Constipation - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

taosdaphne · 04-23-2008, 08:24 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.

MSJayhawk · 04-23-2008, 10:15 PM

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, 01:45 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.

MSNik · 04-24-2008, 02:32 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

Hanksmom123 · 04-24-2008, 08:13 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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!