Reddit mentions: The best laxatives

I'm sure people have given great advice here, but, as someone with continual constipation issues, I have two recommendations: eat more fat, and find a gentler laxative.

Fat moves things along obviously.

On days when I didn't poop that day, I take cascara sagrada. Now, my mom is a health nut, and likes herbal supplements and all that. I mostly don't, but this one, man. I call it Magic Fiber. It makes me go the next day, without the awful cramping that accompanies Senna Leaf (which is what most laxatives are made from). You can also try Smooth Move Tea, which is made from senna leaf. But you can decide how strong to make it, and how much of it to drink. It can also be very gentle, though if you make it too strong or drink too much, you'll get the cramping like with the laxative pills.

Edit: Also, because I have such a problem with constipation (I actually had a hemorrhoidectomy this Spring because I've had a problem since I was a kid, and I finally couldn't take the painful hemorrhoid I'd had since I was 15), I also take a stool softener in the morning and evening. Plus a shit-ton of fiber. This is partly because of the constipation problem, and partly because I've recently started Keto. So. Yeah. Hope this all helps!

Yeah, I’m really into water but I’m actually really not into combining air and water. That is fun while you’re doing it: gurgles and nice swelling. But then afterwards it’s the worst of both worlds. With air, you can lie down and deflate. With water, you sit on the toilet and drain. With both, you can’t get the air out sitting down, and you can’t lie down to just release the air because you’ll release water too. Still, some of those inflations are fun on occasion when you have a lot of time to kill.

Water is the best way to become a better inflator, for sure. I used to prefer air for probably the same reasons you do, but water inflations using a defined volume in a bag are for-sure the way to train. That way you can take 1 liter one day, 1.2 liters another, 2 liters, 3 liters, 4 liters... I hit a full eight liters three times a few years ago. These days I usually just shoot for 4-6 liters and play around with my balloon belly for an hour or two. Training with water really helps you learn how to stay inflated comfortably, and you can use that experience with air or whatever. You learn not to try and hold your ass closed, but to try and move stuff up higher with your muscles so you’re not even putting pressure on your rectum. With air I find I end up relaxing a bit and some leaks out. With water I can’t do that because I don’t want to drip, so all the inflation ends up in my belly!

I trained for a while lying on a towel on my bathroom floor. I think the key is not to try and take as much as you can hold. Instead, try and take what you can hold for a full half hour; watch a show. Don’t let yourself leak at all. That lets you learn the muscle movement you need to get nice and big. These days I can inflate nice and big from basically any position. I’m usually sitting in my living room in a reclining chair on my PC - bag hangs from a garment rack.

Every serious inflator needs one of these: one gallon, open-top (that’s key) enema bag that’s not too expensive. https://www.amazon.com/Large-HealthAndYoga-Enema-Bag-Converters/dp/B009WH8W1Q

Use a couple plastic clothes hangers instead of the hook it comes with: holds up to the weight better.

One essay later...

Now I feel the need to inflate tonight!

// 29 year old male • dislocated kneecap, complete ACL tear, partial MCL tear • ACL reconstruction surgery with hamstring autograft // Today marks 21 days post-op. Days 2-5 were the worst for me. Day 6 was a noticeable change and improvement; it almost felt tangible. We are all different though so you might find that your day 6 comes sooner. Because you are probably just sitting on your ass trying to occupy your brain through the boredom and pain, Ill give you a personal status update: Currently I am walking with my brace unlocked, without a limp, and doing leg raises and several strengthening exercises like a champ - I was just given the green light to unlock my brace yesterday. I can finally go up stairs reasonably well (not gathering both feet on each step), which is a huge time saver. Going down stairs is still a pain in the ass, but all of it will come with time. Also, I can now do a standing squat to about 50-60% of the 'depth' I could get to before the injury. I was just measured at 118 degrees of bend while laying on my back and sliding my foot to my butt so my flexion is getting there. The swelling is still pretty intense and there is still some bruising lingering around but I am noticing some significant improvements. I go to physical therapy twice a week and the other 5 days I do a strengthening routine at home on my own.

Recommendations: Make sure that your ace wrap is nice and loose and possibly even remove it today or tomorrow (depending on what your doc recommends). I kept my leg wrapped with the ace bandages for like 5 days post-op because of the convenience of providing a barrier between my skin and the ice machine, but the wraps can be somewhat restrictive on the circulation in your leg and not allow the swelling to escape. My leg and shin bruised and swelled up like crazy. It was bad enough to where they thought I had a blood clot and had to go in for a doppler scan; luckily I did not have a clot. The doc said it was probably due to a combination of the ace wrap, the brace and the ice machine all strapping around my leg and restricting the circulation. So I would ditch the wrap as soon as you can and just put on some sweat pants or something. Also, you are probably going to want to shower soon and I can't recommend getting something like this enough: https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Protector-Bandage-Watertight-Orthopedic/dp/B07FSRYT7B/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=leg%2Bcast%2Bshower%2Bbag&qid=1568924454&sr=8-4&th=1. It made keeping my leg dry so easy and I was able to shower every day without going through 20 rolls of saran wrap.

Oh and I assume you are taking some form of an opioid and havent takin a shit yet. I sampled 2 different laxatives and 1 stool softener and this one was the best: https://www.amazon.com/Ex-Lax-Strength-Stimulant-Laxative-Chocolated/dp/B000GCI8JW. It tasted good and it worked without messing with my stomach too much and made my shits the most normal out of the 3. I ate two pieces an hour or so before bed and then took my meds right before bed.

Cheers.

Thank you very much for the thorough reply.

To me, it sounds like you have two issues:

1. The pain from swallowing foods without any actual GERD symptoms sounds like a classic case of eosinophilic esophagitis
   
   It can be seen on a gastroscopy, but a biopsy would need to confirm it. Is treated with "acid-medication" for some weeks with gradual relief of symptoms during those weeks and should remove it all together.
   
   
2. when you have watery stool with small hard chunks it is a common presentation of what we call 'constipation diarrhea'. Directly translated from my native language, so I'll try and explain it:
   Having severe constipation can create a ball of poo which will block the regular feces from going any further. Only thing that may pass is the watery bits and the small chunks that breaks off.
   It is further more confirmed by the duration of your bathroom visits, diarrhea takes 2 minutes, not 30.
   
   The usual treatment is 6-8 sachets - I think it's called of movicol. UTMOST IMPORTANCE that you get pleeeenty of fluids. The package will tell you how much. Effect is usually within 12-24 hours and you'll probably have a lot to get rid off, so expect a lot of visits.
   
   
   So, all in all, I hope you get a gastroscopy to help with your oral intake, and I hope you can get the abovementioned stuff to help with your constipation. After it's cleared, a colonscopy to rule out any IBD would be very usefull.
   
   Get well soon!

The salad keeps things rolling along for me, but these pills were helpful in the past. They're mild, effective, and endorsed by the great Louis Armstrong.

https://www.amazon.com/Dulcolax-Laxative-Tablets-100-Count/dp/B000063XTO

Works every time for me. To be quite fair, it's not a nice experience but cleans the system out (which isn't a bad thing every once in a while), the sex won't be messy and one has a flatter tummy after that = sexy time success

I am not a doctor, just a patient.

Stay hydrated. Figure out why you are straining and start making changes to your diet as soon as possible. Not enough fiber? Get some psyllium husk tablets. Hard stool? Colace(stool softener) I recommend both. It is extremely important to stay hydrated. Dehydration while on any of those will make bowel movements worse. Try to take a shower after every bowel movement, but avoid soap. You do not want to make the same mistake as me and let your skin dry out. If you do use soap I recommend vaseline or a&d ointment after a wash. Cold water may feel relaxing and numb the pain, but remember to do warm water sitz baths as well. The key to healing is increasing blood flow. The blood flow is low in the rectum so healing can take quite some time. Despite how much blood you might see after a bowel movement. Applying heat will increase blood flow. Unfortunately for you the pain from the fissure comes from your sphincter spasming and it will be hard to stop that without prescription medication. You might have some success with lidocaine, but that can be costly(see Dr. Butlers cream). Over the counter pain medicine will help as well. Avoid opioids(can cause constipation). True pain relief comes with the nitroglycerin ointment. Which also increases blood flow to the area and relaxes the muscle. Yes get the baby wipes, but I would avoid the neosporin and get the dr. butlers cream while you wait for an appointment to get the nitroglycerin. I highly recommend getting the nitro. Also look into lifting your legs while on the toilet into a squatting position. Don't wait on getting treatment for this. Although not life threatening if you wait and it gets worse you will regret it, trust me. Make an appointment to see a doctor/specialist if you can afford it. Maybe look into fasting for a day or two, or even intermittent fasting. Give your fissure some time to start healing before irritating it again with another bowel movement. You can't stop pooping, but you can limit how much you do it. If you do fast do some research on keeping your electrolytes in check. Like I said you do not want to become dehydrated. Good luck and stay hydrated!

Magnesium will help, but to get things moving today so you don't have discomfort, I'd recommend getting some Miralax (or cheaper store brand) and doing 1 cap full every 2 hours til you're shitting liquid.

That's how we used to clean out my son when he was 2 for colonoscopies. And it is what I do when I'm constipated due to thyroid issues.

Miralax is safe to use every day (one dose a day, not the cap every 2 hours every day... that's a bit extreme) as all it does is add liquid to your poop. You should definitely up the liquid intake when using Miralax, and just in general.

Having a bit of poop present is quite normal. If it concerns you or your partner, you can clean out. There are lots of ways to clean the colon before sex. Here's a good solution. Of course, there are many other ways to clean out such as a simple enema bag. Some prefer disposable products such as Fleet Enemas.

SFSI Staff

LV / P

San Francisco Sex Information (SFSI) provides free, confidential, accurate, non-judgmental information about sex and reproductive health. You can reach us by e-mail (ask-us@sfsi.org) or by phone (415-989-SFSI).

I'm late to the party, but I swear by colace.

https://smile.amazon.com/Wellness-Basics-Softener-Docusate-Two-Tone/dp/B077Y6VTW6

That right there gets me going, 2 pills a day and I don't need anything else. It's safe to take long term, but ask your doctor if you have concerns.


Also, don't sub tramadol for just motrin or advil. Combine advil with tylenol. They have a synergistic effect - they work better together than they do by themselves. 4 advils + 2 tylenols feels like 50mg tramadol to me. That might be enough to give your intestines a bit of a break.

2 weeks is way too long - I had that experience once and it was awful (but I was able to resolve it without a trip to the doctor thankfully). Miralax was the only thing that worked for me at that point. Do not develop a dependence on it, it fucked up my stomach after I took it regularly for 2 years, but it really does work better than anything else in the short term. I'm at the point where I will take a laxative if it has been more than 2 days without a BM. This is what I use at the moment for a gentle laxative to take during dinner if I've been backed up:

https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Schulzes-Intestinal-Laxative-Capsules/dp/B000X1U6EQ

But for now you need the big guns, take miralax, and glycerin suppositories (to help it not tear up your rear end on the way out). If that doesn't give you a BM in 2 days, or if you get any acute pain or vomiting - see a doctor.

Also for headaches and stomach pain, taking cannabis has been a lifesaver for me (perhaps literally).

Edit: for the future when you have time and money to devote to finding a more long-term fix for your gut health issues, I can't recommend this book highly enough:

https://www.amazon.com/Fix-Your-Gut-Definitive-Digestive/dp/1974682021

You will have to make a serious commitment to completely alter your diet though, and spend hundreds of dollars trying out diets and supplements until you find a combination that works for you.

To start, im sure the stress about NOT pooping isn't helping the situation, though I realize its beyond your control at this point. Not a doctor, but I live with chronic constipation due to Colonic Intertia, if I don't take anything I can go 3+ weeks at a time without a bowel movement. Mag Citrate doesnt accomplish anything for me other than making me more distended, bloated, and uncomfortable.

​

Again, not a doctor, and I know long term use of the stuff leads to dependency which can make problems like constipation worse...but, senna based laxatives have been a god send for me. It's an over the counter drug and I would assume it should be fine to use in a situation like yours for a limited amount of time. I have been using a drug called "Prunelax" for about 5 years now, on amazon but can also be found in most pharmacies and grocery stores: https://www.amazon.com/Prunelax-Ciruelax-Minitabs-Natural-Laxative/dp/B079P21L16/ref=sr_1_5?crid=EYBJDTZSF9BK&keywords=prunelax&qid=1550687695&s=gateway&sprefix=prunelax%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-5

​

It works by stimulating the nerve endings in the walls of the large bowel and forcing a bowel movement. I take it twice a week and it keeps me regular to at least that amount. It contains sennosides mixed with a prune supplement. I have to use a higher dose than whats recommended (bottle recommends 4 before bed, I have to take 8) but the number has remained consistent for 5 years. Literally NOTHING else will work for me. I've tried dulcolax, mag citrate, miralax, etc. Take the advice with a grain of salt, but i would be shocked if it didnt help.

That's good she isn't malicious...from some of the stories I read on here, I wouldn't be surprised if she was! Hopefully she'll calm down once the baby arrive.

Ouch ouch ouch @ the fecal impaction :( I was paying about $10 for 30 ct Colace at our grocery, but found this on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kirkland-Signature-Stool-Softener-Softgels/dp/B00BISGJXA/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1465587273&sr=8-1&keywords=kirkland+stool+softener

The pills look the same but it's so much cheaper. I take one in the morning and one at night and it's been such a lifesaver! I think my LO is doing the same as yours...lol

I'm a big fan of these. They are methylcellulose fiber (not psyllium husk), but the end result is the same. Actually, I like the methylcellulose better as it's supposed to make you less gassy than Metamucil.

I think pink sea salt is just hype with too few minerals to make much of a difference. I recommend a quality multivitamin and 50/50 sodium and potassium salt in order to make sure you're getting enough potassium which is an important electrolyte. A splash (teaspoon) of magnesium in your water will give you a good amount of this important electrolyte as well and at a much lower cost than pink salt. Magnesium can be a laxative if taken in higher doses and that effect occurs with both the liquid and pill.

I HATE taking large pills, that's why I use liquid or gummies, but feel free to take pills if you'd like.

Combine these and you will be getting everything you need, and at a lower price than pink salt.

Prunes are great too but something about chugging a 12 oz glass of prune juice is better. Then prunes as upkeep maybe. (And the Swiss Kriss tabs for sure!!)

> isn't magnesium citrate a laxative??

Yep. If taken in sufficient quantities, hence the warning about no more than 500mg at once.

Example - this laxative on Amazon has Magnesium Citrate as the active ingredient.

It's 1.75 grams per fluid ounce at 10 fluid oz for 17.5 grams or 17,500mg -- Meaning that single bottle would last you 17 and a half days if you took 500mg twice a day.

The recommended dosage as a laxative -- 1/2 to 1 bottle -- So on the low end of their dose at that half bottle, they're recommending 17.5 TIMES the maximum dose I'm recommending of 500mg at once.

TL;DR - Yep, is laxative. Be careful, space out your dosages, don't exceed 500mg within a couple hours, and you'll be fine. Some days I take up to 2000mg, but 1000mg is a safe baseline.

As a chipper and occasional plugger, I've had good luck taking a couple of these once a day: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005TM1H7Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1497918631&sr=8-1&keywords=senna+laxative

It's cheap and 1k pills will last awhile. I never have problems now as long as I pop a few of those on days I use.

We are a 20 minute drive from the hospital and husband will not leave my side, so I'd like to get everything in. I'm a notorious overpacker, too, but I'd rather have something I don't need than have not have something that I do need.
Mom Stuff:

• A nicer hospital gown to make me feel human
  
• Mesh panties
  
• A few non-slip socks
  
• Travel sized makeup & general toilettries
  
• Nursing shirt
  
• Super comfy yoga pants that I can leave with
  
• Heavy flow pads
  
• A few different stool softners
  
• A few different nursing bras
  
• Something to lay down in the car for leaks
  
• Disposable nursing pads
  
• Tucks cooling pads
  
• Spray
  
• Nipple butter
  
• Preperation H wipes
  
• Gel nipple soothing pads
  
• Nursing pillow
  Baby Stuff:
  
• Onesies in different sizes (nb, 0-3)
  
• Hat, socks, mittens
  
• Car seat
  Dad stuff:
  
• He's kindof on his own. I've been telling him for a month that I need his overnight stuff. He finally got some travel toiletries, so I guess we're getting somewhere
  Both
  
• 10ft charging cable
  
• iPads
  
• Kindles
  
• AppleTV (we're still not decided on this though)
  
• Snacks
  
  I think that covers just about everything. I used travel packing cubes to keep all of the clothing items organized, and I already had several different other travel bags that I generally use when actually leaving town, for all of the "other" items. [edited formatting]

Want to know something that will blow y'all's minds? Not only do they make a chocolate flavor of the senna tea, but there is also such a thing as chocolated senna - that's right, it's basically a chocolate candy bar laxative.

You're welcome :D

i’m pretty sure it’s an enema

I started taking two senna every evening before bed and it really helps with the pooping razorblades feeling and seeing blood on the toilet paper! Since I started it it has really made things to much smoother!

https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Vegetable-Laxativ-Tablets-Generic/dp/B005TM1H7Y?th=1

It's true! But I do it with actual glycerin suppository laxative. It's basically instant.

For the curious and less informed:

https://www.amazon.com/Fleet-Liquid-Glycerin-Suppositories-Count/dp/B002ZG8H84/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_121_bs_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=MPW6AKMGJ3HQHA46SXJM

First you douche like normal (duh), then you use this stuff. I use two to thoroughly coat a dildo and two more used as intended. The sensations are wild. They're as unpleasant as they are pleasant, due to the intensity, so I only do it when I'm feeling freaky, which makes the cost reasonable.

Buy this one

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009WH8W1Q?pc_redir=1405434260&robot_redir=1

4 quarts is better and is good quality. I just kinda talked about it with her. It wasn't really any big thing. It was more of hey I'm into this can you fulfill my fantasies?

She doesn't like to receive but doesn't mind giving.

I was constipated for 3 days. Got fed up and took Dulcolax.

Never again. That shit makes you feel like a Demonic Porcupine is gnawing on your insides. Go ahead and read the Amazon reviews.

I feel like I need to get some worms out, I would probably do both!

sometimes this is exacerbated by iron in your prenatal so i would check with your dr if you can try a non iron.

• hydrate tons including with warm liquids (tea, lemon water, brothy soups)
  
• Swiss Kriss Herbal Laxative worked for me when nothing else would (i tried metamucil & other suggetions from dr)
  
• put your feet on a stool (look up poop stool). I use my son's step stool for the sink.
  
• don't strain or you might get ever worse problems
  
  good luck!

Get some Magnesium Citrate, you can get it at Targets, CVSs, Walgreens, etc, it doesn't even taste bad and it will get you moving again.

I think it is a house brand version of Ex-Lax chocolate. I work at a pharmacy, and checked the ingredients, coco powder is the first listed. A dog that size is almost certainly alright after eating a relatively small amount of chocolate. I would be more worried about the laxative in them, but I'm not a vet.

http://www.amazon.com/Colace-Docusate-Sodium-Softner-Capsules/dp/B000270OY8

Have you tried Colace?

http://www.amazon.com/Dulcolax-Laxative-Comfort-Tablets-tablets/dp/B000063XTO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345319241&sr=8-1&keywords=laxatives

Swiss Kriss Herbal Laxative Tablets By Modern Products, 250 Count, Pack of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M4DDHQA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_WLZwCbKXR0SN9

Docusate sodium in addition to the magnesium citrate. I think it’s brand name is colace.


https://www.amazon.com/Kirkland-Signature-Stool-Softener-Softgels/dp/B00BISGJXA/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=stool+softener&qid=1573736475&sprefix=stool+softenwr&sr=8-5

Perhaps coated in some melted Laxative Chocolate

just going to leave this here...

Addict is a little harsh of a word. He used an over the counter herbal laxative called Swiss Kriss:
http://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Kriss-Herbal-Laxative-Tablets/dp/B00142C664

He also was a product spokesperson who appeared in their ads:
http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/louismaistros/15121502/4860/4860_original.jpg
with the slogan “Satch says, ‘Leave it all behind ya!’”)”

Dead bat

Chocolate bugs

Nipple suction device

Butt hook

Speculum

ANAL speculum

"Magic hand"

Giant inflatable dildo

Enema kit

"Knuckle up" dildo

Finger tentacles

Yodeling pickle

Inflatable toast

Bacon lip balm

Coyote urine

1,500 live ladybugs

Canned unicorn meat

Weener Kleener soap

"Liquid ass"

Macaroni and cheese air freshener

Fetus doll

Oh man, this was fun. I had to eventually just make myself stop looking because I literally could have linked about 100 things.

I am not a doctor, but I do have a doctor's clearance to take one of these pills every night and to take a dose of this twice a day. My gastroenterologist said that I could continue on this regimen indefinitely if necessary with no ill effects, so unless you have IBS or other complicating conditions you might want to try it as well.