I've tried everything to add Fiber to my diet.I have to take Iron because I'm constantly anemic. I've tried a new iron that was very expensive that is not supposed to do that. But it does.

The only thing that has ever worked for me is Miralax. I read an article that says you aren't supposed to use it every day or it will cause kidney failure. My mom died from kidney failure and she used it for a really long time.

What works for you? I've tried eating prunes every day, and all the other suggestions I get but it's still a lot of trouble and pain to get the dry hard stool out even with taking stool softners too every day and I would hate to see what would happen if I wasn't doing that.

What works for you?

Have you talked with a GI? I had the same issue but eventually got iron infusions to help (and a few other things) so that I don't take the pills. They were pretty much useless any way. I have several GI problems but I don't use the Miralax. Some GI's say it is good to use all the time, others not. Its hard to tell.

I've only had to take something very rarely (I'm lucky that way I guess) but when I do, Milk of Magnesia works like a charm.

Honestly, my approach is very low tech:1-2 32 oz containers of water and 8-16 oz of drip coffee. Works every day in the morning right after I get up. I also try and eat high fiber when I can, but that is unpredictable for *when* it will actually work. Sometimes my approach doesn't work if I just took a plane ride or otherwise disrupt my normal schedule of things. If I get in a bind, I use MOM.

Edited May 27, 201412 yr by Fiddleman

I think the key is the form of Iron supplementation... that creates a problem much more severe than people realize. Luckily i don't have to take it. I like the suggestion to see if you can take the infusions in stead.

Jane,

Just out of curiosity, which Iron supplement were you taking? I too battle anemia, tested with extremely low ferritin levels with last bloodwork, and have been taking Ferro-Sequel. It seems to keep me more regular than I was before starting supplements, but I'm not particularly prone to constipation.

One note on this: are they telling you to take Vitamin C with it? That enhances absorption. Do you take it with Synthroid or levothyroxine? If you do, the Iron can cause decreased absorption. Dont take it with Calcium either.

Are they sure you have an IDA or something else? I mean just what were you tested for? TIBC, UIBC, etc.

Once you get low, it is worth trying to get the infusions. Just a note, there is a difference between heme and non heme iron, for those who don't know, and how much is absorbed. So something you might want to watch for.

My program recommends http://www.dialyvite.net/ferrimin150.html. It contains a stool softener. Also, the type of Iron is easier on the stomach than some others. And my program does recommend taking C with the iron too.

Lynda

Edited May 27, 201412 yr by lsereno

I don't take Iron anymore... didn't go deficient or low even after plastics (blood loss makes for risk of anemia). Could still happen though...

Sorry Jane, I intended that question about Iron for OregonDaisy! My bad...

Lynda, I've heard that taking products with a stool softener long-term can cause your digestive tract to get lazy, essentially resulting in rebound constipation down the road when you stop the softener. I wondered if your program had addressed that? I'm more concerned about addressing the iron levels, but I do wonder about taking them on an ongoing basis...

The FerroSequel seems to be working well for me to bring my levels back up (on top of a regular iron supplement, avoiding caffeine, timing them well separated from Calcium, and taking with Vitamin C). I'm not sure where I'd find the time to go in for regular iron infusions, so I'm glad I don't have to.

I've seen 2 schools of thought on the "lazy" bowel if you take softeners, laxatives, etc. So I don't think it is set in stone. That being said, best to review any literature and see if there are 2 competing schools of thought in the research and how they're getting proven.

From my understanding stool softeners do not cause lazy bowel like a laxative. It simply adds Water (so it's really important to drink enough water when taking one) so that the poop is easier to move out.

See: https://www.healthtap.com/topics/side-effects-of-stool-softeners-long-term

Lynda

Sorry Jane, I intended that question about Iron for OregonDaisy! My bad...

Lynda, I've heard that taking products with a stool softener long-term can cause your digestive tract to get lazy, essentially resulting in rebound constipation down the road when you stop the softener. I wondered if your program had addressed that? I'm more concerned about addressing the iron levels, but I do wonder about taking them on an ongoing basis...

The FerroSequel seems to be working well for me to bring my levels back up (on top of a regular iron supplement, avoiding caffeine, timing them well separated from calcium, and taking with Vitamin C). I'm not sure where I'd find the time to go in for regular iron infusions, so I'm glad I don't have to.

I just switched to Proferrin so I would be interested in taking the Ferro Sequel when I run out of the Proferrin. I doubt if my ins. would pay for iron infusions. I am not anemic if I take iron, but it's right on the borderline even taking the iron.

All the iron I have ever taken has vitm C with it. Before this I was taking Bariatric Advantage.

I've recently started taking Fiber powder. It's the same stuff that's in Metamucil but it's not flavored.

I use Miralax for several days in a row (about 2 capfuls per day), I add Sunsweet Suprafiber to my morning shake, and I squat. Things are moving along.

That's the thing I am trying to avoid. I have read articles and both my gastroenterologist and my urlogist have said not to use Mirilax continually. It's not for long term. It causes kidney failure if used long term. My mom used it for a long time and died from kidney failure. I wish I had the link now.