taosdaphne
04-23-2008, 11:24 PM
Regular bowel movements have never been my strong point, but I think the MS is messing with me big time. I eat really, really well--no processed anything, tons of the right sorts of veggies and fruits, only non-caged chickens and wild-caught fish, a fiber supplement, plenty of water. Yet I'm now having only one bowel movement a week. Last week I used enema, laxative, AND suppository before I finally went--about 3-4 lbs were rotting away in there.I'm seeing my GP in the next week or so, and am pretty sure my MS specialist will want to see me out at Mayo, but I'm hoping the twigs and herbs the accupuncturist has me brewing and drinking helps.
I need gall bladder surgery, so that may be a contributing factor, but I can't live this way. I bloat, I'm gassy, I look 20 lbs heavier than I am until I FINALLY poop.
What do those of you w. this problem do? Trying to stay away from the laxativs, but by day 5 or 6 it's the only thing that works--and sometimes takes almost 48 hours to do so. I couldn't even get a colonoscopy done last year--2 days of fasting and that vile stuff you have to drink, and I didn't really start emptying my bowels till an hour before the procedure, and we couldn't go on.
Gotta go drink herbs, grab a book. go to bed.
Any advice appreciated.
I need gall bladder surgery, so that may be a contributing factor, but I can't live this way. I bloat, I'm gassy, I look 20 lbs heavier than I am until I FINALLY poop.
What do those of you w. this problem do? Trying to stay away from the laxativs, but by day 5 or 6 it's the only thing that works--and sometimes takes almost 48 hours to do so. I couldn't even get a colonoscopy done last year--2 days of fasting and that vile stuff you have to drink, and I didn't really start emptying my bowels till an hour before the procedure, and we couldn't go on.
Gotta go drink herbs, grab a book. go to bed.
Any advice appreciated.
Sponsor
MSJayhawk
04-24-2008, 01:15 AM
My mother has this problem due to Parkinson's. For me, MS means 2-3 bowel movements each day. For my mother, she got help with green barley fiber drink mix (a powder). She also takes Shaklee Herb-Lax. You might look into some probiotics to increase the beneficial bacteria in your colon/lower intestinal tract.
april1848
04-24-2008, 04:45 PM
I feel for you. I get constipated sometimes and it's the most uncomfortable feeling. I started eating flaxseeds. I buy them whole and eat some every night. Sometimes I put it on yogurt or in cereal but sometimes I just toss a handful in my mouth. They have a nice nutty flavor and usually work for me.
There's no way I could eat more fiber than I already do. My husband and I follow the American Heart Association diet, since his heart attack, and we eat a lot of fiber-rich foods.
Stool softeners help too. I've been tempted to take laxatives but I'm afraid to. Usually, flax seeds at night and morning coffee work for me.
There's no way I could eat more fiber than I already do. My husband and I follow the American Heart Association diet, since his heart attack, and we eat a lot of fiber-rich foods.
Stool softeners help too. I've been tempted to take laxatives but I'm afraid to. Usually, flax seeds at night and morning coffee work for me.
MSNik
04-24-2008, 05:32 PM
Hey Daphne, hows the riding?? I wanted to tell you that I was having similar problems, just not quite as extreme- I found that drinking pro-biotic drinks (they are in the yogurt section in the grocery store and are little tiny 3 oz shots) really helped me. They come in 4 packs and I try to drink one a day, but usually if I get in 4 in a week, thats about all I can remember- anyway, just drinking that much seems to really help make things more regular...thats what they advertise- digestive health, but I really think they help...I also take acidophilus and a probiotic pill to keep things regular; but overall I have found those drinks seem to make the biggest difference. And, they arent bad. I like the mixed berry ones....
nikki
nikki
Hanksmom123
04-24-2008, 11:13 PM
I am having the same problem myself! Not to that extreme but I have never had this chronic of a problem. I am trying to eat as many fruits and veggies but it seems this has just become a problem since Christmas. Uggg if its not one thing its another!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shkodekwe
04-25-2008, 03:59 PM
Constipation?? I wish-if even only for a day. My issue is the opposite. Ten to fifteen minutes after I eat, it's gone. It is no fun. It makes going out for dinner a real trip. I have to time everything perfectly.
taosdaphne
04-25-2008, 04:00 PM
Thanks Nikki and others. I've seen those yogurt ads but haven't tried any yet. And I live on ground flaxseed--it goes in everything I eat, and for a while I was actually going every day, but no more. :< I feel like a toddler whose become fascinated with her own poop, and I'm sure my stress over this isn't helping.
I think tomorrow I'll go down to our local fabulous herb store and talk with Tina, the owner, who has MS. This is such a strange little town--only about 5,000 permanent residents, but one dozen accupunctuists and/or Doctors of Oriental medicine, countless massage therapists, 4 separate B uddhist groups from different traditions, a majority Hispanic population and a Native population nearly as big at the Pueblo. But we lack enough surgeons and specialists at the hospital, and must truck down to Santa Fe or Albuquerque for the big stuff.
Anyway, I'll let you know what Tina has to recommend.
Oh, and the riding is *great*, Nikki! Best thing for my head and body out there. Rode a little too long the other day and nearly slid out of the saddle from muscle fatigue, but one good thing about being an experienced rider is that I KNOW when I've had enough, and sliding out of the saddle and onto the footing would have been no big deal. :) Beter than being bucked off into nettles!
Daphne
I think tomorrow I'll go down to our local fabulous herb store and talk with Tina, the owner, who has MS. This is such a strange little town--only about 5,000 permanent residents, but one dozen accupunctuists and/or Doctors of Oriental medicine, countless massage therapists, 4 separate B uddhist groups from different traditions, a majority Hispanic population and a Native population nearly as big at the Pueblo. But we lack enough surgeons and specialists at the hospital, and must truck down to Santa Fe or Albuquerque for the big stuff.
Anyway, I'll let you know what Tina has to recommend.
Oh, and the riding is *great*, Nikki! Best thing for my head and body out there. Rode a little too long the other day and nearly slid out of the saddle from muscle fatigue, but one good thing about being an experienced rider is that I KNOW when I've had enough, and sliding out of the saddle and onto the footing would have been no big deal. :) Beter than being bucked off into nettles!
Daphne
MSNik
04-25-2008, 08:12 PM
Daphne, your life sounds fascinating! Good for you with the riding and keep on knowing when NOT to overdo it....
Let us know what Tina has to say..maybe we can all benefit from her thoughts!
hugs and happy trails..
nikki
Let us know what Tina has to say..maybe we can all benefit from her thoughts!
hugs and happy trails..
nikki