I’m taking a Senna Lax, made by Good Neighbor Pharmacy. I found them on Amazon.com. I’ve been ordering on Amazon because I’m dealing with chronic pain and am not out everyday. I can order online and get them in 24 to 48 hours. They work good and I’m figuring out dosage now. I’m taking 2 or 3 at night. As long as I drink enough water, I have movement every morning. If I do go more than a few days, I have a scrip for Lactulose from prior to colonoscopy I can use at 15 to 30ml once a day. I’ve only had to use Lactulose a couple times. Lactulose is a liquid, like cough syrup. It’s a prescription and I won’t be using it long term. As I learn what foods to eat and what to avoid, I hope to adjust softeners too. Are you drinking enough water? I’ve had a hard time drinking enough water in the past. Upping my intake during this has helped a lot and has become easier for me. I don’t always drink 8 glasses a day, but I get that and more with a combination of coffee, juice and water, etc. daily. I know that’s super important!
I think you’re absolutely right about doing what we can on our own to live with these conditions. Doctors do what they can and it’s important to know what we’re dealing with, but much of our health is how we advocate for ourselves. Learn what you can do with diet, exercise and support! I also use stuff like meditation and distraction techniques for chronic pain. I can apply that to stress from other diagnosis! Stress works against me making improvements with physical health! Feel free to reach out!