bowel problems - Parkinson's Disease Message Board

ziggy · 04-19-2003, 12:08 AM

This is a subject not easily dscussed but i need input
from other PD people.
For about a year now i've been extremely constipated, and my bowel movements, when passed, are almost like "rabbit" droppings (i long for the days prior to pd when i had bouts of diarrhea)!
Is this characteristic of Parkinson's ?
My father recently died from Pancreatic cancer and he had similar bowel problems...and i'm worried !!!
Please advise !

Hopalong5us · 04-19-2003, 03:56 AM

Ziggy,

I believe the meds continually reak havoc on the lower GI. I have went from diareha to constipation. Now I have my honey nut cherios and that seems to help some. If that doesn't work I get a hamburger and fries from the local fast food joint, they must put castor oil in those things! You have one in you town most likely, they are just about all the same you tell them what you want at the drive up speaker and they give you what THEY think you need! Usually not the same thing you ordered.
If that don't work please see a real doctor, which I am not. Take care,
Hoppy

Googy · 04-19-2003, 10:10 PM

Ziggy,

This is very common with PD. Don't think it cannot be said.Bill goes every 4/5 days.Very weird tries for two days,then goes. Like you said about the droppings.He is in diapers but still a mess.I make sure he has plenty of fruit, juice/vegs.I use to give him an enema.There is stool softners you can get.They should help.

Hang in there,

Googy

lrwalz · 06-22-2003, 10:27 AM

I have found with my father that a good diet and stool softeners (2 each) night help with that problem...It is my understanding that PD meds do not absorb as quickly if you are constipated..So the more regular you are the better your chances of meds working properly...

Bruce · 06-22-2003, 05:52 PM

As Googy aid , constipation is a common symptom of pd. The stomach empties slowly and the GI tract also contracts more slowly. The slower the movement, the more water is absorbed and the harder the stool.

What works is very simple. You need a lot of fiber in your diet. I used to get by with eating oat or wheat bran cereal, but now take oat bran tablets every day. I have taken the oat bran tablets for yaars and have s bowell movement every day. Stoll softners work, but taste yucky. Never take a laxative, because it may be habit forming and it may irritate the bowel.

Bruce