Bowel problems - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

crystal22 · 06-13-2005, 12:24 AM

Okay, so this is an embarrassing topic, which is why I bring it up here, cuz I don't really know any of you, and that makes me feel more comfortable. I know MS can affect anything, including bowel and bladder problems, and i'm wondering if I have something wrong here. Lately when I go to the bathroom I don't feel like I'm emptying my bowels completely, I just go a little bit and then something "shuts off", I feel like I'm not done going but I cant do anymore. Then 10 minutes later I go a little more, then stop, etc. I always feel like I have to go, but can't. And I have heartburn all the time. It's like the muscles that are in charge of moving things down are not listening to me. Twice in the last 3 weeks I had to go to the MD because I was unable to pass a stool. had enemas, suppositories, and finally they had to manually remove it. Anybody else have this problem? If so, what can I do about it? Would IV steroids make a difference? Sorry if I'm grossing you all out here, but I'm very frustrated and worried and would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

KelliD · 06-13-2005, 05:28 AM

You're not grossing anyone out. Unfortunately, this is common in MS, along with similar bladder problems. You'll want to talk to your doctor about the options that may work best for you to lessen this problem as much as possible. We all have our own ways of dealing with it, I think. Maybe that would be a good thread of conversation to begin...?

WOBBLEY · 06-13-2005, 06:43 AM

Hi Crystal, I think alot of us have the same problem, I have found that by really concentrating and taking my time, I have been able to empy my blatter better. You might change your way of eating. I know that the way we eat effects our bowels. I sometimes have a very soft bowel movement everytime I empty my blatter. I'm trying to stay on the MS diet of no sugar, diary, eggs, etc., I think it has helped me, go to www.direct-ms.org. I found their sight to be very informative and a good read. Good luck to all.

lilc · 06-13-2005, 10:25 AM

Another item on my list to discuss with neuro. Yes, I have same problems. [Insert appropriate expletive here!]

pmad925 · 06-13-2005, 06:35 PM

Hi Crystal,

I was dx with (ok,I don't know if this is the correct spelling) but with divuticulite. I have a dx and can't spell it. . LOL. . anyway, I at times get back up (HAHA) or as my husband says " I don't give a ?#@%) My brother was dx with it about 12 years ago, me 2/04, and my mom was just just told last month that she has it. My brother was told that it is an old person's problem. . go figure. What it is, you can't eat any foods with seeds (Strawberry, blueberry, tomatoes, etc) and there are other things also. Of course that does not stop me. . These seeds lodge in a sac at the end of the large intestions and can cause extereme pain. The lower part of my stomach fills like it is hard as a rock. I too can pass a bit, then nothing, then think I have to go again. . and get a peanut. I load up on fiber. I drink prune juice (shockingly not bad tasting) take a stool softner, and Metamucil fiber wafers (I like the cinnamon Spice). I have not had any problems with my MS as being the cause of this not being able to poop issue, since I have other members in the family with the same not being able to poop. HAHA But, my brother has had the treatments that you had. Sorry this sounds weird, but I did not know how else to explain it.

Good luck,
Paula