I have never tried stool softeners. first off are they safe? how long can you use one and what have your experiences been?
thanks guys!
erik

Erik,
I have used colace on and off for 4 years and have never noticed a dependency problem. I think your body adapts to it after awhile but since it is not a stimulant that affects the nerve fibers in the gut you shouldn't have problems when you no longer need it. I have had quite a few doctors recommend it without any reservation. I would start with one capsule and see how it works for you.
An alternative for me to stool softeners is to take flax seed oil or fish oil capsules. Also aloe vera is a mild stool softener too which I take every day. You might want to try those as well.

Thank you! Today you are my jedi knight

They are safe, Erik. I couldn't add anything to what Lecia has said, except maybe I would go further and take two a day -- one in the afternoon and one before bedtime.

erik wrote:Thank you! Today you are my jedi knight

May the Force be with you! :alien: