Stepson (7 yrs.) has had trouble with BMs since birth due to prematurity and digestive problems. Gastotroentomologist (sp?) has recommended putting him on a laxative/stool softener. We want to find one that will be as gentle on his system as possible and can be used on a daily or every other day basis.

Basically, he has a protein digestive issue. The proteins build up in his system and remain in there for so long that the stool absorbs all the water and he has major difficulty passing BMs. Since he's had this problem since birth, he associates going #2 with the "I have to go RIGHT now" feeling and doesn't go when he gets the first signal that most of us do. He just ignores it until the last possible minute.

We are hoping to put him on a stool softener or fiber supplement and put him on the potty twice a day to try. We're hoping to have that work so he's not having that "need to go RIGHT now" feeling. Just something to get him regulated. He currently has BM's once to twice a week (at best) and we're trying to get him to go every day or every other day.

Does anyone know of a gentle "all natural" stool softener? I say natural bcz his mom is big on this and we want to try to find something that she's willing to use in her household, as well. We really don't want him on two different treatments.

So far, I have found "Senokot" that is vegetable based, but I think it is considered a laxative. Anyone ever use it? It seems that Metamucil and Citracel both have ingredients that are types of fiber...is one better than the other? Has anyone used either on an ongoing basis?

Any experience anyone have with this topic would be greatly appreciated!

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