Laxatives and Detox???

[Bajanne]

The other day I asked my nephro if I could use a laxative.  I don't have constipation, but I had such irregular BMs that I felt like taking something to just clean me out.  Plus, I thought that would take care of some fluid the same time.  He advised me not to.
I have been also thinking of those herbal detoxes that are about the place.  I wonder if that would be okay, since one of our problems as a renal patient is that toxins accumulate in our system.
Anyone have an idea about these things?  Or use any of them?

[melshell]

Hi! I was wondering; your neph. told you not to use a laxative, but he didn't recommend any other solution to your problem? My neph. is a firm believer that modern day meds are based on herbal "remedies" of the past, therefore herbal preparations should be treated with the same caution as any prescription medication. I try to be diligent about clearing any and all meds with him prior to taking, even over the counter ones. The ONE time I didn't clear an ordinary prescription for an antibiotic with him cost me dearly!!

[Bajanne]

My neph doesn't think I need a laxative.  I have BMs everyday, several times a day.  I just wanted to have something to make me feel like I was being 'cleaned out', I guess.  I don't need it, but I certainly want it.

[BigSky]

If you feel you need it then ask the doctor the mechanics of why he doesn't suggest it.  He/she needs to fully explain themselves as to why they do not recommend it and the basis for such an opinion.

Too many doctors are quick on the draw to discount something suggested by the patient.   

Any risks involved need laid out for you to decide if they are worth taking or not.  It is your peace of mind at hand, not theirs.


I do not know if this will help or not.  But it is said that most dialysis patients do not take in enough fiber in their diet.  You may want to add some fiber to your diet via one of the psyllium  type fiber products.

[goofynina]

Bajanne, please whatever you do decide to do, make sure it is cleared with your nephro first.  I remember asking about some herbal vitamins and they explained why i cant, geeeze, never knew something that is supposed to be natural would hurt me, but it can, and i would hate anything to happen to you.  I know when i am feeling a little "sluggish" and i feel that my "pipes" are feeling a little "clogged"   i do drink some hot prune juice (careful with the potassium though)  Please keep us posted as to what helps you best, i am sure others would really like to know as well as myself. 

[Bajanne]

That prune juice is a great idea.  Actually, my potassium has always shown up as low, so it shouldn't be a problem.

[Sara]

Would whole, pitted prunes be better maybe?  Same effect but not so much fluid? 

[Bajanne]

Actually, that is what I was saying I would do.  I remembered that at our Christian Fellowship camps when I was a teenager, there was always one day when the dessert would be prunes (whole, pitted) and custard to help those who might have had problems since they were away from home and with a different diet.  It used to work!!  Gonna buy me some tomorrow!!

[goofynina]

I tried eating prunes to begin with and it just wasnt helping,  that is when i tried 8 oz. of very warm (almost hot) but not really, prune juice, then after i finished that, i drank like 6 oz. of water to really get it into my system, let me tell you, ummm, lets just say, it worked faster than i wanted it to   

[nextnoel]

Goofynina, for a less spectacular but still effective response, next time try apricot nectar; learned about this after I had my daughter (34 years ago!), and it's served me well ever since.

[Bajanne]

Well, I got both prunes and prune juice, and at the risk of TMI, IT WORKED!!!!!!! (and worked and worked....)

[goofynina]

Well, I got both prunes and prune juice, and at the risk of TMI, IT WORKED!!!!!!! (and worked and worked....)

WOOHOOO   Ladies and gentlemen,  Elvis has left the building
glad to hear it Bajanne

[susie q]

 
Glad everything  came out  ok..   

[Panda_9]

Be careful of prunes as they are high in potassium. If you were "going" several times a day then I wouldnt suggest a laxative either. Be careful you dont dehydrate yourself, and definitely ask the doctor about any herbal medicines before taking, as they can be toxic and can cause alot of damage.