Need to get off miralax

HIDA scans when you have gallstones can be a problem. The HIDA scan pushes the gallbladder to its ultimate ability. It can actually precipitate an issue. Be very careful what these "functional doctors" recommend. First, be certain this is an MD from an actual American university, internship, residency and fellowship with credentials as an Internist. Second, do research on the supplements. These things are DRUGS even if they're OTC but they aren't tested or properly evaluated and some of them are potentially harmful, no matter your age.

A "spot" on your liver needs an MRI evaluation. It seems that CT scans are finding all sorts of things now with advanced technology and those "spots" can be bundles of blood vessels, totally benign and not at all uncommon. But it requires a followup independent of any research into your diet. Remember that manufacturers of supplements and other things like it make alot of money from people who are desperate to correct something and not aware of the side effects such medications can cause, worsening overall health. A "functional doctor" is not covered by insurance, also, something to consider if you are being directed toward very expensive testing. Contact a general surgeon and discuss the HIDA scan, these people see compromised gallbladders every day of the week and can better advise you. Gallstones are also common and most people never know they're there and are not bothered by them but here is NO WAY to rid oneself of them by taking any sort of supplement or "flushing" the gallbladder. You do not want to live without your gallbladder unless it is absolutely necessary. Before proceeding, talk to your primary care provider about that liver spot and get it properly evaluated.

Probiotics the live kind that you buy at a health food store. And if you can eat yogurt I would eat that also. Miralax is my life saver. I don’t care if I have to take it every day for the rest of my life. I’ve been constipated since birth. Good luck. The probiotics will regulate your gut.

sounds like you told my story

Maybe this will be helpful? It sure has worked for me for at least the last year.

Disclaimer: Only my experience going natural. I have used organic, integrative, functional, holistic Naturopathic doctor's advice along with my MD’s since the early 1980's. There is science in alternatives too.
I work closely with my ND, he told me to study the Migrating Motor Complex and Osmotic Gradient, He bet that I would find something that worked for me. Goal: how to keep a longer than normal pipe consistently moist…. My ND also said because my condition was physical, attention would be needed from now on.
I tried laxatives - not consistent + side effects like bloating, etc. All say for occasional use. They disrupt the system if taken continuously. I liked a response of a co-redundant colon person: “It’s physical” so regular constipation suggestions may not work. Don’t give up. It took me 4 months to feel I could depend on being regular. It is worth going natural.
Dec 2023 the doc had me do non sedated colonoscopy. He went through my colon as I watched on TV. I had had a baby years ago (natural and could stand pain) so it was no big deal. Most people in world don't get put out. Very interesting and it helped allow the scope to get through because I relaxed. He showed me the redundancy. No wonder I had been constipation on and off starting in my teens. I’m now in my early 70’s.
Throw sugar out along with processed and refined foods. Look up foods and drinks that constipate and give them up, at least as a test. OptiMag and K2+ Potassium are great supps. I take them when I go to bed and once in the night (important to keep colon moisture consistent). I include prunes/prune juice, winter squash, sweet potatoes, rhubarb etc in my diet. I eat cups of steamed vegetables each day. I grind 2T chia, 1 T sesame seeds and 2 T flax seeds, then soak in prune juice overnight. I add a T or two of carob now since it can help regularity. Take all in the morning. Drink lot of water starting with a quart of hot water in the morning - boy scouts. I use warmed up diluted chicken broth at times too. It is soothing to my stomach. Have heard kiwi's are good but haven't tried them. Coffee and Smooth Move are my back ups. I don't like coffee and never have drunk it much but it usually works for me in a pinch. Thankfully I only need coffee a few times a month. I depend on this for daily REGULARITY first "chore" each morning. I am an early riser and when off the farm I don't want to wonder if I will have REGULARITY.
Check out helpful research of biological processes that take place in our gut:
- Migrating Motor complex which is the electroactivity in the GI tract during meals and fasting
- Osmotic gradient. If too much water is pulled into the colon, diarrhea results. If not enough water is pulled into the colon constipation results. Balance of minerals is important. Magnesium, potassium and sodium brings water into the colon. I have found balancing these help prevent constipation. I have to watch my calcium supplement intake because it tends to encourage constipation. Calcium carbonate seems to be the most constipating. I depend on blood work from time to time to make sure my minerals are balanced.
Oh and letting stress go is important too. I know how scary it can be. Golly it seems there is no hope for relief but it is worth looking at diet and trying lifestyle changes that can help. Good luck, @farmersmith

I have had multiple tests (catscans, ultrasounds, blood tests. stool tests, etc) over the past 2.5 years for what feels like chronic appendicitis/diarrhea) that comes every 1,2. or 3 days at a pain level of a "10". Everything tests so far as normal. The only thing that helps the pain is sunshine (like San Antonio weather in June). Experienced this on vacation where the pain went down to a "6". Last week I was put on Metagenics vitamin D recently (5000 IU) by my Dr. For four days I have not had the pain in my appendix/small intestine area- a small miracle. I am a 67 year old female living in the Buffalo, NY where with summers are short and bright sunshine is rare-especially this year. Posting this in the hope that if it helps even one person- to look into their Vitamin D status.

For a few years I had to rely on daily Miralax to prevent constipation. Then I started taking Magnesium Glycinate as a supplement to help relax for better sleep. It cured my constipation issues. About 2 hrs before bed, I take 250mg of magnesium glycinate. It's lower than the recommended daily dose for women, but if I take more than that, things are too loose. It's worth a try.

I've been taking generic miralax for about 7 years. No plans to stop. I haven't noticed more gas, but that doesn't mean no gas. I became a quadriplegic 5 years ago, thanks to a drunk driver, so the miralax is even more important for keeping my stool manageable & consistent. I hope you find a way to prevent painful stools so the gas can get under control, but personally I'd rather put up with the gas. Sorry for your problems, seriously!

I posted upthread about how I was doing pretty well after getting off Miralax. I had a couple of sparse days but things are much better. I would say as close to normal as I’ve been since 2022. I eat daily healthful fats, salads and apples. Plus exercise.

I think people deal with things in the best way for their situation. I’vetried a lot of treatments, but for now besides diet, the biggest thing is actually GOING into the bathroom and trying to go. Even if I have no urge. I know, I know……don’t strain…..got it. Doctors say that a lot….but this doesn’t involve straining, just trying to go. It’s amazing, but 99% of the time I do go. I don’t wait for the urge. After I try, I get the urge. It’s amazing! I had read that suggestion many times and thought it seemed lame, but it really works. Hope it continues. I read somewhere around here about something called an anal wand that stimulates. I never bought one, I just focus, but I can see how the wand could be helpful.