When to Take Miralax with Transverse Colostomy

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Stilts
Apr 15, 2024 3:09 am

Hello, I had a transverse colostomy 9 days ago. An ostomy nurse (but no doctor) told me to take Miralax daily. This caused my output to be watery and I had leaks every 3-4 hours even after using a system that has not leaked since I discontinued Miralax. Which begs the question, when would I take Miralax with a transverse colostomy?

AlexT
Apr 15, 2024 6:59 am

When you want to leak, duh. 😁 Actually, I know some get told to take that stuff when you first get re-routed to keep everything coming out easier as you heal. But one needs to be careful to not take too much and have issues like you are having.

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Posted by: lovely

I just finished reading the Ostomy Tips Book under COLLECTIONS at the top of the page. I did not realize how much information was there. It covers a lot

of things that people have questions about. Hope this may answer some things for people. Best wishes and stay safe

DexieB
Apr 15, 2024 11:41 am

Hello, my ostomy nurse also told me to take Miralax daily, but I didn't because it gave me the runs (normally had thicker output). I figured my colorectal surgeon would tell me if I needed to. I asked, and he said to only take it if I didn't have any output for a few days. I've had my reversal surgery now, but Miralax every day was not for me! Maybe ask your doctor?

Stilts
Apr 15, 2024 3:18 pm

Thank you so much for the reply! Happy to hear you had reversal surgery. How did it go?

Shalaway
Apr 15, 2024 3:28 pm

I take Laxido daily. I am guessing it's a similar alternative.

 

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DexieB
Apr 15, 2024 6:32 pm

It went great! No issues, I was out of the hospital in 2 days and my bathroom habits were right back on track! Of course, there was some pain as my wounds healed... but nothing like I experienced when I first got my emergency surgery and ostomy. But I had gone into that very sick with peritonitis and sepsis, and that was an open surgery - so of course the reversal was easier. I have absolutely no regrets. Thank you for asking!

patandwinnie55
Apr 16, 2024 9:22 pm

I have a colostomy. When I left the hospital, I was told to take Miralax every day, so I did... until I didn't. I used it consistently for 6 months, then I went on a short vacation and one day I forgot to use it. Nothing changed - for good or ill. I intentionally didn't take it the next day... no change. I haven't used it since - going on three months. My output is thick but soft.

AlexT
Apr 17, 2024 12:34 am

Good for you. The less medication anyone can take, the better.