Laxido alternatives

Women's health
1

Hi ladies

So we all know it's really important not to get bunged up during recovery... I am struggling to get the balance right. I am eating well - lots of fruit and veg - and taking one sachet of laxido at night. However, it is making me bloated and uncomfortable and I got caught short this morning, which was upsetting, and didn't quite get to the loo in time.

Are there gentler alternatives I can try?

Helen

Xx

2

Could you try just lactulose instead? That is a stool softener rather than a laxative so you 'go' when you naturally need to go but it is softer and easier?

Either that or only take half a sachet of laxido to see if that is better?

I had terrible bloating and wind for the first week which gradually settled so I used peppermint tea And activated charcoal tablets to help.

Hope things improve for you, Trina xx

3

Hi Helen,

I had terrible problems with Laxido it didn't suit me at all. My consultant suggested Fybogel instead which was much better. You might want to check that it's ok for you as it's a "bulk forming laxative". It's quite gentle.

4

Hi Helen I had my op last Friday and was concerned but got straight on to a good diet. Fortunately I love prunes and have bought ready to eat ones in a bag from Tesco. I have about 6 of them for breakfast, and then eat a bowl of sultana bran and wholemeal toast. Haven't found I needed laxatives fortunately, but I know everyone is different and it is finding what works best. I also nibble at cherries and grapes through the day xx

5

Thanks ladies. I did think lactulose is a stool softener, but I could be wrong. I have some fybogel too, which I used on occasion before I had the surgery. If that's ok to use i could switch to that.

Perhaps the half sachet is my best bet as it's what I have been prescribed, plus I love prunes so those are going on my next shopping list.

😀Xx

6

Laxido like Lactulose can give you that bloated feeling. Have you tried stool softeners? Sometimes that's all you need if you're eating a good diet such as yours. Dulcoese is one over the counter capsules that you can take up to 3 times a day. I found I managed really well with that after my surgery. You could always ask for something such as Movicol on prescription of course which is a liquid.

7

You're right helen Lactulose isn't a stool softener.

8

Is that sodium docusate?

9

I think that's the other name for it, yes. 

10

Hi Helen

I too have been using lactulose and fybogel. I always have loads of fruit. That is working a treat .

Sue

Xx

11

Here's to healthy living 🍏🍌🍒🍐🍉🍓

Xx

12

Hi Gill

You sound very organised lady. What surgery have you had and how are you feeling?

Helen

13

Hi Helen, I had a posterior  repair, trying to be organised but have moments of gloom but also very pleased at finding this forum it really helps in gaining support and trying to be supportive. X

14

Couldn't agree more. Stumbling across this forum has been a game changer for me too. My top tips for managing the slow passage of time:

1 keep some sort of routine, even if everyday tasks are punctuated with putting your feet up for a while

2 good books and box sets

3 visits from cheerful/positive people who don't get offended if you ask them to hang some washing out

4 colouring books

5 diary keeping or blogging

6 pelvic floor exercise app or DVDs

7 nappy sacks to put the multitude of pads you will need to dispose of in

8 comfortable loungewear

9 delicious seasonal fruit to snack on

10 use this forum for advice and tips to support your recovery!

Keep your chin up and your feet too when you need to!

Helen

Xx

10

15

Ha ha good list that Helen and yes have been doing most of them to. Especially number 4 today as my 5 year old granddaughter visited and we were colouring together and watching Disney films xx

16

That sounds a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Colouring alongside a small person is wonderful therapy xx

17

Are you still on opiates?  If you aren't then you might be fine with something milder like fiber supplements.

It isn't as strong, but Benefiber is easy to take (dissolves in liquid, no taste or texture) and works as a mild stool softener.  It's just like adding a little extra fiber to your diet.  I buy a generic brand at costco (optifiber) and it works.  I don't think it is strong enough to couteract opiates, but it is helpful for more normal constipation.

There are also things like psylium husk that work well, but that is harder to take.  It does not disappear in liquid.  It absorbs liquid to become gel-like and has a gritty texture.  I make extra runny oatmeal and add psylium husk to it (1TBs sucks up about 1/4 cup of liquid) and it's tolerable.  It's supposed to be very good for you.  Heart health etc.

This is a good time of year for plums, too, and those are great especially if you don't care for prunes.  Lots of other good high fiber food (beans, lettuce, brocolli, high fiber cereal, oatmeal, fruits&veg in general).

I used miralax, which is peg 3550, and that works well for me but I think that is one of the active ingredients in Laxido so that won't help you. 

18

Thank you Dorry C. Lots of alternatives to try. I am still on codeine but 45-60 mg per day as I need it. Laid off the laxido yesterday and all ok so far.

:-)

19

Helen,

​I'm surprised you're on codeine as that's known to cause constipation. If you can, I would stick to paracetomol & ibuprofen. I'm a midwife and we never give codeine to our ladies that have had any vaginal stitches. We also give them lactulose & fybogel, as previously discussed.

​Sue xx

20

Sometimes we just have to be careful with laxatives. They are often necessary following surgery but more so after a rectocele repair but some laxatives can make the stool "bulky" and difficult to pass. That's why drinking lots of water can help. Fibre in particular can cause bulky stools but with extra fluids it can definitely help.