My doctor told me to take Miralax everyday. I feel this is bad for my system. I was told that we shouldn't rely on laxatives because then we will never be able to poop without them? Is anyone else doing this everyday? If so has it affected you negatively in anyway?

a lot of us take Miralax every day. My doctor said it was fine, and unlike many laxatives, it doesn't cause dependence. And no negative effects. I've been taking a capful a day for almost six years.

it's basically either deal with chronic constipation (which many of us do) or take something for it, so... Chronic constipation can cause hemorrhoids, anal fissues, or impacted feces.

Edited May 16, 20215 yr by catwoman7

I've got IBS that tends towards constipation. Miralax daily is what my doctor's have advised to take for it (or prescription versions of it in some cases depending on severity). It's what they recommend precisely because it doesn't cause dependency, and it doesn't work like most traditional laxatives. The alternative, as catwoman mentioned, is chronic constipation, which comes with it's own set of issues. As a side note, my doctor has also advised against too much fiber in the diet, as that can actually make constipation worse due to it bulking up stool.

Edited May 16, 20215 yr by SunnyinSC

Ok thank you for the answers.

I was also told to take Miralax everyday when I was having a lot of issues (years ago - they come and go unrelated to surgery since I haven't had it yet). In fact, it doesn't work if you only take it "once". You need to take it for a few days for it to work usually. It's very safe; I work in oncology and cancer patients often take it to deal with constipation caused by pain medication. It's even given to very young children (in smaller doses) and the elderly.

I wasn't told to take it but I'm still pretty constipated 3 months out. I can go a week without a movement. So I just added it to my routine from the advice I've received here. Big help. Still not as regular as I want to be but at least my movements aren't painful.

2 hours ago, lizonaplane said:

I was also told to take Miralax everyday when I was having a lot of issues (years ago - they come and go unrelated to surgery since I haven't had it yet). In fact, it doesn't work if you only take it "once". You need to take it for a few days for it to work usually. It's very safe; I work in oncology and cancer patients often take it to deal with constipation caused by pain medication. It's even given to very young children (in smaller doses) and the elderly.

Oh ty that makes me feel better knowing that.

47 minutes ago, XtinaDoesIt said:

I wasn't told to take it but I'm still pretty constipated 3 months out. I can go a week without a movement. So I just added it to my routine from the advice I've received here. Big help. Still not as regular as I want to be but at least my movements aren't painful.

It took a whole week of me taking it every day for it to finally work. My doc said even if it makes it too loose to not stop taking it. So what did I do...stopped for only one day because I had diarrhea the day before. Well guess what. I didn't poop for 2 days after that and now I am constipated again even though I have been taking it for the past 3 days. Stupid on my part not to listen to the doc. Ugghhh!