First time I see MOM called "laxative" , although my CRS last time told me to try Colace as it is stool softener and MOM will just make me go - I didn't pay attention since I just wanted to flee as always after rectal exam - now it looks she was onto something (hmmmmm...) I did go 5 times a day when I was taking MOM back in the time of my original fissure - oh well - just thought maybe it is the missing info here - it is not stool softener - it is laxative @: P
Now - I finally think I know the difference : Stool softeners does not let colon extract water from the stool while laxatives DRAW water from the guts to the stool, which is of course worse : (.
"Laxatives really are a last resort in the battle to get rid of constipation. Laxatives, in some extreme cases, can actually cause constipation. Ironic, isn’t it? The problem with non-saline laxatives (stimulant laxatives) is that they actually induce intestinal contractions, which, over time, can do permanent damage to your bowels. That’s bad. If you’re going to use a laxative, try a saline-based laxative like Milk of Magnesia. I use milk of magnesia once in a while to help clear my bowels, but not very often, and eating enough bran will often produce the same effect. "

i love MOM! i seriously couldn't live without it now. i mean, i know i could still go but it would just hurt! i'll stay on it for the rest of my life i have to.