1) Suffering from urinary incontinence issues so cannot drink enough water 2) Giving up wine and finding that causes chronic constipation, which is totally illogical 3) trying to avoid sugar (from all sources) and grains, so cannot find much to eat at all.... Thanks Doc. You are a breath of fresh air 😊
Why aren't more doctors like you with understandable explanations. After having five kids I started being bothered with hemorrhoids, but it is kind of embarrassing to explain to doctors, Glad I clicked on your channel, and thanks.
Thank you so much. I have had 3 hem surgeries over 25 years and will do everything to avoid another one. I eat 3 prunes daily, use the Bran buds often for breakfast but have also used Colace daily for years and find that helps. I am afraid to skip the Colace and I am happy to know that I can safely take regular Colace daily forever. Your videos are so helpful.
I can totally relate. But after trying the same “fixes” that you mentioned, *you just didn't go far enough.* A couple of prunes and a bowl of cereal isn’t going to do a single thing for you, especially when you get older like me. After six months of experimenting with every single natural supplement on earth, I finally found a combination that not only gives me perfect BMs every single morning, but often twice a day. While everyone’s bodies are different, here is the only remedy that worked for me: *Take every night:* 1) 1 cap “Super Colon Cleanse” 2) 2 caps Stool Softener 3) 2 caps Vitamin Shoppe Fiber Blend 4) 1 cap Milk Thistle 5) 1 cap Probiotics 6) 1 cap Vitamin B Complex Take with 1 Tbs. Citrucel powder in a large glass of water (I use the sugar-free one) The Milk Thistle will cleanse your liver, the Probiotics will create a healthy gut biome, and the Vitamin B Complex will also help with good bowel movements, too. If this recipe doesn’t work for you, just have a cup of coffee the next morning and watch what happens. Best of luck!
You answer so many questions that I have, and I truly appreciate it. My doctor has a tendency to just dismiss my questions with a "just do as I tell you attitude." Again, thanks for your detailed answers. I am working on listening to all your videos.
Doc you’re such a beautiful personality with your presentation that is life saving and you just make it really encouraging with your smile. Thank you for this
Thank you for your very easy to understand,and to the point videos. Nanny sent me and I'm so glad I checked your channel. I've had the problem of constipation for so long. Thank you.
Hi Doc, I LOVE your videos!! And your enthusiasm is infectious. I'm glad you did one on softeners, as I have often heard of them but stayed away because I noticed how so many laxatives are actually bad for you if taken to often. So I was extremely relieved to discover that you can take this stuff all the time with virtually ZERO side effects. I just ordered some online, and the stuff was only three bucks a bottle, a real "bargain"!!! Thanks again:)
I really like you Dr Chung . You really give good advice about our health . Never met a doctor like you that really care for People's health and people's concerns about their health.
Great video Dr you hit the nail on the head, it's all about keeping them hems happy, very easy to relaps with different routines and yes if stool softeners help then you gotta take them because it's all about keeping them babies happy. Your videos are really helpful and impformative please keep them up. X
I went on a 3 day fast and about a day later I felt like I had a granite boulder in my gut. I had to take out a chisel and start whacking off chunks until I could pass the darn thing. If I do this fast again I'm going to take some Miralax along with liquids. On the positive side I could make sculptures out of the stuff and it would probably last a couple of Millennia so a future Graham Hancock would get stumped about exactly how the sphynx was made...
Wow, I didn’t know you could take stool softeners for life. I suffer from constipation and diarrhea. Both have negative effects. Usually a bought of diarrhea is followed by constipation. 😢
Thanks Dr Chung. You hv studied the patients is really great. The last part where patients like us go out with family and friends, & wish that bottom end problem would not had been there , then we would had french fries, is really great. Doctor you are like a Godsent for us. 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you! I originally came to see your fistula surgery video and started watching more useful videos. I had a fistula surgery this morning and am going to start using stool softeners. THANK YOU
Doc ur videos are the best! The way you empathise with us gives me the motivation to deal with my problem even though i have relapsed soooo many times.. but keep going ... thanks I will start on docusate..
In India treating fissure is a big business.. i had 2 surgeries already 1 for piles and 1 for fistula ..... after being diagnosed with dengue recently i was dehydrated and found that the fussure came back.... i changes my doc and he was an angel he only ga e me a stool softner and told me that use thia for a month and it will go away .... i was and am getting a lot fo fiber and 4 liters of water everyday but just one fever changed it all ... thanks for this video doc ... keep making these video god bless you
What about finding the root cause of the constipation? Maybe low acid in stomach and low bile for digestion? Fixing the digestion first should alleviate the constipation
I'm late to the "party." 🎉 Thank you so much for sharing this information! Good to know I'm not alone. You're the first person to explicitly say that Colace was ok for daily use. I was scared it was habit forming. Thanks again!
Are stool softeners habit forming? I mean, will my body get used to them and if I stop using them will my body start to produce harder poops than before?
I agree MiraLAX was the greatest stuff ever. I took it for 10 years then for no reason I know of became allergic every time I took it. I get sick as the dog tell me why?
I found that before my stools get hard they tend to get dry the day before. And I drink A LOT of water. So if I find that happening I take a couple doses of miralax. And it helps bring the water in and soften up the stool. I'm slowly figuring out how to break the cycle of getting better for a couple weeks and then having one bad washroom visit and starting over
Thanks for the great info, Doc! Are stool softeners supposed to be taken with food or on an empty stomach? Also, is there a better time to take it - morning or nighttime?
The primary cause of a hard stool is a vegetarian or a vegetable nutrition with a lot of fibre. In the case that you will not be ready to change this form of a food it will be the best to take at least every second day 1 tablespoon (= 15 ml) castor oil early in the morning on an empty stomach - 1 to 2 hours later you will accomplish an easy bowel movement.
@@Michael-ty2uo Obviously for you it is unknown, that castor oil is not comparable to all the other laxatives, for castor oil works not directly by irritating the bowels but indirectly by activating and/or synthesizing certain substances in the human body; so any habituation to castor oil is absolutely impossible.
@@Michael-ty2uo Here in UA-cam you will find more than 70 contributions to take daily early in the morning on an empty stomach 1 tablespoon (15 ml) castor oil in order to relieve a chronic constipation.
Dr, I have tried everything you have talked about. I did not know about taking stool softeners on a long term basis was okay, so I'll try again. Also tried Miralex, will try again! 😂Thank you so much. Also, after I cleanse and dry I use a little cornstarch and I make it through the night with no itching. You have helped so much. I want to see a doctor but don't know who to go to. Tried once was sent 3 different places, no one knew what it was. But one did give me Rx for powder to keep it dry. I've gotten to hate the bathroom. Keep up the great work you are doing for us, you're the greatest!!🎉❤
I’ve literally given up. I drink 128 oz water per day, strength train and run 4x per week as well as eat 30 grams of fiber. Some days it is ok, but the minute I get even 1 gram less than my daily requirement, I’m constipated. On the days where it is mostly ok, my poops start off hard then towards the end it gets normal. Gonna try a stimulant free stool softener daily and see if that helps
Thanks for another great video. I had a hemorrhoidectomy in March 2022 and fully recovered and have been taking Colace ever since as well as having more fiber in my diet. The one bad habit I have trouble with is drinking a lot of fluids everyday. My daily routine includes a high fiber cereal in the late evening a few hours after dinner and then take 3 Colace. Each morning drink a cup of coffee and soon after poop is now easy. My Dr says its OK to take Colace everyday like you said but how soft a stool is too soft? My poop looks like the poop emoticon 💩its just really soft almost like diarrhea without the cramping. For me this is easy each day without any straining or hard stools. I'm hesitant to cut down on the amount of Colace of 3/day cuz I'm just really scared that hemorrhoids will start coming back.
@@joffy3004 I honestly took Colace for about 1 year, 3 times/day. After a follow up with my Dr, he suggested I try not being on Colace so after experimenting with my diet, I'm glad to say that I'm no longer taking Colace since the Spring of 2023. Some fruit and vegetables (ie broccoli, etc) every day plus a handful of Kellogg's "All Bran Buds" (about 1/8 cup) mixed with my favorite cereal after dinner helps me be regular with a soft stool.
@@isagoldfield7393 Glad to say that I'm no longer taking Colace since the Spring of 2023 and just being better about my diet with fruits and vegetables along with a small amount of Kellogg's "All Bran Buds" mixed with my favorite cereal helps keep me regular.
Hi doctor thanks for the video . May I ask : can lactulose be taken as Long term use? Is there any side effects? - Is lactulose considered as laxatives or stool softener? Appreciate your reply thanks so much .
Hi Doc, I’m curious on what’s your thoughts about magnesium citrate capsules. I’m taking it and it kind of work for me however I’m concern if it is safe to take. I would appreciate your feedback. Thanks!
I’ve been colace clear for years. I had a fissure in 2020, healed fully, returned in a milder form and I fully believe it’s because I knocked down my dose of colace. My CRS also recommends stool softener. I take colace clear but notice my stool is sometimes not soft enough. Can I try adding in a little bit of miralax? I find miralax full dose gives me diarrhea but a little is ok. Also one or two capsules of Metamucil (half label dose) is a great hack to keep things soft but formed. And always drink water with softeners. Do you ever recommend colace and miralax together? Is it safe?
Thank you! I have been wondering why the systems persist when I eat fruit, vegetables, high fiber foods for naughty. I really appreciate that it’s not my fault!
Thank you doc! I started Pranicura treatment from last month and I was very hopeful but one hard stool brings me to where I started 😞 For some 15 days I felt i am healing but one travelling for the whole day, random eating and lack of water despite of taking docusate gels turned all positive into zero. Why there is no safe and everlasting cure for such pathetic problem!
I am going through the same frustrating problem…are you in india too?? Can we discuss 😢 I also felt the same 15 days I am done and then it comes back again 😢 I hate everything
@@ankitasaxena3935 ankita it’s been 5 years for me suffering from this problem. Now doctors advise for lateral internal sphincterotomy. I am also unable to decide what to do!
@@nupur222 which country are you located? after a lot of research i have found a treatment called as ksharsutra in india...which is promoted as a treatment which heals n recurrence is low too... recovery time is less...i will be seeing an ayurvedic doctor for this soon ✌️
Hi Doc I hope you see this question and respond! It is really safe to use Colace stool softener forever without risks of getting dependence of the medication or all the risks of laxatives? As I read for example Psillium Husk can be taken every day for long periods of time and help and don't form habits because is natural, is that right? Will Colace stool softener be safe for taking every day or can alternate days? Let's say Take it one day and then every two days or every other day? Thank you.
I am in UK, and being a women 34, I always had hormonal issues. I get constipation with hard poop 10 days before my periods are due and even movicol isn't helping. I am conscious of my diet and have enough fiber and drink water.What am i doing wrong? Please suggest 😢 its really painful and I keep getting fissures. Already have internal haemorrhoids due to straining 😢😢😢😢
I just started having this problem over the last two and a half month. It has been a living nightmare. I live alone and have Dogs I dearly love and being a senior citizen I'm on a fixed income and can't afford to pay a kennel if I ended up in the Hospital. Pet lovers will tell you it would be like losing your Children.
Hello Dr. Your videos are amazing. I am having chronic fissure since 8 months. Its so hard for me to understand what works for me. I am 4 months pregnant. I am not ready to take any artificial stool softeners. When its in the process of healing, if i get bulk hard stool the fissure bleeds again. I really want to get rid of this before my delivery. Could you tell the natural steps and diet i have to follow.
Gastroenterologist's nurse practitioner, recommended Colace Clear (no laxative component in it just stool softener). Directions on Colace Clear bottle recommended 1-6 capsules daily. I've just begun taking them and will see what happens. I have IBS with constipation so I can go back and forth in the bm department. I like that CC has no laxative in them. Good luck!
Excellent video Dr. thank you for the information. I am a chronic non pooper. Stuff sets up like concrete no matter what and the agony of passing a steel rebar thru your bum is a nightmare. My question is this. Miralax gives me horrible gas. Painful, feeling like you’re dying kind of gas. Does the colace cause gas and bloating too? I’m scared to try it because of my experience with miralax.
Drink lots of water and take Dulcolax helps me..must drink lots of water every day...try eat high fiber foods....move around as much as possible....Hope this helps....I was advised to take Miralax but haven't tried it...
Stool softeners come in different doses and different amounts. Read your package directions to see what it says an adult should take. It will tell you the max per day amount as well.
Hi Dr. Chung, I find you videos the best. I am suffering from impacted stool in the rectum (not completely, though). I checked up a couple of systematic reviews and they do not find any evidence in favor of docusate. I would love to believe in it and take it, as softening of that thing is what I need. What has been your experience? Cheers!
Hi doctor, can you take miralax or any other laxative daily during pregnancy until the delivery? I use the laxative called SMUTH,and it keeps my stool soft and prevent from recurring fissures. Please reply doc.. Or can I use this laxative during my entire life time
Yes you are SO right! I take magnesium every night which has helped a lot and it's more natural.I also take Colace too if I skip a day of a BM. I have a fissure which hurts anyway after a BM never mind if it's not soft! I use Diltiazem,desitin a numbing cream..the list goes on. I told my primary doc about it because I go to a colorectal doc for this but she suggested get a piece of flannel, put castor oil on it and stick it between your butt cheeks..lol.She said there was some famous person that used to tell people in pain anywhere to use castor oil and it worked I am going to try it. She says to do it at nightI That's the only time it really doesn't hurt,when I lay down at night to sleep.I'll try anything! though! It doesn't hurt while I go (even it's it's soft) it can hurt for hours after I go.. ughhh
my problem is if my stool isnt anything but really really really soft i suffer immensely. I either have ibs, ifb, chrons, and possibly colon cancer god forbid. Every time i go #2 I get a vagus nerve response which throws me into violent hot and cold flashes with sweats that look like it came from a Key & Peel skit. This is followed with brutal nausea and a flare up of gastritis. This shit is literally killing me ( pun intended ). At this point i have ptsd about going number 2 which has resulted in barely eating anything at all for fear of having to pass it later. At 5'6" iused to be a muscular 150 lbs. I now weight what i weighed 8th grade at 120 lbs. wasting away.
I don’t poop every day. I’m in a wheelchair due to cp I sit everyday. I had constipation all my life. I do try to eat healthy and drown myself in water and pick up my legs
Hello Chung I watch your all video n like them they are very helpful. Chung dulcolax in drops is ok to take every day im planing for family soon too plz reply me I have fissure n internal hemorrhoids problems. Thank you
Hi Doc I'm I'm Joff 25 years old. So to start my story I will cut it short. I've been using dulcolax tablet for three years as its the only thing that makes me poop. Now last week I decided to have a checkup and I had colonoscopy, the results are normal but my colon have a slow transit as per my doctor. So my doctor told me to stop using dulcolax and give me resolor (prucalopride) to use for 2 months. Now Im using it, however I can feel that the poop is in my butt already but the main problem is that I can't push it, I cant let it out without straining too hard and I also feel that my pelvic does not relax as it should be, it doesn't open up so I need to strain. So I do have a big feeling that my colon is not the only problem but my pelvic. But when I'm using dulcolax tablet it easy for me cause I think it makes me have bowel movement or stimulant, but I think it will be bad to take forever. Another question, if i take colace do you think I can poop cause it only makes my stool soft but it doesn't help pushing the poop out. But if does, then I'm willing to take it until I die. 😭 Also, I just had an acid reflux recently im not sure if its because of taking dulcolax longterm. I do burp after drinking water or eating. I tried Omeprazole but doesn't work. I have lots of compliications now and I do feel just to do suicide just to end this misery. Also, do you think i should go and have my pelvic check if it is the culprit? 😭😭😭😭😭 help Doc im near giving up my life 😭😭😭 not only that i don't have enough money to have lots of examinations or test 😭
I had acid reflux for 2 months my doctor gave is iron supplements, an injection to increase blood, and pantoacid and now I don't have this problem anymore and I think you are suffering from laxative abuse there are some videos for that on youtube you should check them.
Ive been using Miralax for years now and it is the only thing that has helped.. 99% of the time anyway. Occas fissure..etc.. but now im being told i have an severe anal stenosis.. they couldnt complete a colonoscopy ( had to use a neo natal scope which prevented them from getting two of my polyps) so im looking at surgery which im terrified of. Im terrified to stop the miralax because its been the only thing to help but it sounds like i created these other issues
Im a verg fit and heakthy 60yo. The necication I take and a thyroid issue means without eating a tin if orunes or peaches, warm water snd a sool softner I cant go. Hems from childbirth I manage fairly well. Recrnymy a bout of constipation inflamed internal hems to point I could hardly go. Preparation H guys is awesome for settling inflamed hems down. Cools them calms thst unconfortabke ferling down. Avoiding surgery. First time internal hems have almost csused an obstruction which was alarming abd very painful. Im echsusted with hsving to condider every bite I take. Planning for tomorrow's poop. Woukd love to not to have to think about it. Im a soohisticated lady with grest panache..with a horrible secret. It impacts my relationship. In that I dread to use the loo there. Need conplete calm and privacy. Getting stressed doesnt help. But, it can be managed. Sbd live the advise shared here ..
Just take lubricant instead of laxatives. Try 1 spoon caster oil with either warm milk or water. Try this for a month and you will see, the fissure is gone...
@@yourfriendlyproctologist love your channel. I went thru almost all your videos and couldn't find anything about castor oil use. Why would it be damaging? It was the only lubricant that wasn't a mineral one and pooping was literally effortless. Just slides out and my anus finally took a day off to relax. I also feel like it may be coating my injured sigmoid helping it heal by eliminating stool motion abbrasiveness
You are the ONLY doctor that understand the gravity of the situation and immense frustration!
Yes indeed
He is TOO NEGATIVE in his speech too, almost scares people, that’s not what doctors should do, doctors are more positive!
@@gordonpi8674Are you joking? If you think he is negative, I just don't know what you would do if you come across a terribly negative person 😂
@@SometimeAgo65 he is nicely negative, suggests fear with his subliminal messages
@@gordonpi8674Kim by us h
1) Suffering from urinary incontinence issues so cannot drink enough water
2) Giving up wine and finding that causes chronic constipation, which is totally illogical
3) trying to avoid sugar (from all sources) and grains, so cannot find much to eat at all....
Thanks Doc. You are a breath of fresh air 😊
Why aren't more doctors like you with understandable explanations. After having five kids I started being bothered with hemorrhoids, but it is kind of embarrassing to explain to doctors, Glad I clicked on your channel, and thanks.
Thank you so much. I have had 3 hem surgeries over 25 years and will do everything to avoid another one. I eat 3 prunes daily, use the Bran buds often for breakfast but have also used Colace daily for years and find that helps. I am afraid to skip the Colace and I am happy to know that I can safely take regular Colace daily forever. Your videos are so helpful.
I had one 10 years ago. Worst experience. What kinds did you have?
COLACE works really well if you’re really constipated.
I can totally relate. But after trying the same “fixes” that you mentioned, *you just didn't go far enough.* A couple of prunes and a bowl of cereal isn’t going to do a single thing for you, especially when you get older like me. After six months of experimenting with every single natural supplement on earth, I finally found a combination that not only gives me perfect BMs every single morning, but often twice a day. While everyone’s bodies are different, here is the only remedy that worked for me:
*Take every night:*
1) 1 cap “Super Colon Cleanse”
2) 2 caps Stool Softener
3) 2 caps Vitamin Shoppe Fiber Blend
4) 1 cap Milk Thistle
5) 1 cap Probiotics
6) 1 cap Vitamin B Complex
Take with 1 Tbs. Citrucel powder in a large glass of water (I use the sugar-free one)
The Milk Thistle will cleanse your liver, the Probiotics will create a healthy gut biome, and the Vitamin B Complex will also help with good bowel movements, too. If this recipe doesn’t work for you, just have a cup of coffee the next morning and watch what happens. Best of luck!
@@tiffsaverSpecify which probiotic species please. There are hundreds, if not more, species.
I many colace a day
You answer so many questions that I have, and I truly appreciate it. My doctor has a tendency to just dismiss my questions with a "just do as I tell you attitude." Again, thanks for your detailed answers. I am working on listening to all your videos.
This channel is SO HELPFUL for me too✨
Doc you’re such a beautiful personality with your presentation that is life saving and you just make it really encouraging with your smile. Thank you for this
Thank you for your very easy to understand,and to the point videos. Nanny sent me and I'm so glad I checked your channel. I've had the problem of constipation for so long. Thank you.
Dr Chong you really give good advice I wish it was more doctors like you that show concern and care about their patients health you are wonderful.
Hi Doc, I LOVE your videos!! And your enthusiasm is infectious. I'm glad you did one on softeners, as I have often heard of them but stayed away because I noticed how so many laxatives are actually bad for you if taken to often. So I was extremely relieved to discover that you can take this stuff all the time with virtually ZERO side effects. I just ordered some online, and the stuff was only three bucks a bottle, a real "bargain"!!! Thanks again:)
I heard stool softeners is not good to take everyday, is that true
I watched you most of the times trying to keep up to date with hemorrhoids, l have not done my surgery as yet
You are giving the story of my life!
I really like you Dr Chung . You really give good advice about our health . Never met a doctor like you that really care for People's health and people's concerns about their health.
Great video Dr you hit the nail on the head, it's all about keeping them hems happy, very easy to relaps with different routines and yes if stool softeners help then you gotta take them because it's all about keeping them babies happy. Your videos are really helpful and impformative please keep them up. X
I understand the need for stool softeners, but shouldn’t a doctor want to find out why his patient has chronic constipation in the first place?
I went on a 3 day fast and about a day later I felt like I had a granite boulder in my gut. I had to take out a chisel and start whacking off chunks until I could pass the darn thing. If I do this fast again I'm going to take some Miralax along with liquids. On the positive side I could make sculptures out of the stuff and it would probably last a couple of Millennia so a future Graham Hancock would get stumped about exactly how the sphynx was made...
Love this!
Wow, I didn’t know you could take stool softeners for life. I suffer from constipation and diarrhea. Both have negative effects. Usually a bought of diarrhea is followed by constipation. 😢
Thanks Dr
Chung.
You hv studied the patients is really great.
The last part where patients like us go out with family and friends, & wish that bottom end problem would not had been there , then we would had french fries, is really great.
Doctor you are like a Godsent for us. 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you! I originally came to see your fistula surgery video and started watching more useful videos. I had a fistula surgery this morning and am going to start using stool softeners. THANK YOU
How are u now ?
@@deepanshu1456 Dr.Hirsch is awesome I feel great! So glad it's over! Was dealing with this for 3 months
Thanks!
Doc ur videos are the best!
The way you empathise with us gives me the motivation to deal with my problem even though i have relapsed soooo many times.. but keep going ... thanks
I will start on docusate..
In India treating fissure is a big business.. i had 2 surgeries already 1 for piles and 1 for fistula ..... after being diagnosed with dengue recently i was dehydrated and found that the fussure came back.... i changes my doc and he was an angel he only ga e me a stool softner and told me that use thia for a month and it will go away .... i was and am getting a lot fo fiber and 4 liters of water everyday but just one fever changed it all ... thanks for this video doc ... keep making these video god bless you
Was that Lilac? What was the name of the syrup and dose?
My doctor is terrible. He is only good for band aids. This doctor is really good.
What about finding the root cause of the constipation? Maybe low acid in stomach and low bile for digestion? Fixing the digestion first should alleviate the constipation
THIS!
Prunes,! Prunes every morning. Helps everything,a natural softner,also gentle fiber snd iron. 💪
Prunes didn't work for me😢
@@angelatodd242this & prune juice
@@angelatodd242 prunes did not work for me either!
I'm late to the "party." 🎉 Thank you so much for sharing this information! Good to know I'm not alone. You're the first person to explicitly say that Colace was ok for daily use. I was scared it was habit forming. Thanks again!
Are stool softeners habit forming? I mean, will my body get used to them and if I stop using them will my body start to produce harder poops than before?
What about Kelloggs ALL Bran Buds cereal? Works for me 😉
Tried the high fibre route for decades. RestoraLAX twice a day gave me complete relief. Thank you so much!
Thanks for another great video! Always enjoy them and yep all 5 reasons validate why I take miralax daily lol
Do u still taking it ?
@@jaskarandeep9540 yes
@@twoscoops5374 How long have you been taking it? I have been suffering from constipation snice the age of 10
I agree MiraLAX was the greatest stuff ever. I took it for 10 years then for no reason I know of became allergic every time I took it. I get sick as the dog tell me why?
I go back and forth between diarrhea and hard stool a lot. I've had diarrhea come out as I was trying to pass a brick out of my ass.
What are your thoughts on taking a daily magnesium citrate along with miralax?
I found that before my stools get hard they tend to get dry the day before. And I drink A LOT of water. So if I find that happening I take a couple doses of miralax. And it helps bring the water in and soften up the stool.
I'm slowly figuring out how to break the cycle of getting better for a couple weeks and then having one bad washroom visit and starting over
Thanks for the great info, Doc! Are stool softeners supposed to be taken with food or on an empty stomach? Also, is there a better time to take it - morning or nighttime?
Absolutely agree. Nobody ever talks about how to take stool softener, am, pm, with or without food.
Look it up on google
Please do a video on rectal prolapse
Old London saying:
"No hero looks so fierce in fight as does the man who strains to shite".
The primary cause of a hard stool is a vegetarian or a vegetable nutrition with a lot of fibre. In the case that you will not be ready to change this form of a food it will be the best to take at least every second day 1 tablespoon (= 15 ml) castor oil early in the morning on an empty stomach - 1 to 2 hours later you will accomplish an easy bowel movement.
just gotta be careful castor oil usp is considered a stimulate laxative also, and long term use of stimulate laxative isnt good for your intestines
@@Michael-ty2uo Obviously for you it is unknown, that castor oil is not comparable to all the other laxatives, for castor oil works not directly by irritating the bowels but indirectly by activating and/or synthesizing certain substances in the human body; so any habituation to castor oil is absolutely impossible.
@@enemanozzle dawg it says everywhere on the internet and even on the dang bottle of castor oil that it isn’t suitable to long term use 😭
@@Michael-ty2uo Here in UA-cam you will find more than 70 contributions to take daily early in the morning on an empty stomach 1 tablespoon (15 ml) castor oil in order to relieve a chronic constipation.
I've tried everything, I'm on keto and I'm always clogged up. I drink lots of water too. On fiber pills and colace
Dr, I have tried everything you have talked about. I did not know about taking stool softeners on a long term basis was okay, so I'll try again. Also tried Miralex, will try again! 😂Thank you so much. Also, after I cleanse and dry I use a little cornstarch and I make it through the night with no itching. You have helped so much. I want to see a doctor but don't know who to go to. Tried once was sent 3 different places, no one knew what it was. But one did give me Rx for powder to keep it dry. I've gotten to hate the bathroom.
Keep up the great work you are doing for us, you're the greatest!!🎉❤
I’ve literally given up. I drink 128 oz water per day, strength train and run 4x per week as well as eat 30 grams of fiber. Some days it is ok, but the minute I get even 1 gram less than my daily requirement, I’m constipated.
On the days where it is mostly ok, my poops start off hard then towards the end it gets normal. Gonna try a stimulant free stool softener daily and see if that helps
My dad is taking lasix and potassium 20MEQ and has experienced constipation, cramping and gas. I will be trying Colace and hoping that helps him.
Did it help ?
@@raquelsobers6019 yes it did thanks
You're too funny, doc. Yoda best proctologist.😊
What stool softeners should you take if you have chronic kidney disease?
Thanks for another great video. I had a hemorrhoidectomy in March 2022 and fully recovered and have been taking Colace ever since as well as having more fiber in my diet. The one bad habit I have trouble with is drinking a lot of fluids everyday. My daily routine includes a high fiber cereal in the late evening a few hours after dinner and then take 3 Colace. Each morning drink a cup of coffee and soon after poop is now easy.
My Dr says its OK to take Colace everyday like you said but how soft a stool is too soft? My poop looks like the poop emoticon 💩its just really soft almost like diarrhea without the cramping. For me this is easy each day without any straining or hard stools. I'm hesitant to cut down on the amount of Colace of 3/day cuz I'm just really scared that hemorrhoids will start coming back.
How long are you already taking colace?
Stools should not be watery, it should look like a sausage shape, maybe cut down 2/day see how your stool looks. Good luck!!!
@@joffy3004 I honestly took Colace for about 1 year, 3 times/day. After a follow up with my Dr, he suggested I try not being on Colace so after experimenting with my diet, I'm glad to say that I'm no longer taking Colace since the Spring of 2023. Some fruit and vegetables (ie broccoli, etc) every day plus a handful of Kellogg's "All Bran Buds" (about 1/8 cup) mixed with my favorite cereal after dinner helps me be regular with a soft stool.
@@isagoldfield7393 Glad to say that I'm no longer taking Colace since the Spring of 2023 and just being better about my diet with fruits and vegetables along with a small amount of Kellogg's "All Bran Buds" mixed with my favorite cereal helps keep me regular.
Hi doctor thanks for the video . May I ask : can lactulose be taken as Long term use? Is there any side effects?
- Is lactulose considered as laxatives or stool softener? Appreciate your reply thanks so much .
I’d like to know this too
Do u get ur answer?
Hi Doc, I’m curious on what’s your thoughts about magnesium citrate capsules. I’m taking it and it kind of work for me however I’m concern if it is safe to take. I would appreciate your feedback. Thanks!
It will soften it plus it's good for you.
No long term use as it reduce na, k .
I am using vaselin oil by recommendation of doctor. I’m not sure maybe it give harm with longer usage
I’ve been colace clear for years. I had a fissure in 2020, healed fully, returned in a milder form and I fully believe it’s because I knocked down my dose of colace. My CRS also recommends stool softener. I take colace clear but notice my stool is sometimes not soft enough. Can I try adding in a little bit of miralax? I find miralax full dose gives me diarrhea but a little is ok. Also one or two capsules of Metamucil (half label dose) is a great hack to keep things soft but formed. And always drink water with softeners. Do you ever recommend colace and miralax together? Is it safe?
Thank you! I have been wondering why the systems persist when I eat fruit, vegetables, high fiber foods for naughty. I really appreciate that it’s not my fault!
What about hard stools from pain medication? What is the best time to take the stool softener? (2 separate questions).
I'm on iron pills, and I'm constipated so this really helps!
You are a kind man, & brilliant.
lv a lazy bowel, with a life time of taking meds, l must need the stool softners.
How about Metamucil? Can we take Metamucil and Miralax at the same time if need?
Thank you I will definitely try this
Always helpful.
Thank you.
Do stool softeners cause a dependency like laxatives? Thank you for sharing your video.
He said No they are not addictive.
Thank you doc!
I started Pranicura treatment from last month and I was very hopeful but one hard stool brings me to where I started 😞
For some 15 days I felt i am healing but one travelling for the whole day, random eating and lack of water despite of taking docusate gels turned all positive into zero.
Why there is no safe and everlasting cure for such pathetic problem!
Yes, you're not the only one!
I am going through the same frustrating problem…are you in india too?? Can we discuss 😢 I also felt the same 15 days I am done and then it comes back again 😢 I hate everything
@@ankitasaxena3935 ankita it’s been 5 years for me suffering from this problem. Now doctors advise for lateral internal sphincterotomy. I am also unable to decide what to do!
@@nupur222 which country are you located? after a lot of research i have found a treatment called as ksharsutra in india...which is promoted as a treatment which heals n recurrence is low too... recovery time is less...i will be seeing an ayurvedic doctor for this soon ✌️
@@nupur222 do you have piles or fissure??
Hi Doc I hope you see this question and respond!
It is really safe to use Colace stool softener forever without risks of getting dependence of the medication or all the risks of laxatives?
As I read for example Psillium Husk can be taken every day for long periods of time and help and don't form habits because is natural, is that right?
Will Colace stool softener be safe for taking every day or can alternate days? Let's say Take it one day and then every two days or every other day?
Thank you.
Dr. Chung said Colace can be taken daily. It's not addictive ✌️
I am in UK, and being a women 34, I always had hormonal issues. I get constipation with hard poop 10 days before my periods are due and even movicol isn't helping. I am conscious of my diet and have enough fiber and drink water.What am i doing wrong? Please suggest 😢 its really painful and I keep getting fissures. Already have internal haemorrhoids due to straining 😢😢😢😢
I can relate to this, and even during periods occasional loose motions too occur with constipation later
Dr I take magnesium citrate capsules every day. It seems to work well for me.
What is the dose you take?
I just started having this problem over the last two and a half month. It has been a living nightmare. I live alone and have Dogs I dearly love and being a senior citizen I'm on a fixed income and can't afford to pay a kennel if I ended up in the Hospital. Pet lovers will tell you it would be like losing your Children.
Hope you feel better.
story of my life.. tried them all
Hello Dr.
Your videos are amazing.
I am having chronic fissure since 8 months. Its so hard for me to understand what works for me. I am 4 months pregnant. I am not ready to take any artificial stool softeners. When its in the process of healing, if i get bulk hard stool the fissure bleeds again. I really want to get rid of this before my delivery. Could you tell the natural steps and diet i have to follow.
How are u now reply 🙏
Hi doctor! Is stool softener safe during pregnancy?
Getting to that point where you feel halfway normal then have another flare is so disheartening 🤦🏾♂️ I'll probably be a lifetime docusate guy.
Now on Colace, Sp? much better than the cheap softeners now “clear”, no dye.
I thought that there was a restriction on how much Colace one can take.. I will try Colace again since I have seen your video. Don H Ocala FL
Gastroenterologist's nurse practitioner, recommended Colace Clear (no laxative component in it just stool softener). Directions on Colace Clear bottle recommended 1-6 capsules daily. I've just begun taking them and will see what happens. I have IBS with constipation so I can go back and forth in the bm department. I like that CC has no laxative in them. Good luck!
Can stool softener can affect the peristalsis of the large colon
Should you use dulcalx, miralax together? What about smooth move tea?
Excellent video Dr. thank you for the information. I am a chronic non pooper. Stuff sets up like concrete no matter what and the agony of passing a steel rebar thru your bum is a nightmare. My question is this. Miralax gives me horrible gas. Painful, feeling like you’re dying kind of gas. Does the colace cause gas and bloating too? I’m scared to try it because of my experience with miralax.
Drink lots of water and take Dulcolax helps me..must drink lots of water every day...try eat high fiber foods....move around as much as possible....Hope this helps....I was advised to take Miralax but haven't tried it...
I haven't experienced gas with Colace.
Psyllium was a game changer for me!
Did u get it in a pill form or powder form? What do you recommend?
@@jasonhelem2824 powder, I teaspoon twice a day with orange juice in a shaker cup!
That is 4oz of OJ
Okay, the only laxative I can tolerate is Dulcolax so which stool softener would you recommend? Not Miralax though, it does not work on me. Thanks ❤😊
Wow great video! New subscriber
Thanks for the sub!
Thank you for video! What is the highest dose of stool softener can be taken daily, 1 or 2 pills does not doing work for me?🙏🏻
Stool softeners come in different doses and different amounts. Read your package directions to see what it says an adult should take. It will tell you the max per day amount as well.
Hi Dr. Chung, I find you videos the best. I am suffering from impacted stool in the rectum (not completely, though). I checked up a couple of systematic reviews and they do not find any evidence in favor of docusate. I would love to believe in it and take it, as softening of that thing is what I need. What has been your experience? Cheers!
I wish i knew all this before hemoroids problems.... everyday long sitting on chair and costipation because not enought fiber in food ....
Hi doctor, can you take miralax or any other laxative daily during pregnancy until the delivery? I use the laxative called SMUTH,and it keeps my stool soft and prevent from recurring fissures. Please reply doc..
Or can I use this laxative during my entire life time
Same issue. I am pregnant and having chronic fissure. I am so fed up. Is the laxative you are using is safe?
@@fathimafaseeha575 my doctor said, it's safe to use during pregnancy
Yes you are SO right! I take magnesium every night which has helped a lot and it's more natural.I also take Colace too if I skip a day of a BM. I have a fissure which hurts anyway after a BM never mind if it's not soft! I use Diltiazem,desitin a numbing cream..the list goes on. I told my primary doc about it because I go to a colorectal doc for this but she suggested get a piece of flannel, put castor oil on it and stick it between your butt cheeks..lol.She said there was some famous person that used to tell people in pain anywhere to use castor oil and it worked I am going to try it. She says to do it at nightI That's the only time it really doesn't hurt,when I lay down at night to sleep.I'll try anything! though! It doesn't hurt while I go (even it's it's soft) it can hurt for hours after I go.. ughhh
Dr. how long can we rely on stool softener
What about the warnings on the label regarding those with compromised kidneys??
for those with hard stool, is taking a stool softener and fiber like Metamucil together beneficial?
my problem is if my stool isnt anything but really really really soft i suffer immensely. I either have ibs, ifb, chrons, and possibly colon cancer god forbid. Every time i go #2 I get a vagus nerve response which throws me into violent hot and cold flashes with sweats that look like it came from a Key & Peel skit. This is followed with brutal nausea and a flare up of gastritis. This shit is literally killing me ( pun intended ). At this point i have ptsd about going number 2 which has resulted in barely eating anything at all for fear of having to pass it later. At 5'6" iused to be a muscular 150 lbs. I now weight what i weighed 8th grade at 120 lbs. wasting away.
Thank you for your videos
What I wonder about with the stool softeners is why do they make me bloated?
I don’t poop every day. I’m in a wheelchair due to cp I sit everyday. I had constipation all my life. I do try to eat healthy and drown myself in water and pick up my legs
Well done video 👍🏻
🎉 Thank you so much 👍
Helpful ❤
Thanks
Please make a video on pilonidal sinus
Is colace safe for breastfeeding?
Hello Chung I watch your all video n like them they are very helpful. Chung dulcolax in drops is ok to take every day im planing for family soon too plz reply me I have fissure n internal hemorrhoids problems. Thank you
Hey how r u now i have same problem pls reply
Hi Doc I'm I'm Joff 25 years old.
So to start my story I will cut it short. I've been using dulcolax tablet for three years as its the only thing that makes me poop. Now last week I decided to have a checkup and I had colonoscopy, the results are normal but my colon have a slow transit as per my doctor. So my doctor told me to stop using dulcolax and give me resolor (prucalopride) to use for 2 months. Now Im using it, however I can feel that the poop is in my butt already but the main problem is that I can't push it, I cant let it out without straining too hard and I also feel that my pelvic does not relax as it should be, it doesn't open up so I need to strain. So I do have a big feeling that my colon is not the only problem but my pelvic. But when I'm using dulcolax tablet it easy for me cause I think it makes me have bowel movement or stimulant, but I think it will be bad to take forever. Another question, if i take colace do you think I can poop cause it only makes my stool soft but it doesn't help pushing the poop out. But if does, then I'm willing to take it until I die. 😭 Also, I just had an acid reflux recently im not sure if its because of taking dulcolax longterm. I do burp after drinking water or eating. I tried Omeprazole but doesn't work. I have lots of compliications now and I do feel just to do suicide just to end this misery. Also, do you think i should go and have my pelvic check if it is the culprit? 😭😭😭😭😭 help Doc im near giving up my life 😭😭😭 not only that i don't have enough money to have lots of examinations or test 😭
I had acid reflux for 2 months my doctor gave is iron supplements, an injection to increase blood, and pantoacid and now I don't have this problem anymore and I think you are suffering from laxative abuse there are some videos for that on youtube you should check them.
@@himani9902 yes i also think because of laxative abuse 😭😭
@@himani9902 what is the title?
@@himani9902 i used omeprazole before and esomeprazole but did not work
@@joffy3004 ua-cam.com/video/4zoCTFPqVM4/v-deo.html
I hope this will help you
But can you take them every day the rest of your life? I have tried all the natural fiber supplements, Probiotics, Extra salt. Tons of water.
Ive been using Miralax for years now and it is the only thing that has helped.. 99% of the time anyway. Occas fissure..etc.. but now im being told i have an severe anal stenosis.. they couldnt complete a colonoscopy ( had to use a neo natal scope which prevented them from getting two of my polyps) so im looking at surgery which im terrified of. Im terrified to stop the miralax because its been the only thing to help but it sounds like i created these other issues
Someone recommended I try insulin. Has someone tried this supplement?
Can probiotics also help soften? Any good ones?
Activia works Great for me
Is it safe to take one everyday and how long can I stay on them.
Im a verg fit and heakthy 60yo. The necication I take and a thyroid issue means without eating a tin if orunes or peaches, warm water snd a sool softner I cant go. Hems from childbirth I manage fairly well. Recrnymy a bout of constipation inflamed internal hems to point I could hardly go. Preparation H guys is awesome for settling inflamed hems down. Cools them calms thst unconfortabke ferling down. Avoiding surgery. First time internal hems have almost csused an obstruction which was alarming abd very painful. Im echsusted with hsving to condider every bite I take. Planning for tomorrow's poop. Woukd love to not to have to think about it. Im a soohisticated lady with grest panache..with a horrible secret. It impacts my relationship. In that I dread to use the loo there. Need conplete calm and privacy. Getting stressed doesnt help. But, it can be managed. Sbd live the advise shared here ..
Just take lubricant instead of laxatives. Try 1 spoon caster oil with either warm milk or water. Try this for a month and you will see, the fissure is gone...
Be careful with castor oil or some laxatives other than those mentioned in my video. Some can cause permanent damage to your colon.
@@yourfriendlyproctologist love your channel. I went thru almost all your videos and couldn't find anything about castor oil use. Why would it be damaging? It was the only lubricant that wasn't a mineral one and pooping was literally effortless. Just slides out and my anus finally took a day off to relax. I also feel like it may be coating my injured sigmoid helping it heal by eliminating stool motion abbrasiveness
@@ahmedalawadhi7510just take it once a month
@@yourfriendlyproctologistis liquid glycerin bad?
IS PSYLLIUM HUSK CAPSULE IS SAFE TO TAKE EVERYDAY AT CAN SOFTEN THE STOOL????
I just want to know how long after surgery I should be taking them for recovery?