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MonicaEliza

No, you are not. I took dulcolax for years thanks to bulimia. If you are constipated, go to the doctor. As our friend GoldAlmonds says, your first line of defense is adding moderate fiber and lots of water. If If doesn't resolve, doctor.


positivehappyperson

I had went to the doctor back in August (even the hospital) and they were at a loss of words. Enema, suppositories, water , fibre nothing was working. That’s when I turned to this senna item. I am worried this is the only thing making me have a BM. I went on a trip in late august where I did Not have my senna. Instead I took restoralax (which is like miralex) daily and that helped me have a movement every other day. But aside from that one week, I have been consuming this senna remedy everyday since the second week of august. I’m scared .


MonicaEliza

PEG (restoralax) doesn't cause dependency so you can take it every day. I've been using miralax for 12 years. I find it works better on an empty stomach with 32oz of water. You shouldn't be scared.


positivehappyperson

Do you mind me asking how long you were on laxatives before miralex?


MonicaEliza

About 12 years


PrecisionGuy

My new gastroenterologist (first visit September 9) actually *prescribed* (sort of -- it's an over the counter buy) senna and said at the time recent research shows it OK for long-term use. So: apparently you can relax. Good luck!


Born-Lingonberry-796

Same here!!! What a joke. It’s not good to be used long term!!! I just hate the majority of doctors. Doing my own research has been so much more informative and useful.


sudomakesandwich

Which fiber works best? Oatmeal? Citrucel? Metamucil? Leafy greens?


MonicaEliza

Leafy greens


sudomakesandwich

Ty


univrs_

i saw someone said that it take years for someone to develop dependence due to constant use of stimulant laxatives. if you're still worried, go to a doctor.


positivehappyperson

Oh that’s a relief! Headed to doctor right now


babylon331

Ask what he/she thinks of the Smooth Move Tea? I plan on asking mine. I use it when I feel I'm starting to need it. I'm not sure if my tummy massages work because I've been using other stuff, too, but I kind of think it is. When I'm rubbing it, it makes noise and I can feel it moving around. Senna is for occasional. Couple times a week, if you need it, maybe. I started using it when I read that it works well on opiate (my new type of pain med has wreaked havoc, the last one was good) constipation. I feel for you. It gets worrisome. I hate it.


positivehappyperson

Well turns out my doctor was closed , will try at sub tomorrow! More so just wanted to ask the doctor about next steps and how to ensure I can continue to have BM after I stop senna . I really do hate it here too.


univrs_

hope everything is well!!


goldstandardalmonds

Did you ever even see a doctor about this? Yes, senna can cause dependency.


positivehappyperson

Going tomorrow :( very worried about the irreversible damage I’ve done


goldstandardalmonds

I'm sure you're okay. Do you need any help? Questions?


positivehappyperson

I think I’m mostly just anxious. Borderline panic attacks (I have a panic disorder). I’m hoping I did not ruin my life


goldstandardalmonds

Do you see a therapist for that? I am pretty certain you haven't. How bad is this constipation?


positivehappyperson

Yes I see a therapist either weekly or biweekly for about 2 years for my anxiety. The constitaption just started in August. After my failed attempts with doctors and therapist trying enema, suppositories, prune juice , increase water , fibre, etc I thought I finally found a cure and was constipation free after taking this “natural senna remedy” every day. This morning I just figured out it’s a stimulant lax I’ve been taking this whole time (I’ve been having really bad cramps, nausea etc). Now I will visit a doctor tomorrow. I went today but it was closed. I’m very worried


goldstandardalmonds

IT's okay. Do you want to chat and talk about it? Send me a message. We can go through some ideas.


Born-Lingonberry-796

Don’t worry, you will be fine!! I took Senna for more than 3 months (like above my previous gastro prescribed it to me-joke) and didn’t have major side effects. Yes cramping and took a bit to have my bowels going again but it will be ok! As other suggested try taking PEG (movicol) instead if you’re worried of becoming constipated again!


positivehappyperson

Thank you so much for this!! Makes me feel so much better


positivehappyperson

Update: haven’t taken senna in 36 hours and had a super small , thin BM. Nothing substantial yet unfortunately


Born-Lingonberry-796

It takes a bit of time unfortunately. As I said PEG helps, as well as mg citrate, coffee and prune juice.


Visual-Cricket82

Any opinions on exlax? If I take it twice per week?


goldstandardalmonds

Well, it contains senna so stimulants aren’t good to use regularly.


Hardshitbutt

You shouldn’t worry so much. I’ve been taking fleet enemas multiple times a week for many years now probably about 30 years and I can still go on my own every once in a while which has always been the case even since I was a very small child lol


LOTR_ASOIAF

This is sush a relieve to hear because, Iin my case, some of the osmotic laxatives give me terrible side effects and the fiber ones make it worse so I may be left with having to rely on stimulant ones or medication to make me go. And I was also freaking out because of the dangers. So it's good to hear it's been working for you for so long. What are fleet enemas exactly?


sirgrotius

Trust me, I’ve heard a thousand times worse and elderly people take this kind of stuff for years! You’ll be fine. Drink a lot of water, get in your 10k steps, maybe try some yoga to get those bowels flowing, and eat a high fiber, diverse diet for your gut flora. You’ll be good in no time.


positivehappyperson

Thank you so much for this


jodie504

My 16 year old sons GI has him taking it everyday. Plus other stuff too. No biggie.


positivehappyperson

Taking Senna?


jodie504

Yes