Loose Stool MiraLAX overreaction?

[dldugan]

Have been taking MiraLAX but stool is now too loose and troublesome. Would there be an issue taking 1/2 dose of an anti diarrhea pill?

 

[Nikki J]

Why not cut back on miralax instead? Taking something to counteract it both seems unnecessary and will leave you playing catch up as your system will get confused

 

[KarenNWendyn]

Miralax is a laxative. It makes you go. So if you’re having diarrhea, you can go off the Miralax. Consider adding a fiber supplement which can actually put your stools on a more even keel so they’re neither too runny nor too hard too pass. Make sure you take a lot of water with fiber.

Also be aware that sometimes loose stool can actually be the result of being stopped up. I know that sounds paradoxical. But sometimes there is leakage around the blockage.

But step one is to temporarily halt the Miralax and see what happens.

 

[dldugan]

Thanks for the responses. Loose stools present a problem as cleanup is an issue. Cannot get to a commode without a strong persons help and cleanup is difficult for my Cals. Will see what happens today. Next time I change I will try a depends and see if that helps expedite cleanup. Should I get some type of a gown to wear with the depends?

 

[KateEmerson]

May I recommend going to one of our members website " ALS From Both Sides", click on Index, and then "Toilet Troubles". It's a wonderful tutorial on all things " digestive". There are so many products and types of products out there and her info really helps make sense of it all. This was a constantly evolving and changing issue with my husband and her info really helped us with managing it. Kate

 

[Kristina1]

also you can reduce miralax dose and go to a half dose if stopping it altogether will make you constipated. even when using miralax it's helpful to take a fiber supplement like metamucil because it gives your stools some bulk so it actually helps with both constipation and diarrhea.

 

[KimT]

I use a combination of fiber and stool softeners.

For fiber I use pure psyllium and for keeping the stool soft I use 300 mg of Colace Clear per day. It took me getting hemorrhoids and an anal fissure to find the right combination.

Miralax gave me diarrhea and stomach cramps. I couldn't find an optimal dose. I either had constipation or diarrhea.

I also drink at least 8 cups of water a day, sometimes more and I've been taking magnesium for years @ 1,200 mg per day.

 

[Doglady]

I use a daily stool softener and at least two dietary foods that are known to promote regularity. Pear juice is very good.

 

[DrDark]

all great advice, and I would like to add one thing. If you have the resources, consider a bidet seat for your toilet. They can help with a few problems. Mine has a "vortex" function that is like an enema, plus the cleaning function that can make life much easier for your caregiver(s.) It can be a huge help with hemorrhoids, as well! Good luck.

 

[KimT]

I agree. I think my bidet is what helped the fissure without surgery and I've used the enema function. The bidet seat was the first piece of "equipment" I bought after being diagnosed. I wish I had one 40 years ago.

I also discovered that sometimes the Bio Bidet 2000 doesn't dry completely so I use soft cloths instead of toilet paper. Some brands are irritating, even the most expensive ones. I still use TP when peeing but I always use the wash function.