Absolutely. Have you tried Magnesium Citrate? It's a clear liquid OTC that is citrus flavored @ less than $2 per bottle. When you are feeling a little constipated, just a sip will suffice. If you've been unable to have a bm for several days, pour 1/3 of the bottle over crushed ice and drink. You will get relief within a couple of hours.

I, too, take stool softeners but they aren't enough. I have to alternate methods from time to time. Hope this helps=)

~~Pup

You could try Miralax, it is a little more gentle on the GI system that other laxatives. Or you could try prune juice, yes it doesn't taste good but it helps. You can heat it up a little and take it like a shot lol.

Good luck!

Usually from taking my pain meds do try to keep regular with stool softeners ducolax.

... and miralax were both recommended by my doctor. ..sorry I am typing on my phone.

Ladies who struggle with constipation....PLEASE LISTEN. Yes, the Miralax and stool softeners are effective. However they will not give you instant relief if you are doubled over in pain from cramps with constipation. It takes several days for either of those to get relief.

I suggested the Magnesium Citrate in my earlier post (read above) just as I recommended it to Mellissa a few days ago after her surgery. I promise you that it's worth keeping in your refrigerator at all times. I suffer HORRIBLY with GI issues. I have seen times (before I found this product) that I would go for up to 9 days with no BM. I would end up crying in the floor with an enema with no results.

I've had to have YEARLY colonoscopies for the 20 years since my surgery for stage 4 endometriosis. I CANNOT tolerate the large amounts of bowel prep...I projectile vomit. A merciful RN witnessed this happening to me as I was actually in the hospital as a patient. She said she had an easier way. She brought me a combination of Dulcolax pills and Magnesium Citrate. Of course, for bowel prep I had to drink 2 bottles. It CLEANED me out completely.

She told me then to "never allow myself to get backed up for more than 3 days and to use 1/3 bottle over ice to get things moving". I promise you ladies that I do have A LOT of experience of dealing with endometriosis for 1/2 of my life. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I'd like to help you to "cope" if I can.

~~Pup

Have you tried Qunioa? It's a subsitute for rice but has lots of protein and fibers and does not make you feel bloated as when you have rice. It works like a charm for me.

opps the correct spelling is "Quinoa".

Heck yea thats part of what finally get me diagnosed I was SOOOO sick. Still thats one of my first signs of a flare, lower back pain and bloat. My Dr has me use Colace its less abrasive and make sure I take an extra dose of pro-biotic.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who has an issue with this! I don't take the stool softeners on a regular basis, perhaps I should, I wonder if that would help or if I would still get backed up?

@rohini14- yes I'm very fortunate and work for a restaurant/college were we serve mega healthy food so I have quinoa at least 2ce a week. my fav it our quinoa and white bean tabouli on a whole wheat wrap. :)