Re: Re: Miralax & constipation -- was re-starting diet

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I, too, have a 48 to 64 hour intestinal transit time with the help of Miralax.... My transit time is much longer and much more painful when I don't have Miralax. Peristalsis throughout my upper GI and most of my small intestine is pitifully (abnormally) slow since developing Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, having my gallbladder removed, and developing neurological/neuromuscular issues.

So, for me anyway, I would be suffering severe constipation if I wasn't using Miralax. Being on SCD has helped with my constipation (rarely need an enema) and it's certainly helped restore my gut ecology. But with my neurological and digestive issues, I need additional help to move food through my intestinal tract. I have to eat low-fiber and low-fat, so there aren't too many options for me. Miralax helps, in a gentle manner. All my doctors swear it's safe over the long-term. I've been using it for nearly six years (been on SCD just over 5).

Miralax works by retaining water in the stools as they proceed along the intestinal tract, makes it easier on the intestinal tract to move things along. Doesn't trigger peristalsis, unlike stimulant laxatives, just helps the body move fecal material along Miralax is a stool softener, also known as an osmotic laxative. Amitiza, another motility med. (I tried this, couldn't tolerate the side-effects), works in much the same way.

I did better on Zelnorm, but the FDA pulled it, so I've gotten along without it, by upping my magnesium and tolerating a prune or two a few times a week. Lately I've been trying additional serotonin in the form of Lexapro (anti-anxiety med), but I'm not sure I can tolerate the other side-effects so will need to try another med.

Yes, I too have to deal with blood sugar fluctuations, in extreme levels. That's one of the reasons I don't have more than one or two servings of fruit per day now that my candida levels are stable, and one of the reasons I rarely use honey.

While you're dealing with yeast, you can expect to have episodes of more severe constipation, if that's one of your issues. I had to use enemas fairly often while I was dealing with candida, even though I was on both Miralax and Zelnorm at the time. Just part of the healing and detoxing process.

Remember your digestion will improve, the longer you're on SCD. It requires being fanatical, however. And if you're dealing with candida, then you might need to be careful with some of the permitted foods for a while. But it's worth all the struggle when you start feeling better, and your digestion tolerates an occasional advanced food.

Kim M.

SCD 5 years

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Thank you for your answer also to my post regarding yeast. I do takemagnesium citrate and it helps me to have one bowel movement a day. However,I have a 48 hour (roughly) bowel transit time. Will Miralax help with that?