Infrequent bowel movements - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

ktee_uk · 06-10-2005, 08:20 AM

Hi

My mother in law was diag with MS about 30 years ago. She is now 65 and has worsened over the last 5 years. My concern for her at the moment is regarding bowel movements. She confided in me recently that she only has a BM maybe twice a week and this has been going on for a number of years. Is this a typical symptom for someone with MS?

The reason she confided in me was because she had experienced some blood in stools but we have pinned that down to pain killers she was taking for arthiritis. Since changing the pain killers the bleeding has stopped.

She has a diet high in fruit and veg, dairy and is not a fan of anything sweet. I dont think she exceeds 1500 cals a day but is obese which is not helped by her lack of exercise. Could lack of exercise be linked to the infequent BMs?

Anyhow, any advice would be great.

thanks
ktee

KelliD · 06-10-2005, 09:28 AM

Exercise will ALWAYS help the BM's. And yes, infrequent BM's are an issue with MS. Does she drink enough water each day? Can she digest raw fruits & veg's? Those things will help. Beef is harder to digest and it would be good to stay away from it..

ktee_uk · 06-10-2005, 02:34 PM

The only exercise she gets is walking from room to room and leg exercises to help her arthritis. She eats a lot of raw fruit and salads.

KelliD · 06-10-2005, 05:19 PM

Perhaps she could take in more fiber through liquid? There are many "fiber" drinks available. Is she able to get any more exercise than just walking room to room? Perhaps water aerobics? That would give her the movement she needs while being very gentle on her joints.

ktee_uk · 06-11-2005, 05:17 AM

Thanks for the tips kellie. I will talk to her about the fibre in liquid.

regards
ktee