Catherine83
12-23-2005, 05:28 PM
Hi :wave: - Over the last few weeks I had noticed that it was difficult passing when I had a bowel movement. It seemed very hard and I felt a sharp cutting pain at the opening of my rectum when I went to the bathroom. My diet has not been wonderful (in fact I eat a lot of fast food). I didn't feel constipated, it was just very hard and I noticed a few drops of blood on the paper. That worried me so I changed my diet to more fruits, water, veggies, and no fast food at all. Also, I have started taking a stool softener. Within 24 hours of doing that, it was easy to pass and i had no blood. I will be going to the doctor in January for a check up (she is booked until then). My question is, I'm a little worried to come off of the stool softener because I dont want to bleed again. I haven't had a chance to talk to my doctor about taking them on a regular basis. Is this safe?? I am taking "equate" brand from Walmart and have experienced no cramps or pain while taking them and have only taken them for 4 days now. Is there anything I can take on a regular basis to help keep my stool soft?? Maybe a certain food, herb, tea? Thanks - Catherine
On a side note: This type of problem runs in my family. Both my grandmother on my mom's side and my father have this problem. In fact, my grandmother had to take stool softeners and laxatives for years. I just dont see how this is healthy. Please help. :confused:
On a side note: This type of problem runs in my family. Both my grandmother on my mom's side and my father have this problem. In fact, my grandmother had to take stool softeners and laxatives for years. I just dont see how this is healthy. Please help. :confused:
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Harry
12-23-2005, 08:47 PM
The Equate brand from Wal Mart is a natural fiber that is safe to take forever. It is a water soluble fiber supplement that is a bowel regulator--- psyllium. If you take it like the directions say with enough water -- You should pass stools more readily that are not hard.
The fiber supplement is not a laxative it is a water soluble fiber--
Foods that are soluble are the grains w/o the outer husk --like rice, oats, corn, barley, wheat & bean &peas and root veggies-- they all absorb fluid and don't give it up easily.
Insoluble fiber --- includes most fruits and veggies, nuts & seeds and bran just don't absorb water.
You need a combination of both soluble and insoluble fiber to have normal stools. A person needs 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily with enough water for regular BMs.
All meats, seafood and all dairy products contain no fiber.
The fiber supplement is not a laxative it is a water soluble fiber--
Foods that are soluble are the grains w/o the outer husk --like rice, oats, corn, barley, wheat & bean &peas and root veggies-- they all absorb fluid and don't give it up easily.
Insoluble fiber --- includes most fruits and veggies, nuts & seeds and bran just don't absorb water.
You need a combination of both soluble and insoluble fiber to have normal stools. A person needs 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily with enough water for regular BMs.
All meats, seafood and all dairy products contain no fiber.