Sorry to ask about this subject but I am so constipated. I tried to search it but every other forum can e up. I am on soft foods. I have not been able to have a movement for about a week. What can I do?

Colace works well

Stool softeners ASAP (Dulcolax makes one) and milk of magnesia will help -- I'd go easy on milk of magnesia as it's a laxative and you don't want anything too violent. Pain killers are very constipating and it's hard to get a lot of fiber in your diet on soft foods -- I would talk to the doctor about this. Always amazed they don't seem to set us up with preventative measures as digestion is so important! Celestial Seasonomgs makes a tea called Smooth Move -- senna. There are various products and the thing is to find what works well for your body. Cascara, etc. Good luck to you -- you'll feel so much better when this is resolved!

If you have been plugged for a week you may need something a little quicker acting than a stool softener. I keep a bottle of magnesium citrate on hand for the once a year or so that I need help.

Milk of Mag was a nightmare for me, like Bandista said, if you go that route, go in easy!! My doc said attacking the problem from behind (literally, your behind) was the best way. I'm sure docs say different things, just try out different options and don't overdo any of them.... The last thing you want when you're super constipated is to start getting horrible cramps with no results! That possibly could have been my problem with MOM, I took 2 full doses in one day, cramps and gas galore!!

Unsweetened apple sauce works a treat. Gentle! I was an oncology nurse and patients on chemo get terribly constipated, that is what we suggested. When I became a bandit, I got constipated on the mushy, then with the protein... It still happens, APPLE SAUCE gets me going, so if I've not been by day 3, a cup of unsweetened apple sauce is my remedy ... Ahhhhhh :-)

My dr advised me to take a dose if milk of magnesia and follow with a hot liquid like coffee or tea and 30 mins later everything was smooth sailing, no cramps or anything. I've had to use it twice since my surgery 2 months ago.

Milk of magnesia is the worst- and citrate ICK!

I prefer a good old fashioned enema. Much easier and way less painful.

I had to have a colonoscopy a few years ago and had to have magnesium citrate. OMG- I slept on the bathroom floor and was in pain. I never want to go through that prep again.

My dr advised me to take a dose if milk of magnesia and follow with a hot liquid like coffee or tea and 30 mins later everything was smooth sailing, no cramps or anything. I've had to use it twice since my surgery 2 months ago.

Thanks for the info.

I'm having the exact same problem, I have been taking a stool softener and that seems to help. I'm not complaining too much about it, because I feel so good otherwise. I go to the doctor for my first fill on the 21st, and I'm psyched to have the fill before Thanksgiving.

Sensato!!! Hot Breakfast Cereal -- It's basically bran with flaxseed meal. Can buy with or without flavors at Netrition online. I buy it plain and add my own Splenda and then a bit of Cool Whip on top. You can also make your own recipe using Red Mill but I suggest Sensato every AM. You will go SOON and it cleans you out. Also very good for the digestive system. Very 107 calories, 12 grams of carb but net carbs are about 2, 10 grams of Protein. You can make it fairly tasty by adding a half of banana or fruit. The hull of straight brand can be a little bitter so the Cool Whip cuts it great. I'm also wondering if it's possible to add it to some low carb egg white custard to make something that might be more like grapenut pudding.

Miralax worked wonders for me. You put it in something right before bed. I just did water. Wake up, good normal bowel movement! No cramping. Really just made me feel like before surgery. I always recommend trying a stool softener first. If that doesn't work, then the next day I do miralax.