Help with constipation and CKD: Anything I can safely take?

I contacted my PCP today and am waiting to hear back about the safety of taking a laxative in the short term, and then starting Miralax on a daily basis. Waiting to hear back from them. I run low on K+ so right now high K+ fruits and vegetables are not a concern. I drink quite a bit of water. One of my problems is inactivity. I have severe fear of getting COVID, despite being vaccinated. I have become very deconditioned and although I am am Physical therapy, it's very slow going. Thank you for the good suggestions.

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I had kidney transplant surgery recently. Prior to surgery, constipation was a huge problem. My nephrologist advised that I can take Metamucil or Docusate Sodium softgel capsules, in addition to high-fiber diet. It worked for me. Most fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, but beware of the potassium content.

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I read somewhere that Metamucil was NOT permitted. Has anyone been told it’s okay from their nephrologist? Thanks!

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@citizenottawa People on dialysis are usually not encouraged to use Metamucil type products. This is because you should take it with large amounts of water, which dialysis patients are limited on. I found some information from DaVita.com, which is one of the two main dialysis companies here [the other being Fresenius]. I am not associated with either one!

https://www.davita.com/diet-nutrition/articles/basics/fiber-in-the-kidney-diet will give you some excellent guidance in other ways to get fiber in your diet. Remember, each person is different, so you may not be able/allowed to eat some of the foods listed. I cannot do anything grapefruit anymore, which I really miss!
Ginger

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@csage1010 If you do not have a good fiber diet, this might help you. Also, perhaps using over the counter products like Metamucil or Miralax may be of benefit. Anytime we change our diets we are prone to digestive upsets as our body gets used to new products going through. Taking it in steps so you don't get additional constipation or upset digestive tract may be needed. I know that is how I have to approach any big changes in food choices. Will you give that a try?

If you have addressed your chronic constipation with your doctor, what tips might they have for you?
Ginger

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Are you supposed to eat a fiber diet with CKD?

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@oly Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!

You pose a great question, one that can be tricky to deal with. While CKD patients deal with watching their potassium and phosphorus levels [among others], they also have to get to and maintain a healthy digestive tract! Fluid intake based on your doctor's recommendation needs to be considered, also. It is a balancing act, at least for me it is! While I do not go out of my way to take a product like Metamucil, there are times I do use it. I will make sure there are plenty of fresh fruits and veggies in my daily diet, walk when I can for exercise.

What led you here to Mayo Clinic Connect? Would you like to share anything with us about your journey as a CKD patient?
Ginger

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Thanks, Ginger! It sounds as if Metamucil is just fine, maybe even recommended, for someone in Stage 2/3a.

Thank again!

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