The title is fully illustrative of my situation. Sometimes, I can pass stool as if I didn't have an AF, other times, I'm down for the count. Any idea why? I guess I ask b/c maybe I'm doing something right only half the time.
I guess a related question is how much stool softener do you take?

I think it's probably down to stool size,texture, whether or not forced, or maybe just part of the healing process (some days good, some days bad).
I tend not to take any stool softener but as I've been suffering constipation this week (although later in the week it was just when i first open my bowels), I bought some just in case(fybogel), especially as I feel close to a split :(. I would recommend taking the recommended dose on the packet, definitely no more.