Stool Softener Capsules - Question

[opopop]

Hello all! I have IBS with constipation. I'm currently going through a more severe episode, so I went to the pharmacy, and the pharmacist suggested stool softener capsules. I bought them, went to wait for the bus, and noticed that on the back it says "Caution: Do not use in the presence of abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting (this refers to signs of appendicitis or inflamed bowel)." Unfortunately, I have had some abdominal pains. On my right side, just above my waist, I have felt particularly "full." On my left side, just above my waist, I have felt some "stabbing" pains while sitting down or after standing up quickly. My question is: are these the pains that the bottle was describing, or can these strictly be the result of my IBS? And, if I do take a stool softener capsule, and these pains are the ones being described on the bottle, what can I expect as a side-effect?

Thanks!

[FurballsMom]

I took those stool softeners for many years.  No one, including any of my doctors, told me to not use them long-term.  In fact, they kept telling me to use the stuff.  After some time, the stuff would make me nauseous every time I took it.  Later, the intolerance got to the point where I would throw up after taking the medication.  I'm no longer able to take the stool softener.

My naturopath has me using Oregon Grape and Cascara Sagrada, along with the dietary fiber supplements, of course.  I keep MiraLax on hand, too, of course, but I don't have to use it very often, because Cascara Sagrada is a natural laxative.  I find that Oregon Grape works as a stool softener for me, since it is a very gentle laxative.  If I take the lower dose of Cascara Sagrada, it works as a stool softener, too.  If I take the higher dose, I get relief from the constipation without getting diarrhea.

I still have to take the Bentyl for the cramps you're describing.  The cramps can get really bad, regardless of which way the IBS tends towards.

You definitely should be tested and evaluated to be on the safe side, since you're experiencing pain on the right side of the abdomen, too.

[lostsoul2]

I have had a lot of the same symptoms you described for a long time and after a series of tests, including a colonoscopy, i was diagnosed with IBS with constipation.  I will go through times when all is normal and I feel great, can eat great, am in good moods, but then I go through times when my gut feels like it is being constantly twisted inside, have a constant urge for a bowel movement, but all the straining in the world does nothing.  Along with this I feel depressed, lethargic, etc.  I don't know which comes first, the flare-ups, which may cause the depression, or stress and anxitey build up and cause the flare-ups.  I am currently being treated long term for anxiety.  My nerves are always firing, can't sit still, always fidgeting, etc.  I have been told that stress causes flare-ups of IBS and does.  The problem is, in this culture and economy, how does one avoid stress?  It is a challenge and IBS can have a profound impact on the quality of life for weeks or months at a time.  I wish I had an answer.  I was prescribed a stool softener and it seems to work ok.  Now the same thing can be bought OTC.  The only problem with stool softeners is that they seem to create a lot of gas and bloating.  The same is true with a high fiber diet. Like everything you have to weigh the risks vs. the rewards.  Being tested and evaluated should be considered.  

[cgr377]

Be very careful with stool softners longterm use having IBS may make it worse i have been told. my doctor also gave it to me once a few years ago associated with my IBS i was so constipated she had tried that along with other stuff nothing worked. She then put me on a high fiber diet initally it will create alot of gas cause your bodys not used to it but it does adapt and a better alternitave to Mettimusil. I have never felt better with my change of diet. Go see your doc and he/she will find a diet plan for you that may help a great deal with your IBS unfourtunatley there is no real diet plan out there for IBS you just have to find the foods that agree with your tummy but increased fiber will most certainly help or it should. Hope this helps you.