All About Laxatives: Dependence, Addiction & Weaning!
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- Опубліковано 6 січ 2019
- Chronic abdominal bloating and constipation can be incredibly frustrating and difficult conditions to navigate. I find that I am treating these conditions more and more in the clinic, and with these conditions I sometimes see laxative dependence.
✩ Related Videos:
→ How to sit on the toilet to poop: • How To Sit On The Toil...
→ Self-intestinal massage: • Abdominal Massage For ...
→ Yoga for constipation relief: • 3 Easy Yoga Moves for ...
→ How to treat & prevent hemorrhoids: • How To Treat Hemorrhoi...
→ A fart story to make you smile: • Video
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I wanted to make a video surrounding laxatives-how they work, the different kinds, why dependence happens, and share how I have partnered with patients to help them wean off of laxatives!
Common Herbal/Stimulant Laxatives (Habit-Forming):
- Senna
- Cascara
- Frangula Bark
- Ducolax (Bisacodyl)
Common Osmotic Laxatives (Non-Habit Forming):
- MiraLax
- LaxaClear
- GlycoLax
- Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulphate)
Links/videos mentioned in this video:
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Dr. Levitt’s Ideal Bowel Habit (which I have adopted and use as a goal in clinic):
1. The ability to defer the urge to poop at least 1 hour without abdominal or rectal pain as a result of deferring that urge
2. Complete voluntary control over gas and normally formed stool, not diarrhea (a.k.a. no leaking gas or poop!)
3. Prompt initiation of a bowel movement once sitting on the toilet
4. Smooth, steady passage of stool over 1-2 minutes or less without pain, bleeding, or prolapse
5. Sensation of complete rectal emptying upon leaving the toilet
6. No rectal or perianal skin symptoms between bowel movements
7. No abdominal pain or bloating between bowel movements
▹ Find a pelvic provider near you: pelvicrehab.com
Remember, materials and content available in this channel, Pelvic Empowerment, are intended as general information only, and should not be substituted for medical advice, prescription, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not wean off of laxatives without the supervision of your primary care provider or trusted physician!
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Chronic abdominal bloating and constipation can be incredibly frustrating and difficult conditions to navigate. I find that I am treating these conditions more and more in the clinic, and with these conditions I sometimes see laxative dependence.
✩ Related Videos:
→ How to sit on the toilet to poop: ua-cam.com/video/5egK-7jrEHM/v-deo.html
→ Self-intestinal massage: ua-cam.com/video/JALxwIIPS0g/v-deo.html
→ Yoga for constipation relief: ua-cam.com/video/GbHIzP56hzA/v-deo.html
→ How to treat & prevent hemorrhoids: ua-cam.com/video/LA0Uc_TodZQ/v-deo.html
→ A fart story to make you smile: ua-cam.com/video/Tu5Pao8G8To/v-deo.html
✩ Products Mentioned:
→ The Bowel Book by Dr. Michael Levitt, MD: amzn.to/3xjuUYT
I wanted to make a video surrounding laxatives-how they work, the different kinds, why dependence happens, and share how I have partnered with patients to help them wean off of laxatives!
♡ This video is not sponsored; however, some of the links are affiliate links!
I hope it's helpful, and thank you for watching 💛
I’ve been heavily addicted to laxatives for over 2yrs now. Im ready to wean off. I’m grateful I found your video! Thank you!
How are you now? Are you taking laxative till now?
Which laxative you were addicted to ( osmotic or stimulant) ?
I cannot believe I’m finding this now. Ive been on different laxatives for almost a year now with all these symptoms listed at the beginning😭😭 Ive been to so many doctors too but this is the most helpful information I’ve ever heard. Thank you so much!
I'm so sorry to learn about your struggles with laxatives, but I'm so happy this video was helpful for you! I wish you the best of luck as you try to normalize your system. Bodies are capable of immense healing, and I'm sure yours is no exception 💛
❤😊Sooooo very helpful! You are so caring and giving
I’m a holistic therapist and always beautiful to meet a sharing so loving soul
like myself. So glad your channel is thriving 🎉🙏♥️😘
Thank you! So helpful. I definitely fall into this category of constipation. And just knowing what the laxatives actually do and which ones are addictive helps so much, now I can make an informed decision when I take a laxative. I will be watching the massage, yoga poses and correct toilet sitting videos next.
Oh wow!! So happy to find this video!! I’m gonna try to go it starting today
I also wanted to say I found your video very informative and very well done thank you
Thank you 🤗
Thank you for posting this! I feel this information will help me benefit from visiting a physical therapist because I will have questions to reach my goals. Please continue to post videos on exercises do herbal treatments. You are appreciated,❤️
I am so glad this information can help you guide a future PT appointment! I really appreciate your encouragement and your kind words, thank you so much for watching and commenting 💛
Thank you so much for this video. It is helping me so much.
First I'd like to say that seeing you respond to nearly every single comment is so nice to see! If you can, I want to extend my appreciation ahead of time. I have been a laxative abuser for about 12-13 years now. I have been weaning myself off for about 3 months. I've abused Natural Calm for about 9 years and Miralax for about 3. I weaned off of Miralax and then switched to oat fiber. I'm curious about your feedback on oat fiber. I am finding that it is very easy to "abuse/overdose" and much of the same symptoms as an osmotic- bloating, gas, etc. I am so afraid of not using anything, though I have been able to go a day without just to see if my body would make a bowel movement. Unfortunately, no success. I likely need to give it a few days at a time but havent had the courage due to the physical discomfort. Do you have any recommendations? Again, thank you in advance 😊
This is so helpful thank you so much❤️🔥
Wow. Your channel DESERVES 100K subscribers - your material is a model of clarity and actionable expertise, potentially useful for the entire populace, GI issues or not! This is merely in my layperson's opinion of course. Still, I have watched a TON of experts in medical, technology and other knowledge-spaces on fora as esteemed as TED× and TED, plus professional confabs. Few, very few, have been as relatable and wise as yourself here. This is my first video of yours being viewed, and while reviewing your listing of prior videos as I pondered how many of those would match my interests and reward my time enough to merit a subscription to your channel, your wealth of insights being shared in this vid utterly compelled me and won me over. LIKED & SUBSCRIBED! Long may your channel thrive and prosper… 👍🙏🤗
Oh my gosh. Wow. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words about my delivery and my presence, I am genuinely speechless!
This channel is a passion project, and I can't give it the time that I so desperately want to right now -- which makes it all too easy to feel discouraged.
Comments like yours are what motivate me to continue. And your support is so, so meaningful to me. So thank you, again, so much for watching, commenting, liking, and subscribing. I am SO glad this video was helpful to you, and I wish you nothing but the best 💕
Hi, I can't find the video I watched yesterday about the prune juice, applesauce and the oat bran. I can't find the Red Hill Oat bran- I can only find Oat Bran cereal? They aren't the same-are they? I didn't spend too much time searching, though. I enjoy your videos. I've been constipated all my life it feels like. It's nice to see a place devoted to this problem. Please keep up the good work!
The person description in the beginning is me totally. Unfortunately my gastroenterologist said laxatives aren’t habit forming and that I can use them without concern. I use senna tea and ducolax almost daily and she said it is fine. I always was worried about this statement. I have bloating, abdominal pain, slow transit IBS constipation. Linzess is helping a little but not all the time.
Hi Dr. Tori, My husband has laxative dependence due to diverticulosis and an inability to urinate when his bowels are full because of pressure from his bowels on his prostate which in turn causes pressure on his urethra. I was wondering if you have any suggestions for how to deal with this problem. It seems like urologists and gastroenterologists don’t cross over on their knowledge of problems that affect both systems. Thanks ahead of time for any insights you might have. I love how clear and thorough your teaching style on you videos is.
I really like how you explain things and you have a lot of great information. I'm curious if you still recommend Miralax? Do you ever recommend Magnesium instead of Miralax?
Thank you for the advice!
Thank you so much for your video. I learnt so much I'm on my way of recovery ❤
how are you going? I'm starting today and terrified
Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏
You’re Godsend!❤🙏🏼
this was helpfull. thanks.
I was hoping you would cover glycerin suppositories which i use to have bowel movements .
Congratulations on your favouritism of "All About Laxatives: Dependence, Addiction & Weaning" inspirational thanks for sharing.🍏🍊🍎
I had an head/neck injury 35 years ago and have anismus since. Been taking dulcolax for many years because they are the only ones to help me go
If you have ankylosing spondylitis (I don’t think it ever reached the lumbar level), is it possible that it could be partially responsible for constipation and tight pelvic floor muscles?
You may not read this but I was wondering with the protocol you outlined, is the mirilax being taken every day or is it as needed ? I have IC and when my bowel is full it presses on my bladder causing more pain
Thank you so much
I’m 21 and I’ve been using stimulant laxatives (senna) almost every day for like 4 years now. Do you think weening off of both stimulant and osmotic laxative is possible for me or did 4 years of usage has caused permanent damage? Have you seen people use for longer than me go back to having a normal bowel movement without help from laxatives?
Great vid thanks
You're very welcome! Wishing you the best ❤
I had been on senna laxatives for about 20 years and now at age 71 have haemoroid and fissure . At the start of a bowel movement the stolols are hard and then soft stool for eating rice and sweet items.Banana constipate and mango makes very loose. What is the reason?
I have so many questions. This is first for me I’ve haven’t gone in 5 days , thought my pains was diverticulitis ER doc said it was constipation showed me my scan so I went home took miralax 30 ml and found your channel did the exercises and this morning also but still haven’t gone now I’m
In treadmill. Also
what would be a safe dose of miralax in a day/ week? my husband had a foot of colon removed from diverticulitis 12 years ago goes like every 5 days with help of anemia after so many attempts and straining I get scared for him. is the anemia safe ? Should you we increase water intake? We are going to see a new doctor next and discuss his condition. we are both older 60’ and 70’s thank you for you help with all of us dealing with this ❤
I just over used laxatives today because bulimia. Like 10 minutes ago. And this is the 5th video in my fyp since 10 minutes ago right after I drank so much very strong over steeped multiple bags of laxative tea. I haven’t done that for about a month. But as soon as I do it I get like 5 laxative and laxative abuse videos almost in a row in my fyp.
Hi i have a question..is it alright to eat a medium amount of papaya daily to get rid of laxative dependency? I have been on laxative for 5 months..now i've stopped and started eating fruits papaya is helping me with bowl movement can i continue eating this or should i avoid it too?
Do you take all three caps of the MiraLAX at the same time or one cap say morning, noon and night?
My son was getting magnesium citrate for a year and now he is not able to go on his own anymore. I didn't realize that magnesium was causing him constiparion. The doctor prescribed him restoralax and hes been on it for a couple of months. Its so frustrating. I dont know what to do next.
I cannot thank you enough for sharing this video. I would like to share my recovery story in hopes that it will help others with similar challenges.
I abused stimulant laxatives (e.g., Correctol, Ex-lax) throughout high school into my late 20’s - primarily to keep my weight down. I would often binge and then take as many as 10 pills to cleanse so I could “start my diet” the next day. Thankfully, I addressed the emotional triggers but was left with chronic constipation and IBS. A friend of mine introduced me to Senna tea and I have been taking this on a daily basis everyday for the past 27 years (I am now 57). I have considered myself the “ picture of health” - I am fit, at a very healthy weight, rarely even get a cold - but continued to experience constant bloating, gas, and a dependency on Senna. UNTIL I saw this video and decided to take action once and for all!!!
I took your advice and weaned myself off gradually exactly as you described. It took me 2 months to stop completely, as I substituted Senna with Muralax. However, I was still taking Muralax daily thinking that I could not go without it. My stool was constantly runny, I was often bloated/gassy, and occasionally had leakage throughout the day....soooo I decided to stop taking Muralax to see what would happen. This was a month ago and I am so thrilled to say I have been completely regular ever since!! I have a healthy bowel movement nearly every day, and I am rarely bloated and gassy!! Btw... I also do the intestinal massage almost daily, as I find it helpful and relaxing as well.
I never would have imagined this was even possible!!!! Not to be over-dramatic, but for me, it is a life-changing miracle!!!! I cannot thank you enough!!!
My whole heart 😭🧡
I cannot thank you enough for your openness in this comment. Thank you, sincerely, for sharing so honestly about your relationship with stimulant laxatives, your recovery, and for demonstrating just how capable of healing our bodies are, regardless of how long we've been dependent on laxatives.
I am THRILLED that you're having normal, healthy bowel movements almost every day (and that the intestinal massage is also helpful for you!), and I'm also so happy to know that you've worked through not only the physical aspect of your bowel health but the emotional aspect of your relationship with laxatives.
Thank you, again, so much for this comment 🤗I'm honored to have been a part of your healing journey, and I wish you nothing but the best moving forward!
@@PelvicEmpowerment thank you for your heartfelt response. For me, it is important to make sure you know the significant impact you have had! I will most definitely share your method if/when I encounter others with similar challenges 😀😀
WHAT if cannot buy MIRALAX in our Asian countries? Any other good osmotic laxative to be recommended. Thank you.
Ive been abusing dulcolax laxative for about a month if I stop now will I go thru withdrawals, like bloating ?
My mother in law has a huge issue with over medicating herself on laxatives. He says she’s badly constipated, but drs have all sent her for testing and colon cleanses, and we just can’t deal with her craziness anymore.
So I was going to core therapy and basically directed to go cold turkey off the stimulate laxative. I have been on it nightly (2 tablets) for the last 14 years after the birth of my last child, it got worse after my hysterectomy several years ago. Some of the pelvic and core therapies help in some ways I still can’t do what I need to. I was told to try the cilium husk, but sounds like it has same purpose as Milk of Magnesium.
I would like to say the breathe work a massage might slightly be helping. Still a work in process.
No no psycillum husk is actually a bulk forming laxative so it basically adds bulk to your pooh thus making it easier to pass but milk of magnesium draws water to your poo making. It watery thats it 😅
Hi! I’ve been taking sen, cascara and frangula pills for a year. 15-20 pills a day due to my ed. Any advice? Please!!🙏🙏🙏😞😞
I hear thiamine deficiency can be a cause of gut motility issues (among many other things), as it impacts the vagas nerve. It's also supposedly more common a nutrient deficiency than one would think. What I can't quite figure out is how it can be tested. Regular thiamine supplements apparently don't do the trick but benfotiamine and other more bioavailable forms do. Certainly seems worth looking into for those dealing with gut issues.
I wasn't aware of this, how interesting! Thanks so much for bringing it to both my and my audience's attention ❤️
I've tried sulbutiamine and it hasn't helped, I think I can assume that's not my case.
Do you have a video about how to wean off MIRALAX??
Thank you for another awesome video. I can’t have a bowel movement on my own. I take amitiza as well as stimulant laxative every night and they don’t work anymore. I have to do an enema every morning. I can’t take Metamucil because like you said it makes my symptoms even worse. I went to Stanford for help and they did a Analrectol Manometry. Next is a pelvic MRI as well as swallowing a pill that takes pictures as it goes through my body. And they’ve set me up for pelvic therapy. I was wondering if you have a video on the exercises for chronic Constipation. I see that you have one for massages. Anyway, thank you for all you do. You’re so wonderful.
I am so sorry to hear about all that you're navigating trying to regulate your bowels. But I am ecstatic that you are moving through the proper testing to try and learn more about your individual GI system -- tailoring intervention to the actual person makes SUCH a big difference in gut health (and all aspects for health, for that matter).
Unfortunately I do not have a video on exercises for chronic constipation. The tricky thing with chronic constipation is that pelvic floor and other exercises differ pending on the person's pelvic floor/surrounding musculature. Sometimes someone is too weak and needs strengthening, sometimes someone is too tight and needs relaxation (and usually strengthening around the pelvis, instead of inside of it).
I really wish I could be more helpful, but I am ecstatic that you will be seeing a pelvic PT.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, and thank you so, so much for all of your kind words. They mean so much to me ❤️
Pelvic Empowerment Thank you for responding. Have a beautiful day. Happy Holidays to you and your beloved 💕
@@carolcandace5909 Thank you so much! Happy Holidays to you and yours as well ❤️
Im in the same situation as you.. Amitiza and enemas pelvic massage and sick all the time. Drs Drs Drs and nothing and that's including pelvic floor pt, exercise and bathroom gymnastics. I now have a severe anismus that locks up my pelvic floor and I can't release liquid or gas. Have you had any luck?
@@carolcandace590922:22
There seems to be a direct correlation between my constipation and drinking alcohol. The more I drink the worse it gets. This didn’t become a problem until I hit age 50. I also noticed after drinking that my upper intestine rumbles, and I get small pains on both sides below my chest in my digestive tract. This is only on occasion though. Milk of Magnesia seems to keep me regular, but my stools are not like they once were, and I never feel fully relieved like when the stools were more solid. Do you think I should just abstain from alcohol all together and see if it clears up? I’ve also noticed lately that my face and neck gets hot and red after drinking alcohol. I’m beginning to think I’m developing an allergic reaction to wine and that sucks. Any advice would be appreciated.
Hi Billy! I am honored that you're comfortable asking me for guidance; however, I cannot give individualized medical advice. I can only offer general information and share resources!
That being said, you aren't alone in your body's sensitivities changing over time. Sometimes, as we age, what our bodies/GI systems can tolerate shifts. I'm sorry alcohol is giving you trouble with your bowels and your skin, but it's great that you've been able to figure out this direct correlation between it and constipation! Better than being unaware of your triggers, for sure.
As for eliminating it to see if things clear up, that's up to you! You could always try eliminating it just for 6-8 weeks, and see how your body responds. Then, based off of your body's response, you can decide if you want to reincorporate it/how to best reincorporate it into your lifestyle!
I wish I could be more helpful! Wishing you the best 🧡
Don't drink
Dear Doctor,
i am grateful for your kind and empathic, caring, way. Thank you for giving me hope.
If you have a moment for the following questions i would be grateful for your guidance, i am sure you are busy.
1. what are your thoughts on using coffee (1 or 2 cups),
and prunes (5 to 8) to jump start the colon after waking in the morning,
(...in addition to partaking in light exercise, a breakfast adhering to the prescribed vegetarian pre-diabetic, low carb., low sugar diet + 2 teaspoons of disoved in 18 oz of water?)
Is it detrimental and habit forming to take the prunes and caffeine?
Will this habit force the colon to never find it's own natural rhythm?
2. i find that if i do not have the coffee and prunes or black tea prunes etc.
+ 4 whole hrs to myself in the morning where there is no thought of work and responsibilities to fulfill, that i will miss my window of opportunity to have normal colon functionality.
What are your thoughts on daily normal emotional stress, fight /flight response - rest/digest response and the colon?
i will follow through with your suggestions for the modified yoga poses, intestinal self massage, and proper body posture and breathing technique for toilet sitting.
Thank you sincerely.
Thank you so much for your kind words ❤️
I really appreciate your questions, and I'm honored you're comfortable asking me. Know that I cannot give individualized medical advice, so I may to be able to answer them in the way you're seeking. That being said, I'll do my best with the general information I can share!
1. It's interesting, because caffeine and prunes are not viewed as habit-forming laxatives in the Western world; however, you are not alone in this experience. Coffee/caffeine especially seems to cause "addictive"-esque colonic behavior in some. That being said, whether or not that's a bad thing I think depends on the person/the situation. On the one hand, coffee and prunes are both naturally occurring substances, they're affordable, and they work. On the other, I can understand not wanting your body to "need" something to jumpstart bowel movements. In this situation, I think it's up to you and how you feel about the regimen. (I can't speak to your diet, as that is something you'd have to discuss with a healthcare provider who knows you and your past medical history 😊)
2. The nervous system and the gut are intimately related, there is even strong evidence to suggest that the gut acts as a "second brain." That being said, different people's guts will demonstrate different levels of sensitivity. Some will be very sensitive to the sympathetic state of the brain, others will be less. But I absolutely believe and have found that guts respond to the sympathetic nervous system, and that managing stress can be a helpful intervention when it comes to overall gut health!
Wishing you the absolute best with the other techniques and your overall health 🤗
Hello, thank you very much for your helpful video! I'm a 20 year-old student and I have been using Dulcolax Suppositories for a couple of months once every day in the morning and I become addicted to it. However, now I am motivated to quit. Can you please give me an advice on how should I proceed? Should I stop it directly and wait for my bowel movement to recover or, should I as you mentioned in your video start step by step and introduce a remedy such as Lactulose and gradually decrease the Dulcolax dosage? Thank you very much in advance, it means the world to me!!!
Hey, so glad you are feeling motivated to get off of the stimulant suppositories! That's awesome news.
As far as your question goes, know that I cannot give individualized medical advice and that I must recommend you wean off of laxatives with the supervision of a trusted healthcare provider.
That being said, in my clinical experience, I've found that it's always best to slowly wean off of a stimulant laxative, rather than stop it immediately. Guts really do love routine, and usually abruptly stopping stimulant laxatives leads to bloat and constipation.
I think you've got age on your side, and I love the idea of weaning off of the stimulant and pairing it with an osmotic, that's what I'd do if it were me 💕
Let me know if you have other questions, and I wish you nothing but the best!
Ms. Tori is gradually weaning off from Laxatives necessary? Can’t i just stop cold turkey? Which do you recommend? Your videos have been helpful for me. Tysm 🙆🏻♀️❣️❣️
I think, most of the time, guts like routine, which means stopping anything cold turkey is* tough on them! That isn't true of everyone's gut, but I'd say most guts don't do well with abrupt changes.
So glad the videos are helpful for you ❤️
I weaned myself off of senna years ago and moved to magnesium and slippery elm. Is slippery elm a bad thing?
So proud of you for weaning off of Senna! It sounds like slippery elm is a stool bulker, not a stimulant laxative. Not a bad thing at all ❤
What about juices like prune juice or juicing
Can you become dependant on something like restoralax, which is a form of laxative that doesn’t stimulate your bowels or cause contractions, but instead increases the amount of water in the stool? So it’s a stool softener and not a stimulant laxitave. Is that safe to take long term or will it still cause dependence? Thanks
Osmotic laxatives are considered non-habit forming in the medical community ❤️
Thank you. You have addressed long standing issues which have been a very negative influence in my life. Would it be possible to speak with you in a private way?
I am so happy that this video was helpful for you, and I'm honored that you want to reach out to me for guidance. Unfortunately, I cannot give individualized medical advice and, due to the toll healing my own pelvis is taking on my mental health and my time, I am not currently seeing patients. That being said, if you are looking for professional guidance in the space of laxative weaning/bowel health, a pelvic physical therapist might be a helpful provider to have on your team!
You'd be looking for a pelvic PT who is trained in bowel health (not all pelvic PTs are, so be sure to ask the front desk if/when you call!) and who is comfortable speaking with your physician (or nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant) about a weaning schedule! Prescribing medications is outside of a physical therapist's scope of practice, so you'd want a different member of your healthcare team who has the ability to make those sorts of decisions formally to have a call or two with your pelvic PT so they can get on the same page!
But a good pelvic PT would be able to help you wean AND address any physical/lifestyle issues that might be contributing to your condition!
If you live in the US, you can use this directory to find a provider near you: pelvicrehab.com/
I wish you the absolute best in your healing, and I'm sorry I can't be more helpful! You deserve to feel peace in both your mind and your body -- don't ever give up on your healing or body's ability to heal 🧡
@@PelvicEmpowerment Thank you for your information and kind words of encouragement and support. I'm Canadian but I'm sure the information will be of help. I wish you continued success on your own healing journey.
I've been using smooth move tea, časara sagrada 6, miralax, and antacid. I had a colonoscopy that showed part of black. They said off all laxatives. They put me on lactulose liquid. I got so constipated. Stopped it and went back on laxatives. I can't squeeze it hurts my back. Now I'm on linezz..Had to take all laxatives cause it says it can take two weeks to work. Maximum strength acts is works. I'm cutting down to 4. Casara sagrada. Help
Hey, I'm so sorry to hear about your experience with laxatives. It sounds like you have developed dependency on stimulant laxatives, most people cannot stop cold-turkey and need to wean. If your healthcare team is suggesting that you get off of laxatives due to the results of your colonoscopy but you're unable to stop them cold-turkey, ask for their supervision and help in developing a weaning program! Don't ever stop advocating for yourself and your health.
Iv been taking laxatives all my life, yes as a child too.Lyn
What about caster oil?
Hello, what kind of dr. Do i seek out, i prefer a natural approach vs MD. Thank you for your recommendations
I've worked with MDs, PAs, and RNs when helping patients wean from stimulant laxatives. That being said, pelvic physical therapy is still within the Western realm of medicine, though. If you prefer a more natural approach, I think NDs can help someone wean from stimulant laxatives! The only word of warning I'd give is that sometimes NDs wean stimulant laxatives (like Senna) with "herbal laxatives" (like Cascara Sagrada) which are also stimulant laxatives... be mindful of the practitioner, whether they're Western or natural 💛
Thank you for your help
I just watched the video. It tells a lot about the habit forming laxatives but what about non-habit forming. What if someone stops them abruptly?
That's a good question. I would imagine after prolonged use of non-habit forming laxatives (osmotic laxatives) it would likely be kinder to your gut to wean off rather than stopping abruptly, but honestly I don't know. I haven't treated anyone with an issue associated with non-habit forming laxatives!
Does anyone know if aloe Vera is osmotic or stimulant laxative?
I’ve been on senna tea for 2 years, in combination with 2 senna pills which I’ve taken daily for 5-7 years. & aloe Vera daily for 8 years which I used to take in combination with magnesium calming powder daily
I think it's a stimulant laxative, I've thought of trying it, I've never been one to get constipated, but the last couple of years I've noticed sometimes I do, now it's more common, I haven't been now in about 10 days, I don't know what the deal is, I wonder if maybe it's my boyfriend's cooking, I didn't have the problem like this until us guys met.
I have been taking senna for 7 months and recently got off them for two weeks and of course my bowel movement stopped ever since. I have been trying to eat kiwis, probiotics, green veggies etc for two weeks but all i got was just little bit of poop. I couldnt stand anymore and i just took another senna and i am feeling really guilty right now.. do you think i should slowly decrease the regularity of taking laxatives(ex: everyday->every 4-5 days) or should i just completely stop taking them and continue with my fiber-ful meals? I have no idea how to overcome this please help
Hey! I am so sorry you're having trouble with stimulant laxatives, but I am so excited that you've decided to regulate your bowels without them.
I can't give individualized medical advice, but I can say that the general guidelines outlined in this video -- including a slow wean off of stimulant laxatives instead of an abrupt stop -- have done wonders for patients in the past! Arm yourself with knowledge, try to be kind and patient with your body, and trust that you've got everything you need to heal.
Wishing you the best ❤️
Hi, do your recommend prune juice? Is that habit laxative?
I take 3 boxes of chocolate ex-Lax twice a week or get impacted. I have had colonic inertia my whole life after scarring from POD from sexual abuse at nine. I also have pelvic floor dysfunction. I'm 68 and my life is torture from my pain and bloating. Farting is a rare treat. I am also on far too many psych drugs from abusive childhood. I'm stuck.
What about rectal laxatives/suppository? Would it be same weaning process?
That's a great question! While I haven't helped someone wean off of laxative suppositories before, my initial thought is that it would depend on the kind of suppository. There are stimulant suppositories, just like there are stimulant oral laxatives, that I would assume are much more habit-forming than something like a glycerin suppository and may need to be weaned off of very slowly with the help of a different, non-stimulant laxative.
Wishing you health and safety during this uncertain time ❤️
What about calm?
I have a rectovele I’m reluctant to do the therapy with as I have no transportation, abuse issues and fear, eating disorder and treatment needs flor laxative wise have to be taken care of befor treatment interested in exercise video
I am so sorry to learn about your history of ab*se. Your fear surrounding therapy is completely valid, and transportation limitations are very real. You know your body and your mind best, and you know what's best for your healing. That being said, I do want you to know that there are tr*uma informed pelvic physical therapists who practice consent-based treatment, who are aware of physical dissociation and know a few techniques to recognize it and bring the person back to her body. There are clinics that accept Medicare/Medicaid (if you're in the US), and, pending on your insurance, there are sometimes transportation services that can be offered for little to no cost. But of course, whether or not to pursue therapy is 100% your decision, and whatever choice you make is the right one. As for your request for an exercise video, I have been hesitant to make videos surrounding pelvic floor exercises because I have seen firsthand the importance of individualizing exercise treatments, and how someone thinking they're doing the "right exercises" when they haven't been examined can actually lead to more harm than good. I do really appreciate the request though, and I'll consider it 🧡
Miralax is the same thing as Movicol correct? Movicol comes in sachets of powder. So when you are saying “capfull” of miralax, would that equate to a sachet of Movicol? This video is giving me some hope.
I haven't used Movicol in the clinic, but I did a little research and while Miralax and Movicol may not be the same drug, they belong to the same drug-class -- they are both osmotic laxatives! So, in theory, they should both draw water into the intestines and soften stool/stimulate peristalsis in that way 💛
Having not worked with Movicol myself, I'm not sure what its dosage is. If a "sachet of Movicol" is equal to one serving of Movicol, then yes! I'd assume a capful of Miralax (since that's a single serving of Miralax) is equal to a sachet of Movicol!
I am so happy that you are feeling hopeful. Bodies are capable of immense healing, we just have figure out how to best support them in that healing. That can be the tricky part! I hope you find your healing soon 🤗
Pelvic Empowerment thank you so much. I did go cold turkey from suppositories 32 days ago and it’s been a struggle. But if things get really bad, I can always try some osmotic laxative to assist, but hope it won’t be necessary. 6 years of abuse has taken it’s toll unfortunately.
@@johnvanbreugel2569 Wow! I am so impressed! 32 days cold turkey is a big deal, and a big win! I hope you're celebrating what you've been able to accomplish.
I hope the osmotic laxative assist won't be necessary, too, but either way, I hope you know that even with 6 years of abuse under your belt, your body is clearly already on its way. Congratulations on your success so far ❤️
Hello! is Movicol part of (osmotic laxative) and is it true that you can use it for up to 2 yrs without any side effect? and is it better to take osmotic laxative instead of bulk forming laxative like natural psyllium husk? Thanks in advance! 😊
Hi! I hadn't heard of Movicol before this comment, but I did a quick search of its mechanism of action and it is an osmotic laxative!
As far as using Movicol for up to 2 years without any side-effects, I'm not sure. I haven't used osmotic laxatives personally for longer than a few days, and I haven't worked with anyone using Movicol specifically for 2 years or longer, so I don't have any personal or clinical experience to pull from to answer your question, unfortunately 😔
That being said -- I wouldn't say it is better or worse to take an osmotic laxative vs. a stool bulker! I would say it depends on the person and his/her specific bowel function. Some people benefit much more from an osmotic laxative, but for others, a stool bulker makes a lot more sense. It just depends on their individual presentation.
I wish I could be more helpful! Don't hesitate to ask any other questions, and I wish you nothing but the best ❤️
Pelvic Empowerment Thank you so much for the reply 😊 I really appreciate it. I’m having anal fissure on and off so I’m planning to take Osmotic laxatives which is Movicol instead of Psyllium husk Bulk forming laxatives but not sure if I will do the right thing 😟 any suggestions for anal fissure?
@@arianne0714 Aww man, I'm sorry to hear about the on and off anal fissures -- luckily, the conservative management of anal fissures is very similar to the conservative management of external hemorrhoids -- so a lot of these same tips and tricks apply!
A video about conservative management of anal fissures has been requested and I fully intend to make it one of these days, when I have the time to devote to the topic that it deserves -- until then, I really hope that you find a routine that heals and prevents them for you ❤️
Wishing you only the best!
I have been looking for help from some1 like you are describing. How do i find some one near me. Whats the type of treatment
Are you looking for someone to help wean you off of laxatives?
I need help with coming off laxitives
Would this type of help assist someone who uses suppositories a lot?
Hmm, that's a good question! I'm not sure... suppositories usually help to soften stool and make it easier to pass when it's already in the rectum, where laxatives usually help via the intestines, before the stool gets to the rectum. I wish I could give you a clearer answer, but I'm confident that a healthcare provider would be able to help you wean off of suppositories and/or alter your diet/lifestyle in a way that creates softer stools!
have been taking senna powder for 1.5 year.. 3/4 spoon at bedtime now after stopping i m facing constipation
how to get rid of it？ should i come off senna gradually or cold turkey.. or should i start taking psyllium husk？
n if i start using psyllium husk n decrease senna use gradually.. how can i “go” naturally without bulking （psyllium） or stimulant laxative. like senna
Hi! Have you watched the video in its entirety? Guts love routine - stopping cold turkey is going to result in bloating and constipation, the slower weaning is almost always the way to go!
A bulking laxative like psyllium might not be as effective as an osmotic laxative, as I outline in the video. I use 2 patient examples for weaning -- the answers to your questions should be outlined in the video!
Make sure that you wean with the guidance of your PCP or another trusted physician, and best of luck to you
@@PelvicEmpowerment question for you doctor how many times a month should I. Be. Checking. My. Penis and scrotum for. Prostate cancer?
Just discovered your videos. So helpful, thank you! I have had chronic constipation my whole adult life (assuming it's IBS-C and/or slow transit) and am dependent on osmotic laxatives (Natural Calm magnesium powder or Milk of Magnesia) and I have to take a lot each night for them to be effective (about 7 Tbsps.). I feel very uncomfortable and backed up if I don't have a full/ large bm every day (usually am). I wish I could wean off the osmotics. They cause my belly to be very distended most of the time, I expect due to the water in the gut - could this also be due to a stretched colon / poor muscle tone? Fibre (including Heather's acacia tummy fibre) does nothing for me. I will try the massage and would welcome any other suggestions. Thanks again.
Hi Julia! Firstly, I am so sorry to hear that you have had chronic constipation for your whole life. GI issues can be so challenging to navigate and very frustrating, I hope in the difficulties you find space to be kind to yourself and your body.
I would so much rather hear you say that you're dependent on osmotic laxatives than stimulant laxatives, but I so hear you wanting to wean. I think I'd want to, too.
I've never helped anyone wean off of osmotic laxatives before, but I wonder if you could apply similar principles. Remember that I cannot give individualized medical advice, and that laxatives/other prescription or OTC medication is outside of my scope of practice and you would need the supervision of a trusted, qualified healthcare provider to help you in this journey. That being said, I can share what I'd do if it were me!
1. I'd keep in mind that the gut loves routine, so if I were to wean off of osmotic laxatives, I'd do it very slowly. Maybe by quarter or half teaspoons (i.e. 6.75 teaspoons for a week, 6.5 teaspoons for a week, 6.25 teaspoons for a week, etc.)
2. I wonder if pairing the weaning with other conservative management options would be helpful. (i.e. after my nightly osmotic laxative, maybe I perform intestinal massage)
3. Other conservative techniques that can be helpful to jumpstart digestion/get things moving in the colon that could be paired with the nightly laxative: drinking a warm glass of water, going for a 10-15 minute walk/jog, and/or 10-15 minutes of yoga with inversions
I wish I could be more helpful, and I thank you sincerely for the kind words about my channel! That means a lot to me 💕
Wishing you only the best, let me know if you have any questions 😊
Thank you so much for your kind and thorough response. I will try to integrate some of your suggestions. (I'm actually taking Tablespoons, not teaspoons - yikes! - but of course the process would be the same to wean off.) I do have one question. Do you know if the chronic use of osmotics could permanently stretch out the colon? Thanks again!
@@CatrionaRuadh What a great question! I do not know the answer to that -- when I research or talk with other healthcare providers, osmotic laxatives are always called "safe," "non-addictive," etc. and encouraged over stimulant laxatives for long-term use. I wonder if there is any research that has been done on that topic!
What if it doesn't work and there's a fecal impaction after a long constipation without pooping, how can that person be able to poop, he must use a laxative to poop again , it's absolutely confusing
Yes, fecal impaction can require laxatives in order to clear the intestines. The hope would be to wean slowly and avoid fecal impaction all together!
My daughters condition is quite complex she suffers from hypothyroidism A pre-disposing of her underlying condition hypo Pan pituitarism and has chronic constipation as one of its innate symptoms, The constipation goes hand-in-hand with nighttime urinary incontinence. We just spent four days in the hospital for a colon cleanse using MiraLAX at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles which she had to do 4 years earlier, she is now 16 years old.
I have been doing research recently about the possibility that she has irregularity with her ileocecal valve, The symptoms that she has certainly matchup, constipation, nausea, paleness, ministration issues, tinnitus, lightheadedness, dizziness.
She has been suffering for more than two months now, we are currently treating her with MiraLAX and bisacodyl as prescribed by the hospital so she will not get impacted again, their recommendation because her intestines have been stretched and are susceptible to being impacted again as they recommend, I am researching diet and natural cures, she has been using MiraLAX for many years and I’m afraid her G.I. system is dependent upon it, we also used psyllium husk which for a long time was a lifesaver however she was on this along with the MiraLAX for many years, we wish to stop the Merry Go Round madness and get her body to evacuate waste naturally. In this video you don’t say much about fiber or bulk laxatives are they recommended by you at this juncture it has always been my go to form of laxative it comes in a capsule form as well as powder are you familiar with it I will look for a reply to this stream here on UA-cam but I am also willing to give you my email address
Hi Cliff. My heart breaks learning about your daughter's struggles with her thyroid and, consequently, her GI system. I can feel how much you care for her and want her to be well in your comment.
I love, love, LOVE that you're looking into diet and natural cures. Western medicine is INCREDIBLE sometimes. I truly believe it has a TON of amazing benefits; however, it can fail people who are navigating "mysterious," "chronic" conditions and quickly turn to a "management" attitude instead of a "healing" attitude.
I am honored that you're asking me for guidance; however, I cannot give individual medical advice. What I can share is general information! Generally speaking, MiriLAX and other osmotic laxatives do not cause intestinal dependence and can be helpful tools to manage GI issues. Stool bulking laxatives like psyllium husk also do not cause intestinal dependence and can be helpful tools, I've found.
Have you ever heard of functional medicine? Functional medicine doctor are MDs (they have medical doctorates just like other western-trained physicians), but they lean into the more natural, "alternative," holistic healing. They have all the same power as a typical MD, with the education and interest in holistic techniques. Given your daughter's endocrine system issues, it might be helpful to get a functional medicine doctor on board! More holistic tests (hormone levels via saliva/blood/urine, blood tests, stool tests, etc.) and more holistic interventions (elimination diet, lifestyle, exercise, etc!).
I have some other content that might be helpful generally speaking for constipation management as you and your daughter try to figure out the main cause of her symptoms.
Intestinal massage can be helpful! You can massage the ileocecal valve and help it function more normally. Learn more, here: ua-cam.com/video/JALxwIIPS0g/v-deo.html
There are different yoga moves you can do, too, to help stimulate the intestines and cause a bowel movement: ua-cam.com/video/GbHIzP56hzA/v-deo.html
How you sit on the toilet when you poop is important, especially with managing constipation. Learn more, here: ua-cam.com/video/5egK-7jrEHM/v-deo.html
Bodies are AMAZING. They are capable of immense healing. I've healed from three "chronic, mysterious" conditions, and I'm currently healing from a fourth. If I hadn't have stepped outside of Western medicine, embraced trial and error, and trusted my intuition, my health would be SO much different than it is today. Your daughter is young, she's got that on her side, and you sound like you love her dearly. You guys can figure this out. Don't give up on her ability to heal 🧡
Wishing you both the best!
Hi there, how is your daughter now? Are things better?
@@PelvicEmpowerment😊
You don't say how the patients felt during the wean. I failed pelvic floor rehab (one year). I exercise, massage, drink water, have squatty potty. I feel like I am dying.
I’m having 4 senna laxitives per a day for a year now i’m just so scared that i might die or something and whenever i stop i just can’t have a bowel movment like i dont even have the urge to(i eat enough fiber and water and have movment)
I’m just so scared that something bad might happend to me but i also cant stop because i cant have a bowel movment😭😭😭
What's The Update?Have you had bowel movement after stopping laxative now?
@@Shiro-jh7wn yes of course i had a bowel movement from 8months ago haha😂😂
I didnt stop back then all at once first week i started taking 3 pills second week 2 pills third week half a pill to 1 pill then stick to that 1 pill for ~1 or 2 months then i could stop finally🥳🥳
(Things i did beside this:reducing the fiber and amount of veggies i was having they were making me more constipated i dont eat them at all now i eat some low fiber fruits also i dont eat oats/quinoa or these stuff any more just well prepered white rice for carbs also no dairy cause even butter caused me stomach issues
So rn im eating animal proteins like beef and lamb also for fats i eat mostly animal fats like fat trimmings/tallow/suet and sometimes extra virgin olive oil and avacado
For carbs i eat white rice and fruits
Hope it helps!
I have a laxative habit plz help me
@@allvideos4394 go to a doctor instead of getting help from youtube
@@Melina-ld6oq are you recovered from laxative habit
Hi I go pretty much daily but still feel like Im.full of poop...I have ibs c ..any suggestions
Hi! I'm glad you're going daily, but I'm sorry you don't feel completely relieved after you defecate.
I can't give individualized medical advice, but I can share that you are not alone in this experience. Have you ever heard of pelvic physical therapy? A good pelvic physical therapist would be able to assess your pelvic floor, surrounding musculature, and lifestyle habits to determine what is causing this left over feeling of fullness, and then use her findings to tailor interventions to you and your specific presentation.
If you live in the US, you can use this directory to find a provider near you: pelvicrehab.com
I wish I could be more helpful!
Wishing you the best 💛
Is prune juice an osmotic laxitive?
Kind of... we think that prune juice has a laxative effect because of its sorbitol content, which draws water into the intestines but also might help with stool-bulking! So it may be an osmotic/bulker combo... but it definitely has a laxative effect!
Would you consider coffee to be a habit-forming laxative? Thanks!
That's a really good question -- there isn't as much research into coffee and its exact laxative effects. I usually don't consider it as a true habit-forming laxative, in that the research isn't pointing to it being a true stimulant laxative.
@@PelvicEmpowerment From my personal experiences I would say that it absolutely is. The few times (now included) in my life that I successfully weaned myself off coffee, I eventually went back to it because otherwise I have no stimulation :( I think a lot of people use coffee in this way. Especially in the mornings. Also, thanks for the great videos!
I just saw a study that found identical results for coffee OR just hot water. Its the hot liquid that helps, they claimed.
I have had anal burning from December 2018. I felt like incomplete evacuation, but I can poop everyday then. In November 2019 it became intolerable. I went to the GI surgeon and he done MRI and Colonoscopy and found nothing. He said you have to be with this pain. (I was on PPI for reflux from 2014. I think I have developed ibs in 2014. As bowel movement releived epigastric pain, It never diagnosed.) Then I myself switched the PPI to PPI + Gastric Prokinetic and started a herbal laxative contains 250mg Senna extract and castor oil. This releived my burning and epigastric pain. But I started getting repeatedly infected from 2021 by unknown organism. Tests revealed nothing. I tried to stop using this laxative on and from Nov 2021. But I am in very bad reflux or epigastric pain every time.
I asked GI doctors about Laxative, they kept prescribing more strong Laxatives. I tried milk of Magnesia 30ml it didn't worked. Tried Prucalopride 1mg it worked at first but stopped working after a week. I started light exercise. It didn't much helped. I have degenerative disc disease and recently injured knee. I will try PEG to see that if my colon still contracts on its own or not. How much to take I don't know. During my recent Dec 2021 and past Nov 2019 colonoscopy they gave me 118mg in 2 lit of water. With two sodium picosulfate tablets before and after the PEG. It took 6-7 hours to poop water, even before I had used Laxative and this time also. And both time on colonoscopy they seen that many PEG solution is still inside colon, even after overnight fasting.
Hi, alongside struggling with my mental health I started taking laxatives around 12 years ago. Gradually I took more and more on a daily basis and for approximately 10 years I have been taking 20 dulcolax tablets every single day which has caused major affects to my bowel movements and I am now totally dependent. I have been to the doctors many many time’s and they have prescribed me with lactulose and other types of laxatives but I can’t keep them down and revert straight back. Each health care professional I speak to has told me they don’t really know how to treat a laxative addiction and haven’t really been able to help me further. Would you have any advice? Where should I start? I found your video very helpful. Thankyou
Hey, I'm so sorry to learn about your struggles with mental health and laxative dependence. While I haven't struggled specifically with laxatives, I have struggled with other aspects of my health, and I know how difficult and hopeless "chronic" conditions can seem.
I hate that you haven't found a healthcare provider who feels comfortable treating you, but I hope you know that doesn't mean you can't get better -- bodies are capable of such immense healing, and I don't think yours is an exception.
I'm honored you're asking me for help, thank you; however, I cannot give individualized medical advice. That being said, I can share general knowledge!
Generally speaking, I've had good success in the clinic pairing what I've outlined in this video with:
- activities after meals that naturally jump start peristalsis (like walking after meals, yoga, or performing self-intestinal massage -- learn more about yoga for digestion and intestinal massage, here: ua-cam.com/video/GbHIzP56hzA/v-deo.html and here: ua-cam.com/video/JALxwIIPS0g/v-deo.html )
- proper toilet positioning while pooping (learn more, here: ua-cam.com/video/5egK-7jrEHM/v-deo.html )
- anorectal balloon testing (your rectal tissues and your brain communicate via stretch, which means there are certain volumes that can fill the rectum before it tells the brain that something is there, that it's time to poop, and that it's all the way full and cannot tolerate any more volume. There are established norms for each of these volumes, and some pelvic physical therapists are trained in using a balloon attached to a catheter to fill the rectum with different amounts of air, to compare the patient's tolerance with the establish norms, and determine whether or not the patient needs urge-retraining -- learn more, here: ua-cam.com/video/VJp3ospXb4A/v-deo.html )
While I am not currently taking patients (I am healing from my own pelvic nerve injury, of all things!), there are other pelvic physical therapists who are comfortable treating laxative dependence using the interventions I've described! If you live in the US, you can use this directory to find a provider near you: pelvicrehab.com
Should you choose to seek pelvic PT, do be direct with the front desk when calling different clinics. Not all pelvic PTs are trained in bowel dysfunction, and you want someone who is comfortable treating your condition.
I wish I could be more helpful! Know that you are not alone in this experience, and I've seen others heal in the clinic! Don't give up, you've got this 💛
Thankyou very much for replying to me. It’s more helpful than you know just to have someone tell me that I can recover. I found your video very helpful and I will follow all the links and take in all the information you have provided, it’s very much appreciated. I hope you recover soon. Many thanks
You can do it! I took 13 a day for 7+ years and have been able to recover!
@@WithWendyWin how did you recover? How did you have a bowel movment when you stopped?
Thanks so much
For all this information
Do you have private consultation or can defer to a specialist
Thanks again in advance 🌸🌸🌸
Do you have videos on pelvic dysfunction?
I do have some! What topics are you looking for? If I don't have videos on them yet, I'll add them to my requests list ❤️
@@PelvicEmpowerment Some videos on exercises that are good for pelvic dysfunction.
@@tammy7067 Pelvic dysfunction encompasses a lot of different diagnoses/issues -- I think I can get a better idea of what you're looking for if you can be a little more specific with me 😊
I have a laxative habit plz help me
I need to see this women! I need help! Is there anyone like this in England??
There are pelvic physiotherapists in England! Speaking with a pelvic physio who has had training in bowel dysfunction, or with your prescribing physician about a weaning plan may be a good place to start! Bodies are really incredible, I bet you're capable of immense healing 💛
Wishing you the best!
Hi will fibre supplement cause dependency ?
It should not cause dependency, in that it does not perform peristalsis for your intestines the same way stimulant laxatives do 💛
Hi! Quick question. I’m just like the first patient. Two bags of senna tea daily and then I’ll use glycerin suppositories if I feel like I need to. I really want to wean off. I just purchased Acacia Senegal (tummy fiber) and was planning on weaning off by slowly decreasing the laxatives and slowly increasing the Senegal. Is Senegal an osmotic laxative ? Or will it make it worse for me?
I am so glad that you are feeling ready and wanting to wean! That's awesome. I am not familiar with Acacia Senegal, but it looks like it is not an osmotic laxative from what I can tell. I can't give individualized medical advice, but I can share that, from what I've seen, weaning off of a stimulant laxative and trying to use only fiber in its place tends to cause bloating.
I hope that you are able to find the weaning regimen that works the best for you and your body. I fully believe in your ability to wean 💕
Wishing you the best!
Pelvic Empowerment thank you! I just bought a bottle of miralax and I’m going to try what you described in the video :)
I’ve got all 5 of those on the daily .. I simply won’t go if I don’t take laxatives...
Man, I am so sorry to hear that. I hope this video gave you some direction if you are trying to wean. Wishing you the best ❤
Should I stop cold turkey or wean off slowly
I can't give individualized medical advice, but as I outline in this video, I've found guts respond better to slow changes rather than abrupt ones 💕
Can I take Bisacodyl every 3 days please?
I really appreciate you feeling comfortable asking me for help, thank you; however, I cannot give individualized medical advice. Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative, so whether or not you take it every 3 days really depends on not only your medical history, but also your intention with laxative use. I can only recommend checking in with a healthcare provider who you trust for guidance on Bisacodyl use or any other stimulant laxative.
I wish I could be more helpful, and I hope you find your healing soon 💛
How lon did it take for you to recover, sister, please reply
Hey, I haven’t had this experience myself! In this video, I share about some patient experiences-how long it takes varies pending on the person and how dependent she is on laxatives. In my experience, 6-12 weeks ❤️
Thnks alot sister, can u please name some product to get a normal bowel movement without laxatives, sister, can i take prune juice, apple cider vinegar to get bowel movement, till it returns to normal
I cannot give individualized medical advice, and cannot recommend anything specially to you since I am not treating you-but! I outline a lot of general advice/guidelines in this video, I’m hopeful that there is a good starting point for you in what I’ve already detailed in the video ❤️
@@PelvicEmpowerment okay sister, tnks
I am 66 yo and have been used ducolax for many years. I take 4 pills every 3 days. Can't do this anymore. Can you suggest a weaning off process for me. Thank you so much.
Hi! I apologize, but I cannot offer individualized treatment here. Laxative weaning is something I always do with the okay/guidance of another healthcare provider (usually a PCP, PA, NP, or pharmacist) -- I recommend everything outlined in this video, and chatting with a healthcare provider you know and trust that can help you wean ❤
Mam for how many years did u use dulcolax
I have used ducolax for 15 to 20 years. So afraid that I have permanently destroyed my colon.
@@RahulSingh-lf4sn I have used ducolax for 15 to 20 years. So afraid that I have permanently injured my colon.
Still u take it or quit is your bowel working properly
I take 25 Dulcolax everyday! Im totally dependent on them. I also have body issues! I know I need to get off them and soon. Please help me figure what is another way to handle it! Thank you
Hi! I think your admitting to having some body related insecurities is such a positive step in the right direction, as is your researching laxative weaning 💕
I cannot give personalized medical advice, and laxatives are not something I can prescribe. What I’ve outlined in this video is the extent of what I can offer, but I highly recommend using a healthcare provider that you trust as a guide to come up with a weaning plan that works well for you and your body ❤️
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, I’ll do my best to answer. And I wish you nothing but the best as you work towards weaning off of ducolax!
I'm dependant on them too. I was taking 20 at a time at one point. Then I worked on lowering my tolerance so now I'm only taking 10. And now 10 is starting to work less so I'm slowly increasing again. Jeez this is such a headache, I want to get off them too. But it's been 12 years of laxative abuse so it's not gonna come easy
Kratom Jeep I’d just like to know like a natural herbal fiber type substance to take daily.
Pelvic Empowerment lol she just asked a question doe
I was taking 13 a day for years, but this was a long time ago! I stopped cold turkey and it took weeks before my body made a BM, but I’ve recovered! I drink prune juice or eat sweet potatoes/yams if I need a little extra help!
Hi! I have had chronic constipation my whole life. When I became an adult I discovered laxatives. I’ve been using senna tablets for 15 years. I’m am so scared that I’ve destroyed my gut. I was also born with Gastroschisis. I don’t know if that has anything to do with constipation? This is the first video that I’ve found to actually offer great information and help. Do you think your method of weaning will work for me? Please help me if you can. Thanks!
Hi! Thank you for sharing your story and for reaching out. I am glad this video feels helpful to you.
I want to be honest -- I wasn't familiar with gastroschisis until reading this comment. That being said, I wonder if gastroschisis is linked to "lazy colon," or having naturally slowed gut motility/peristalsis.
My thought is this: knowing that you had gastroschisis when you born and chronic constipation since you can remember, I do now know that you will be able to fully wean off of laxatives -- BUT. I DO think it is worth trying to wean off of stimulant (Senna) laxatives and onto osmotic (like Mirilax) laxatives. The goal is for you to feel that you are in control of your gut, not that it is in control of you!
Recall that it is the stimulant laxatives that cause gut dependency, not osmotic!
I think the method of weaning from stimulant to osmotic laxatives that I outlined in the video is worth a go :) but I would pair it with a few things:
1. A primary care provider/healthcare provider you trust -- you want someone on your team that knows your past medical history and is comfortable with medications (which are out of my scope of practice, I have only weaned with patients whose PCPs I have spoken with directly to review past medical history, meds, etc.)
2. Circling back to my earlier thought, if you have slower gut motility, I would try intestinal massage. Maybe start at 2x/day (before bed and when you wake in the morning), and know that you can do it more frequently (after all meals) or less frequently (only before bed) if you find a different frequency to be more helpful.
Here is my video on how to do that: ua-cam.com/video/JALxwIIPS0g/v-deo.html
3. Make sure you are sitting on the toilet properly to defecate: ua-cam.com/video/5egK-7jrEHM/v-deo.html
4. Remember that the goal isn't to defecate 2x/day, the goal is to have health bowel habits, as outlined in the video and the video's description!
5. Also remember that guts love routine! Be slow and steady with your weaning, if you try something drastic quickly your gut will likely respond with more constipation/bloating.
You got this. Your body is always on your side, always wanting to heal. Be kind and patient with yourself, and know that I'll be thinking of you and wishing you the best ❤
Pelvic Empowerment you are absolutely wonderful!!! Thank you so much for all your help!! Honestly my health care provider did tests and found nothing. They prescribed something that didn’t work. So that’s when I took things into my own hands. Yes, I want to be in control and feel normal. Your videos are so educational, thanks again!!💕💗
Thank you so much for the kind words -- this channel is a passion project (I work full-time), so the positive feedback really keeps me moving forward.
Cheers to being in control and feeling normal! If you have any other questions, I'll do my best to be helpful!
U can use till 40 years senna does not harm but eat high fiber diet and use mild laxatives
@@RahulSingh-lf4sn I have a laxative habit plz help me
I am a 59 year old physician that has been abusing laxatives "stimulant" basically on and off my entire adult life. Since my mothers death in 2015 I have been using them daily. I want to wean off them. Do you believe it is possible to successfully wean? Thank you.
My children appear to be dependent on osmotic laxatives
IM DYING BECAUSE OF LAXATIVES
I need help because I need laxatives to poop
I hope this video can be a helpful first step for you finding your healing ❤️
I have been taken senna for two and a half years I want to quit it help me
Hi, I am so sorry to hear that. Senna can be so helpful at first, but the gut does become reliant on it over time.
As a reminder: the goal in weaning is to replace the use of frequent stimulant laxatives (like Senna) with less frequent osmotic laxatives. It's also worth mentioning again that some humans that haven’t been dependent on stimulant laxatives for a long time may be able to wean off of the stimulant laxative, and then wean off of the osmotic laxative. Other humans that have been dependent on stimulant laxatives for a long time may never be able to fully wean off of the osmotic laxative, and that’s okay. What’s important is that you are in control of your bowels, instead of your bowels controlling you.
I outlined two patient examples in this video, but here is a recap:
I had a patient who was drinking Senna tea 1x/day in order to have a bowel movement. Part of our treatment with the okay from her primary care provider was laxative weaning. We did the following:
For one week, she continued with the Senna tea 1x/day. The following week, she used the Senna tea 1x every 2 days. The following week, she used the Senna tea 1x every 3 days and paired the Senna tea with an osmotic laxative if she felt she needed it. We used MiriLax, up to 3 capfuls paired with the tea. Then, the following week, Senna tea 1x every 4 days paired with up to 3 capfuls of Mirilax.
By this time, we had treated some other pelvic floor impairments that she was having and she no longer needed the herbal laxative and was able to have regular bowel movements with just the Mirilax when she needed it. However, this pattern would continue until someone was taking the herbal laxatives 1x/week, and was ready to trial full replacement of the herbal laxatives with the Mirilax.
We also had her using a self-intestinal massage 2x/day, 1x in the morning, and 1x before bed. She also used it when she felt she needed it if she was bloated. How to use the massage is outlined in this video: ua-cam.com/video/JALxwIIPS0g/v-deo.html
Also be sure you are sitting on the toilet correctly: ua-cam.com/video/5egK-7jrEHM/v-deo.html
Finally, make sure that you wean with the guidance of your primary care provider or another trusted physician, and best of luck to you ❤
Thank you for ur reply basically i should start osmotic laxatives like mirilax is it safe or i should use pysslum husk
@@RahulSingh-lf4sn Psyllium husk is a bulk forming laxative -- it has a lot of fiber in it and, in theory, would make your stool heavier and therefore easier to pass.
With a history of 2.5 years of stimulant laxative use, usually using something like psyllium husk makes things worse. I'd steer clear of the bulking laxatives and stick with the osmotic laxatives.
But it has to be slow and steady, as outlined in the video. If you cold-turkey it, your gut will get upset.
It is important to have the supervision of a physician who knows your past medical history and can hep you along the way!
Can i try triphala tablets or other fiber supplements
If you try too many things at once, your bowels might respond poorly. Be slow and steady with your introduction of anything new -- fiber might be tough on you, but you can try! If it makes you bloat, it's probably not the right fit.
Check with your primary care provider ❤
hi tori, i’m a 14 yo girl and i do have some problems with constipation i went to the doctors and they gave me laxatives. they worked the first days but after they haven’t been working the best i still can’t really go and it kinda worries me but i don’t go after 2 to 3 days but i don’t know what to do please tell me if there is anything else thank you!
Hi Luly! I'm so sorry that you've been struggling with constipation. Sometimes short-term laxative use can be really helpful, it depends on the person and the type of laxative!
I'm so honored that you're comfortable reaching out to me guidance; however, I cannot give individualized medical advice. I can only share general resources and information. Maybe you can chat with your prescribing doctor about your concerns? Pending on what's causing your constipation, there are many ways to intervene other than laxatives - diet, hydration, toileting posture, regular movement, and intestinal massage can all be helpful, to name a few! I'm sorry that I can't be more helpful, and I really hope that you get to feeling better soon 🧡
I have a laxative habit plz help me
It's to late for me now
Hello Dr., I left a comment a week or so ago which I hoped you would respond to but as yet I have not received a reply...your videos are 4 yrs old, 2019, and therefore you may no longer be responding ...I hope that is not the case, John
I hate being this vulnerable but I'm pretty desperate. I had to resign working as a manager of a Exotic Car dealer because I was getting too ill to drive. I dropped in my mother's driveway in October vomiting uncontrollably for awhile and thought I was dying cause my insides felt like they were going to explode. They called 911 and I was rushed to hospital. I had severe inflammation all up my gi tract. I finally after several ER visits was diagnosed with celiac disease and likely crohns like all my family has, edema, prediabetes, Anemia, leaky gut, ulcers, hemorrhoids all up my lower end that a surgeon looked at a few days ago and I could hardly walk the pain was extreme I wanted to just die. I have been bleeding heavily and not many take this seriously they blow me off when I say I feel like I'm dying or I can't hardly walk. However I've never, NEVER met anyone dependent on suppositories to have any kind of bowel movement and if that's lacking average once a day added a Enema. Both fleet brand. I have 3 scheduled routine sit downs and used to be an hour each but I've been Journaling how long my sit downs are and got it down to 10 to 15 minutes instead so some progress.
This is why I'm mentioning this... I start out putting 9 suppositories in me and in few minutes I have either blood and lots of mucus or just mucus or waste coming our. If that didn't work or not enough I'll put no more ever than the 11 on second sit down during one visit. I sometimes have to do a 3rd try so first 9, then 11, then 11 again all in one bathroom break and if only blood or not good I'll lay on floor and do an Enema but I put my legs in the air I'm upside down to get Enema liquid in me all over then I do position like I'm doing push ups staring at ground but lift each leg high one at a time to get Enema all around so about 1.5 minutes holding it in but half time still doesn't work but without it I feel far worse. I just was scheduled for Tharapy for rectal disfunction. I'm desperate to be well. I feel like I have a bad flu that never leaves, bleeding often and where I'm unable to walk or sit or do much so can't wait for God to heal me like He did of life threatening asthma!! It's a crazy story where doctors kept telling me they never saw someone so bad and I went to church and leaders prayed over me and immediately I had asthma leave and I've been well from that ever since. Been about 5 years so I have faith yet I'm desperate ❤ So I still haven't ever heard of someone having this extreme of a dependency case so ill be very grateful for any leads or help. I've quit pain meds and gone through withdrawals so I know pain well but this is a level I've never encountered before and I'd like to find out if others are taking multiple suppositories at same time more than only me cause this is real hard❤ This knife like pain and cramping that never leaves is debilitating and I have so many people thinking they are helping me when criticizing what I eat even though I'm gluten free on everything. 😢 And I'm aware this channel is directed towards females
I'm dying because of laxatives
I'm so, so sorry to learn that you're struggling with laxatives. I really hope that this video helped to shed some light on the options you have for weaning, and please don't give up on your body! Bodies are capable of so much healing when we support them with the optimal healing environments, and I'm confident yours is no exception. It's just figuring out what those environments look like that can be so tricky sometimes. You deserve to feel peace in your body and your mind, always, and I really hope that this brings you one step closer to your healing 🧡