Soluble fiber and stool softner question
#32289 - 12/17/03 08:16 AM
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lauriejf
Reged: 10/07/03
Posts: 40
Loc: Wisconsin, USA
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I had been told (some time ago) by my dr to take a stool softner because my stools are very hard and dry. Is this the same as soluble fiber? Should I continue to take the softner along with the soluble fiber? If so, any ideas on how much and how often? I am also on Zelnorm. Does any of this cancel one or the others out? Is it ok to stick with all of this?
Just trying to get a hold on this IBS stuff.
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Laurie
Angels are willing to fall on their faces once in a while for the privilege of flying.
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Zelnorm?
#32291 - 12/17/03 08:19 AM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Laurie, I don't have an answer to your question -- actually I have a question for your question. How are you doing on the Zelnorm? How long have you been on it? Any improvement? Bev. 
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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I've never heard the phrase "stool softener" but a soluble fibre supplement should have that effect and it should help your other symptoms.
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I have been on it for about a month now. It seems to be working. But it is hard to tell if that is what works or if the supplements and changes in my old diet are doing the job or if all of it combined is what is helping. I started all of the IBS stuff around the same time as the Zelnorm. All I know is that my cramping spasms have all but stopped. I am still concerned with the gas/bloating and C, it is still hard and dry; but then I haven't moved totally to the non dairy part of the diet. I don't usually eat red meat so that is not any problem. I just need to get my mind set on using soy products instead of dairy. Not easy, having grown up in the "Dairy State." But I am working on it.
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Laurie
Angels are willing to fall on their faces once in a while for the privilege of flying.
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"STOOL" Softener
#32307 - 12/17/03 08:39 AM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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It's a POO softener.  
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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No Dairy
#32309 - 12/17/03 08:44 AM
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Bevvy
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 5918
Loc: Northwest Washington State
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Hi Laurie, yes, DO keep working on it. I hated giving up dairy also, but it really did a number on me such that I finally had no choice. It's like giving up my beloved coffee. Ya don't wanna do it, but ya ain't got no choice. Ya know? I was at the nail salon yesterday when someone made a pot of coffee, and the smell permeated throughout the shop. I had to get out of there! Yowza! This whole IBS stuff is damn difficult -- but we do what we gotta do. EH? Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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The doc was specific that it not be a "laxative" but a stool softener. The difference being (I think) that the main/only ingredient in it is "docusate (sp?) sodium."
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Laurie
Angels are willing to fall on their faces once in a while for the privilege of flying.
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It really is difficult!!! When I am having my good days I rejoice in feeling well; when I am having my bad days (fewer and farther away)I growl and blame it on anything other than diet and exercise.
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Laurie
Angels are willing to fall on their faces once in a while for the privilege of flying.
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stool softeners are usually some type of lubricant, and they are considered laxatives, and are not to be used regularly. Check here for info web page
Soluble fiber is something that everyone needs in their diet, that can be eaten and/or taken as a supplement every single day forever, with no side effects and lots of health benefits. Check here for info web page
Zelnorm should be fine with soluble fiber, don't know about using it with stool softener. That's mixing meds, and your doc would know.
Make sure you're drinking plenty of water every day - soluble fiber needs it to work.
Best,
Heather
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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
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Thanks, Heather. The web site for laxatives has much helpful information. Iwill be talking with my doc soon.
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Laurie
Angels are willing to fall on their faces once in a while for the privilege of flying.
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