Fiber vs softener

[NannetteC]

I’ve been suffering with IBS-c for about nine months. The main symptom, in addition to bloating, is pain that keep me awake at night. I’ve managed to get it down to about once per week, but here’s what I’ve noticed. I start by feeling extremely full and nauseous. Then I have difficulty passing gas. Eventually, I feel like I need to move my bowels but can’t. But here’s the the thing, immediately following an episode, which always goes until early morning, no matter what I do, then gradually subsides, I have what most physicians would probably term a very healthy bowel movement. The stool is smooth, formed and eventually comes out pretty easily. This would imply I’m eating healthy, but for some reason, now and again, everything slows down. Everything I read is about adding bulk. I think I need the opposite. Any ideas? My doctor suggested Miralax, but I find that just irritates my bowels even more. 

[Jeffrey Roberts]

I can relate to that feeling of bloating that I go to sleep with and wake up usually to release it in a large passage. The bloating is painful, but not nauseating.

Bulking up is kind of an old way of looking at things. MiraLAX is the general supplement of choice. I find that I have to space MiraLAX out more than 17 grams per day. Perhaps every other day would make it less irritating for you.

[NannetteC]

Thanks Jeffrey, for always getting back so promptly. So you take Miralax everyday? How do you space out the 17 mg? I’m thinking I need to come up with something I can do around mid-day to keep things moving. If I could find that magic formula I might be able to work with this. 

[Jeffrey Roberts]

When I'm severely constipated, I use MiraLAX, because I once was hospitalized for fecal impactment and nothing relieved it. I start taking MiraLAX when I haven't gone in 4 days. 17 grams is a cap full. You can try spacing out the 17 grams in 1 day (half a cap + half a cap) or perhaps skip a day.

[NannetteC]

Thanks. Maybe not taking it all at once will help.