1. < Digestive Health

Messy soft stools

Posted by rosnerwdr468egh @rosnerwdr468egh, Jan 22, 2023

I’m 74 years old. I have very messy soft stools when having a bowel movement. I only use the bathroom about twice a week. I have used Metamucil with a doctors recommendation with occasional good results. I think I could get firmer stores if I could get that fiber regulated.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 23, 2023

Hello @rosnerwdr468egh, Welcome to Connect. I have had quite a long running battle with constipation along with episodes of messy stools. I think more fiber is definitely part of the answer. I had bi-lateral inguinal hernia surgery a few months ago and had to take Miralax daily prior to the surgery and following the surgery so as not to damage what the surgery fixed.

I'm now cutting back on the Miralax and using a special kind of fiber that I read about in another discussion here on Connect - Heather's Tummy Fiber. I thought I would give it a try and have been using it for about a month and it really has helped me become more regular. The only downside is that it doesn't mix well with hot or cold liquids and you need to put it in a cup first and slowly add room temperature water to get it mixed into the liquid. You can also mix it into foods that might make it easier. They have helpful suggestions on the package for getting started with the fiber and the daily amounts to start with until you get back to a normal bowel movement.

You mentioned the Metamucil was recommended by your doctor. Have you thought about having a discussion with a dietician?

REPLY
2 replies
peggyjean | @peggyjean | Jan 24, 2023
In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @rosnerwdr468egh, Welcome to Connect. I have had quite a long running battle with constipation along..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hello @rosnerwdr468egh, Welcome to Connect. I have had quite a long running battle with constipation along with episodes of messy stools. I think more fiber is definitely part of the answer. I had bi-lateral inguinal hernia surgery a few months ago and had to take Miralax daily prior to the surgery and following the surgery so as not to damage what the surgery fixed.

I'm now cutting back on the Miralax and using a special kind of fiber that I read about in another discussion here on Connect - Heather's Tummy Fiber. I thought I would give it a try and have been using it for about a month and it really has helped me become more regular. The only downside is that it doesn't mix well with hot or cold liquids and you need to put it in a cup first and slowly add room temperature water to get it mixed into the liquid. You can also mix it into foods that might make it easier. They have helpful suggestions on the package for getting started with the fiber and the daily amounts to start with until you get back to a normal bowel movement.

You mentioned the Metamucil was recommended by your doctor. Have you thought about having a discussion with a dietician?

Jump to this post

I take ZenWise pro & prebiotics & it helps tremendously! Good Luck!

REPLY
1 reply
rosnerwdr468egh | @rosnerwdr468egh | Feb 21, 2023
In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @rosnerwdr468egh, Welcome to Connect. I have had quite a long running battle with constipation along..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hello @rosnerwdr468egh, Welcome to Connect. I have had quite a long running battle with constipation along with episodes of messy stools. I think more fiber is definitely part of the answer. I had bi-lateral inguinal hernia surgery a few months ago and had to take Miralax daily prior to the surgery and following the surgery so as not to damage what the surgery fixed.

I'm now cutting back on the Miralax and using a special kind of fiber that I read about in another discussion here on Connect - Heather's Tummy Fiber. I thought I would give it a try and have been using it for about a month and it really has helped me become more regular. The only downside is that it doesn't mix well with hot or cold liquids and you need to put it in a cup first and slowly add room temperature water to get it mixed into the liquid. You can also mix it into foods that might make it easier. They have helpful suggestions on the package for getting started with the fiber and the daily amounts to start with until you get back to a normal bowel movement.

You mentioned the Metamucil was recommended by your doctor. Have you thought about having a discussion with a dietician?

Jump to this post

I haven’t thought of an appointment with a dietitian, but that sounds like a good idea. Where do you get your fiber?

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 21, 2023
In reply to @rosnerwdr468egh "I haven’t thought of an appointment with a dietitian, but that sounds like a good idea...." + (show)
@rosnerwdr468egh

I haven’t thought of an appointment with a dietitian, but that sounds like a good idea. Where do you get your fiber?

Jump to this post

I actually buy mine on Amazon but was surprised that they have a lot of helpful information on their website - https://www.heatherstummycare.com/p/suplmts_acacia/tummy-fiber-acacia-senegal-pouch/.

REPLY
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Feb 22, 2023
In reply to @peggyjean "I take ZenWise pro & prebiotics & it helps tremendously! Good Luck!" + (show)
@peggyjean

I take ZenWise pro & prebiotics & it helps tremendously! Good Luck!

Jump to this post

Peggy,

What type of prebiotics do you take? Thanks! Joe

REPLY
1 reply
peggyjean | @peggyjean | Feb 22, 2023
In reply to @heyjoe415 "Peggy, What type of prebiotics do you take? Thanks! Joe" + (show)
@heyjoe415

Peggy,

What type of prebiotics do you take? Thanks! Joe

Jump to this post

It’s called ZenWise & I get it from Amazon to help with my digestion especially if I have diarrhea, but if I don’t it can cause some constipation! I just listen to my body….

REPLY
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