I saw my dr. today and have a GI appt next week about my chronic constipation. The one time I tried the magnesium citrate drink it took 8 hours to work, made me cough, messed with my electrolytes levels afterward and while it cleaned me out I was weak for a few days afterward. So, I am afraid to try any osmotic laxatives like Miralax or stimulate laxatives like Ducolace.

If I drink extra water, eat extra fiber, will my body just push the "stuff" out itself eventually? Or, should I risk the side effects of using something like Miralax for relief, say, on Friday and Saturday to see what it does to me?

Anyone experience constipation have any advice about not using osmotic laxatives or stimulant laxatives to treat constipation, but another method or use food instead?