Where do we go from here? - Parkinson's Disease Message Board

Bsan333 · 08-30-2001, 12:18 AM

Our much anticipated trip for my mom to the neurologist has come and gone. Much of the Parkinson's symptoms (leg pain and cramps) have gotten better with the addition of Comtan to the Sinemet.
The current problem that we are trying to address is an obsession with having a bowel movement. I understand that constipation is often times associated with Parkinson's and that current drug therapy doesn't help matters either. But what I'm talking about is a definite obsession. A quick visit to the mental health pages regarding obsessive-compulsive behavior hits the nail right on the head. I don't know whether I should be posting on this board or on the mental health board. I understand that the same chemical imbalance with regard to seratonin is a common factor with both Parkinson's and obsessive behavior. Any guidance anyone?

Googy · 08-30-2001, 02:35 PM

I wonder if your Mother is suffering from some dementia.Did you tell your Dr?My husband is in depends at night.He still resents them.It is because I have to put them on him.He also has problems with bowel movements and urination and dementia,all due to the PD .I know how hard it is for you to see this in your mother.

Good Luck,

Googy

[This message has been edited by Googy (edited 08-30-2001).]

Bruce · 08-30-2001, 03:15 PM

I think I can relate to your mother's thoughts about constipation. My dad thought the same way and drank mineral oil each day. The result was he ended up with a colostomy bag, whichto me would a pain in the neck.

What I learned from my dad's experience and other people's opinion about constipation, is you are wasting your time trying to change their beliefs. Your intestinal tract becomes addicted to laxatives and they might irritate the bowell and then you may have worse problems, colitis.

Your mother should avoid taking laxatives and it is true constipation is a common complaint with pd patients, but all she needs is fiber. I take 3 oat bran tablets per day and never havea problem.

I remember when I was in basic training in the military. We all realized that none of us had a bowel movement for at least the first week. We had it "scared out of us", I guess.