My daughter's nutritionist wants her to be on Miralax regularly. I feel that she poops daily, sometimes several times a day, with light pushing. The stools do vary, but she is going regularly. She does not seem bloated or complain of stomach pain unless she is about to go to the bathroom. When she takes Miralax she gets diarhea. Is it really so necessary to give her Miralax? I would appreciate any opinions on it.
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Miralax Question
- Thread starter hsnth2008
- Start date
My daughter's nutritionist wants her to be on Miralax regularly. I feel that she poops daily, sometimes several times a day, with light pushing. The stools do vary, but she is going regularly. She does not seem bloated or complain of stomach pain unless she is about to go to the bathroom. When she takes Miralax she gets diarhea. Is it really so necessary to give her Miralax? I would appreciate any opinions on it.
My daughter's nutritionist wants her to be on Miralax regularly. I feel that she poops daily, sometimes several times a day, with light pushing. The stools do vary, but she is going regularly. She does not seem bloated or complain of stomach pain unless she is about to go to the bathroom. When she takes Miralax she gets diarhea. Is it really so necessary to give her Miralax? I would appreciate any opinions on it.
My daughter's dietician also recommended Miralax. She has only become constipated with increased enzyme dosing but is regular otherwise. "Regular" for her equals very loose. There is some thought that some individuals can still pass stool regularly, but that this stool is moving around a partial blockage. I haven't started our daughter on Miralax as she isn't bloated nor painful and does stool often enough - I'm not concerned at this point in starting Miralax. The only interesting thing to consider about Miralax is that it actually thins out the mucus in the GI tract which can act like thick glue for some individuals with CF. I'm not in any rush to start her on Miralax, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it if she has issues with constipation or develops known partial blockages.
My daughter's dietician also recommended Miralax. She has only become constipated with increased enzyme dosing but is regular otherwise. "Regular" for her equals very loose. There is some thought that some individuals can still pass stool regularly, but that this stool is moving around a partial blockage. I haven't started our daughter on Miralax as she isn't bloated nor painful and does stool often enough - I'm not concerned at this point in starting Miralax. The only interesting thing to consider about Miralax is that it actually thins out the mucus in the GI tract which can act like thick glue for some individuals with CF. I'm not in any rush to start her on Miralax, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it if she has issues with constipation or develops known partial blockages.
My daughter's dietician also recommended Miralax. She has only become constipated with increased enzyme dosing but is regular otherwise. "Regular" for her equals very loose. There is some thought that some individuals can still pass stool regularly, but that this stool is moving around a partial blockage. I haven't started our daughter on Miralax as she isn't bloated nor painful and does stool often enough - I'm not concerned at this point in starting Miralax. The only interesting thing to consider about Miralax is that it actually thins out the mucus in the GI tract which can act like thick glue for some individuals with CF. I'm not in any rush to start her on Miralax, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it if she has issues with constipation or develops known partial blockages.
M
Mommafirst
Guest
My daughter has an order for miralax prn (when needed). We only use it when she is having issues, and haven't used it in over a year. So no I don't think you "have" to. If she's stooling normally and not having belly pain, then I'd think it would be okay to hold off on it. Call your CF nurse and see why they were so insistent on it being a daily thing instead of as needed.
M
Mommafirst
Guest
My daughter has an order for miralax prn (when needed). We only use it when she is having issues, and haven't used it in over a year. So no I don't think you "have" to. If she's stooling normally and not having belly pain, then I'd think it would be okay to hold off on it. Call your CF nurse and see why they were so insistent on it being a daily thing instead of as needed.
M
Mommafirst
Guest
My daughter has an order for miralax prn (when needed). We only use it when she is having issues, and haven't used it in over a year. So no I don't think you "have" to. If she's stooling normally and not having belly pain, then I'd think it would be okay to hold off on it. Call your CF nurse and see why they were so insistent on it being a daily thing instead of as needed.
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>The only interesting thing to consider about Miralax is that it actually thins out the mucus in the GI tract which can act like thick glue for some individuals with CF.</end quote></div>
Emily is prone to developing obstructions and once she starts cleaning out, passes large quantities of mucus. At her last clinic appt we were recommended to start a small maintainance dose of Miralax to try and keep this under better control. However, she was clearly having issues with this... I wouldn't have been inclined to start this if her stools were normal, consistent, with no signs of bloating, obstruction, etc.
In my non-medical opinion it doesn't sound like your daughter is having issues that necessitate the Miralax; I'd talk to the dietitian about it to get a better explanation for why, exactly, they want her on it- it could even be they misunderstood something you said about her stooling habits.
Emily is prone to developing obstructions and once she starts cleaning out, passes large quantities of mucus. At her last clinic appt we were recommended to start a small maintainance dose of Miralax to try and keep this under better control. However, she was clearly having issues with this... I wouldn't have been inclined to start this if her stools were normal, consistent, with no signs of bloating, obstruction, etc.
In my non-medical opinion it doesn't sound like your daughter is having issues that necessitate the Miralax; I'd talk to the dietitian about it to get a better explanation for why, exactly, they want her on it- it could even be they misunderstood something you said about her stooling habits.
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>The only interesting thing to consider about Miralax is that it actually thins out the mucus in the GI tract which can act like thick glue for some individuals with CF.</end quote>
Emily is prone to developing obstructions and once she starts cleaning out, passes large quantities of mucus. At her last clinic appt we were recommended to start a small maintainance dose of Miralax to try and keep this under better control. However, she was clearly having issues with this... I wouldn't have been inclined to start this if her stools were normal, consistent, with no signs of bloating, obstruction, etc.
In my non-medical opinion it doesn't sound like your daughter is having issues that necessitate the Miralax; I'd talk to the dietitian about it to get a better explanation for why, exactly, they want her on it- it could even be they misunderstood something you said about her stooling habits.
Emily is prone to developing obstructions and once she starts cleaning out, passes large quantities of mucus. At her last clinic appt we were recommended to start a small maintainance dose of Miralax to try and keep this under better control. However, she was clearly having issues with this... I wouldn't have been inclined to start this if her stools were normal, consistent, with no signs of bloating, obstruction, etc.
In my non-medical opinion it doesn't sound like your daughter is having issues that necessitate the Miralax; I'd talk to the dietitian about it to get a better explanation for why, exactly, they want her on it- it could even be they misunderstood something you said about her stooling habits.
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>The only interesting thing to consider about Miralax is that it actually thins out the mucus in the GI tract which can act like thick glue for some individuals with CF.</end quote>
<br />Emily is prone to developing obstructions and once she starts cleaning out, passes large quantities of mucus. At her last clinic appt we were recommended to start a small maintainance dose of Miralax to try and keep this under better control. However, she was clearly having issues with this... I wouldn't have been inclined to start this if her stools were normal, consistent, with no signs of bloating, obstruction, etc.
<br />
<br />In my non-medical opinion it doesn't sound like your daughter is having issues that necessitate the Miralax; I'd talk to the dietitian about it to get a better explanation for why, exactly, they want her on it- it could even be they misunderstood something you said about her stooling habits.
<br />Emily is prone to developing obstructions and once she starts cleaning out, passes large quantities of mucus. At her last clinic appt we were recommended to start a small maintainance dose of Miralax to try and keep this under better control. However, she was clearly having issues with this... I wouldn't have been inclined to start this if her stools were normal, consistent, with no signs of bloating, obstruction, etc.
<br />
<br />In my non-medical opinion it doesn't sound like your daughter is having issues that necessitate the Miralax; I'd talk to the dietitian about it to get a better explanation for why, exactly, they want her on it- it could even be they misunderstood something you said about her stooling habits.
It has been an ongoing discussion with our team. I also went for a second opinion because I was not comfortable with the direction they were taking. The other nutritionist suggested we use only as necessary and give a smaller dose just to make sure things are moving. My daughter had meconium ileus at birth and she said with such cfers it is important to be absolutely sure nothing is getting stuck. And that does make me more comfortable, I don't think she needs a half capful every day based on her regular stools and miralax caused diarhea. But there is still that little itch in me because she already takes so much medication, why add something that only maybe is helping. Yes, her stools are sometimes hard, sometimes soft, sometimes light in color, but in general to me it seems like things are passing and she is not in pain. I have no problem giving her some if she has pain or I hear her pushing. But then again, maybe it's good to clear that extra mucus out once in a while. I think I may try a little bit once a week and see how it goes.
It has been an ongoing discussion with our team. I also went for a second opinion because I was not comfortable with the direction they were taking. The other nutritionist suggested we use only as necessary and give a smaller dose just to make sure things are moving. My daughter had meconium ileus at birth and she said with such cfers it is important to be absolutely sure nothing is getting stuck. And that does make me more comfortable, I don't think she needs a half capful every day based on her regular stools and miralax caused diarhea. But there is still that little itch in me because she already takes so much medication, why add something that only maybe is helping. Yes, her stools are sometimes hard, sometimes soft, sometimes light in color, but in general to me it seems like things are passing and she is not in pain. I have no problem giving her some if she has pain or I hear her pushing. But then again, maybe it's good to clear that extra mucus out once in a while. I think I may try a little bit once a week and see how it goes.
It has been an ongoing discussion with our team. I also went for a second opinion because I was not comfortable with the direction they were taking. The other nutritionist suggested we use only as necessary and give a smaller dose just to make sure things are moving. My daughter had meconium ileus at birth and she said with such cfers it is important to be absolutely sure nothing is getting stuck. And that does make me more comfortable, I don't think she needs a half capful every day based on her regular stools and miralax caused diarhea. But there is still that little itch in me because she already takes so much medication, why add something that only maybe is helping. Yes, her stools are sometimes hard, sometimes soft, sometimes light in color, but in general to me it seems like things are passing and she is not in pain. I have no problem giving her some if she has pain or I hear her pushing. But then again, maybe it's good to clear that extra mucus out once in a while. I think I may try a little bit once a week and see how it goes.
Just a quick thought, I agree with everyone that it doesn't sound necessary.
However, don't ask the nutritionist for justification; ask the Doctor! The nutritionist/dietitian has no medical authority at all and can recommend all day but the Dr makes the call about taking meds; especially anything 'maintenance'. Let he/she explain why they think it is necessary, or confirm that it is not.
However, don't ask the nutritionist for justification; ask the Doctor! The nutritionist/dietitian has no medical authority at all and can recommend all day but the Dr makes the call about taking meds; especially anything 'maintenance'. Let he/she explain why they think it is necessary, or confirm that it is not.
Just a quick thought, I agree with everyone that it doesn't sound necessary.
However, don't ask the nutritionist for justification; ask the Doctor! The nutritionist/dietitian has no medical authority at all and can recommend all day but the Dr makes the call about taking meds; especially anything 'maintenance'. Let he/she explain why they think it is necessary, or confirm that it is not.
However, don't ask the nutritionist for justification; ask the Doctor! The nutritionist/dietitian has no medical authority at all and can recommend all day but the Dr makes the call about taking meds; especially anything 'maintenance'. Let he/she explain why they think it is necessary, or confirm that it is not.
Just a quick thought, I agree with everyone that it doesn't sound necessary.
<br />
<br />However, don't ask the nutritionist for justification; ask the Doctor! The nutritionist/dietitian has no medical authority at all and can recommend all day but the Dr makes the call about taking meds; especially anything 'maintenance'. Let he/she explain why they think it is necessary, or confirm that it is not.
<br />
<br />However, don't ask the nutritionist for justification; ask the Doctor! The nutritionist/dietitian has no medical authority at all and can recommend all day but the Dr makes the call about taking meds; especially anything 'maintenance'. Let he/she explain why they think it is necessary, or confirm that it is not.
I'd mentioned asking the nutritionist about it because in our case, we just added this to our daughter's regimen, and also just adjusted her enzymes. Regarding both, I spoke to the dr but then he told me 'when J(dietitian) comes in after we confer, she'll talk to you more about how she's been eating and discuss what we decide our recommendations are for handling this.'
So in Emily's case, she would have been completely knowledgeable about the course of action recommended for her and why. She couldn't change what had been prescribed if I approached her later, but she could explain the reasoning behind it, discuss it knowledgeably, if needed talk to the dr and get back to me. I'm also comfortable discussing this stuff with her due to her extensive familiarity with Emily's diet, etc- we get into far more detail about that than I do with her dr (that is what she's there for, after all.)
I do agree that if you do not agree with a course of action prescribed for your child the dr needs to know about it since only they can change it- but feel there is value including the dietitian in the discussion if she is knowledgeable/you trust her or was involved in the decision to put your child on it in the first place.
So in Emily's case, she would have been completely knowledgeable about the course of action recommended for her and why. She couldn't change what had been prescribed if I approached her later, but she could explain the reasoning behind it, discuss it knowledgeably, if needed talk to the dr and get back to me. I'm also comfortable discussing this stuff with her due to her extensive familiarity with Emily's diet, etc- we get into far more detail about that than I do with her dr (that is what she's there for, after all.)
I do agree that if you do not agree with a course of action prescribed for your child the dr needs to know about it since only they can change it- but feel there is value including the dietitian in the discussion if she is knowledgeable/you trust her or was involved in the decision to put your child on it in the first place.
I'd mentioned asking the nutritionist about it because in our case, we just added this to our daughter's regimen, and also just adjusted her enzymes. Regarding both, I spoke to the dr but then he told me 'when J(dietitian) comes in after we confer, she'll talk to you more about how she's been eating and discuss what we decide our recommendations are for handling this.'
So in Emily's case, she would have been completely knowledgeable about the course of action recommended for her and why. She couldn't change what had been prescribed if I approached her later, but she could explain the reasoning behind it, discuss it knowledgeably, if needed talk to the dr and get back to me. I'm also comfortable discussing this stuff with her due to her extensive familiarity with Emily's diet, etc- we get into far more detail about that than I do with her dr (that is what she's there for, after all.)
I do agree that if you do not agree with a course of action prescribed for your child the dr needs to know about it since only they can change it- but feel there is value including the dietitian in the discussion if she is knowledgeable/you trust her or was involved in the decision to put your child on it in the first place.
So in Emily's case, she would have been completely knowledgeable about the course of action recommended for her and why. She couldn't change what had been prescribed if I approached her later, but she could explain the reasoning behind it, discuss it knowledgeably, if needed talk to the dr and get back to me. I'm also comfortable discussing this stuff with her due to her extensive familiarity with Emily's diet, etc- we get into far more detail about that than I do with her dr (that is what she's there for, after all.)
I do agree that if you do not agree with a course of action prescribed for your child the dr needs to know about it since only they can change it- but feel there is value including the dietitian in the discussion if she is knowledgeable/you trust her or was involved in the decision to put your child on it in the first place.