What are other transplant recipients doing for constipation?

Hi! Talk to your docs about Metamucil fiber gummies. I take those and they seem to be helpful.

Hi myringo. I have had several bouts of constipation, three of which lasted 6 days. Fortunately one long bout was in the hospital after surgery when I wasn't allowed to use my muscles to void so the doctors and nurses intervened. They prescribed for the future the over the counter Miralax to be taken in the morning on a regular basis. I mix it with juice (apple or cranberry). Senna didn't work for me and I was advised not to self administer anal treatments because of possible infection. Now because I don't need Miralax daily, I treat myself to a prune juice cocktail (prune juice over ice in a fancy glass) at night and eat bran cereal a few times a week.
If the constipation lasts long 5 days or more, you should consider having professional care intervene.
Hope this helps, Barbara aka ajdo129

I've been using Metamucil on and off for years, and never really relished glugging down the sludge. It was particularly unpleasant when I was (needlessly) avoiding the flavored, sugared, product. I was making a home brew with saccharin. Bleah. Try going back to the fiber stuff. If needed, sprinkle some sugar in the water before adding the powder. I also discovered (because I was using lemon juice and water with that awful lactulose) that lemon juice -- start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste -- makes Metamucil almost pleasant. BTW, I'd tried store brands, but didn't like its graininess.

The ones I take are gummies, not the liquid. They are very tolerable. I’m with you on the liquid - too grainy and gritty!

@myringo, how are you doing? Forgive the pun, but are things "moving" for you now? What helped?

I am sorry for you but I have never had that problem. After my transplant they gave me Colesce but I declined knowing my system would kick in and it did with a vengeance. That said, I do take Costco psyllium fiber (Metamucil) in the morning --three heaping tablespoons -- and have done so for about 40 years. I do so to bulk up and not "visit the throne" more than six times a day. I don't experience the graininess though I have perfected the art of chugging a glass in a few seconds.

Best always,
s!

It was suggested the Bob take Senna daily, in addition to his daily Metamucil. Drinking his 2 litters of water and getting in his daily walk helps too.

Fiber, lots of water and mirlax worked for me. Eating a higher fiber diet helps. Don’t overdo fiber tho it can work against your goal.

@banks1025, I invite you to join with other transplant recipients in this conversation. How long ago was your kidney transplant? What brings you to Connect?

Kidney transplant was on July 13,2023