in my dept.that is in fantastic shape and has been taking one 17g dose of Miralax every day for the last five years. She told me her IBS doesn't bother her much anymore except when travelling. She even says she has near normal BM's with the daily Miralax. I know this is just one anecdote, but I'm sure they're more. -Bob
-------------------- <img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
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I know that lactulose & psyllium are "covered" by most basic drug plans in Ontario.
Kate, IBS-D.
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Hi Kate, Yes, but Beth lives in Illinois. However, if she has Blue Cross/Blue Shield, which is the most common in the US, then it is covered. Were you meaning to say well if it's covered in Ontario, then it would be covered in any other province or state? -Bob
-------------------- <img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
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No, all provinces/states/drug benefits plans are different re: coverage. "ArtKen," the inital poster in this thread is from Brandford, Ontario & I guess I mentioned it mostly because he is a resident of the province in which I reside. It's not really that important or relevant in the least. He mentioned using generic psyllium & lactulose, both which are covered.
Kate, IBS-D.
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Thanks for all Replies.
problem gradually resolvig itself. Saw doctor today and he is definitely not in favour of any strong laxitives unless required for examination.
As far as psyllium it is an over the counter product and not covered even if given by prescription.
The lactulose may be as I got it by prescription.
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-------------------- Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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-------------------- <img src="http://www.math.mtu.edu/~rwkolkka/BritPicA.jpg">
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