Stool softeners - when did you stop using them?

devotchka81

Hi everyone,

My c-section was last Monday and I've been on a fun cocktail of pain meds and stool softeners ever since. I'm still feeling some pain but getting better. I'm wondering how long I should take the stool softeners for? The nurse who discharged me gave me a very vague answer (as long as you need to) - how would I know if I need to unless I stop and have problems? Just wondering how long people on here took them if you've had a previous c/s or are further down the recovery road.

I made a BIG mistake last night and ate 3 prunes (small ones, mind you) when I felt like I needed a little more fiber/laxative action. I've had insane gurgling in my intenstines and diarrhea tonight for the last hour and this was supposed to be my baby-is-asleep naptime GRRRR

Thanks in advance!

bitsybubbles7

I was on ibuprofen, percocet, and ss.  I was told when I went off the percocet (which I did a week early so I could drive), I should take to ss for two days after and then could be done.  I didn't have any problems.

devotchka81

How long were you on percocet, out of curiosity? That's another question I had. 

jesspacatc

SS (specifically colace) i took for a month, but probably going to go by more.  definitely continue to take it as long as you are taking narcotics.  your body wont be addicted to the SS.  

in terms of the percocet, i stopped taking it during the day (with 600 of motrin) a little less than a week PP, but continued at night time for another week or so (the getting up and down killed me).  they discharged me with 40 and i think there about half of that left.

bitsybubbles7

I had my LO on Tues night and they started me on percocet Wed. morn and I stopped taking it the following Thurs.  So, 8 days.

treble_clef

I never needed it.

hopkins5

I was told to use up all the ss they gave me, which was a few day's worth. I had DD on Tuesday, left Friday morning, and remember having a few pills left to take at home. I had no problems.

Kyrie_Ani

I'm not sure if you're still taking them or not by the time I've found this thread, but I would encourage you to maybe slowly taper off but consider speaking with a nurse or your dr regarding taking a weeks worth of Miralax.

 I encourage this because - TMI alert - I had MAJOR BM issues after my baby was born. I was sent home from the hospital before actually having a BM and ended up going about 2 weeks without one, even though I'd been taking the stool softeners and drinking up water like it was going out of style. I was on a very light diet as I'd had no appetite, but when I was eating it was lots of fruits and veggies. I ended up needing a suppository and I'm still recovering from when things finally started working again (which was about 2 weeks ago).

I wouldn't wish that experience on my worst enemy. Miralax is super sensitive, and I've continued using it (after consulting with my dr) just to ensure everything is back on track. Eating lots of pulpy foods (like oranges) and yogurt (doesn't have to be Activia) has also helped.