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How to Wean Off MiraLax
I've been on MiraLAX every day for several (5-ish) years and am anxious to get my system functioning naturally again if possible. I tried really hard to wean off of MiraLAX last year and dropped down from 2 caps to 1 and 7/8 caps per day but then had to stop; decreasing any further felt like picking a day to be sick. In the past few weeks, I've attempted to replace MiraLAX with magnesium citrate and the magnesium citrate helps with my motility sometimes but does not soften my stool much. I'm down to 1 and 3/8 caps per day and it seems like I may be stuck there again. Anyone else been there? Is there hope for weaning off?
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Because of my drugs, I also used Miralax and also had diarrhea. My MD told me to stop it and take Metamucil/generic capsules instead. I had to play with the dosage but it did make a huge positive difference. She told me that she learned that from the “GI specialists”.
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4 ReactionsFried prunes? Never heard of them!
Hello, lcezelle12 (@lcezelle12)
Last January you posted about your wish to stop taking Miralax. I had replied and said I, too, was hoping to rid myself of a Miralax dependency. I'm wondering if you've been successful. I have had good weeks and then some not-so-good weeks. Lately, I've been using a capful most mornings. Only this morning, however, I resolved to quit and try a tspn of Metamucil instead. How I'll feel a few days from now I can't say. All the same, I hope you're doing well.
Cheers!
Ray (@ray666)
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1 Reactionsounds 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
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5 ReactionsI 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.
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1 ReactionFor 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.
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3 ReactionsI'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!
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3 ReactionsI 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.
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2 ReactionsI am sorry you're struggling with this. Your situation sounds a lot like mine. I had hemorrhoid surgery about a year ago and all was good. Until the chronic constipation and need to use laxatives hit me. I take Miralax once a day and I'm not pooping very much stool.
I'm not sure that I'll ever be able to travel again, or go out to lunch with my friends, or celebrate family dinners on the holidays. Quality of life is very poor.
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