Hey Jay,
I agree the Docusate Sodium was like a sugar pill for me, just useless!
Miralax does have better results with a fair amount of water. I can definitely tell a difference if I don't drink enough water. I usually eat around 20-25 grams of fiber a day & drink about 8- 8 oz glasses of water a day. You don't really need to go on fiber over load but definitely keep it around the RDA and always drink a fair amount of water with any of the stool softeners, and fiber.
I'm not sure if you may be already doing this, but since you're having a hard time with the Bm's, I just thought I'd mention- it's important to avoid anything that can cause the harder Bm's. Definitely, no cheese, white bread, or red meat. I've read where some have even noticed harder Bm's with the whole wheat pasta, rice or bread... So you may have to tinker with your diet a little and see what works best until you get some healing time on this and are able to eat a little more variety.
Ps...
I was told this before surgery (and it was probably the best advice I got on here) Not to change anything that was working before surgery after surgery- as far as diet and stool softeners. It worked pretty well for me. I did change to Miralax after surgery but it wasn't because I got constipated. I just got tired of taking 6 colace a day...
Please forgive me if it sounds like I'm preaching and you already know this, Lol.
Good Luck and I hope this all makes sense. I have a slipped disk in my back and can't set at the computer too long. I think it's another lovely side effect of my fissure and poor posture