[dmplaura]

Urgh... I can't make this question pretty even if I tried.

Basically... what began as constipation, has 'evolved' into something much more. I figured taking stool softener would help, so I took the dose on the bottle for a lengthy period of time. Wasn't helping me to 'go' (I was 5 days or more before I would go), so my GP suggested that I take double the amount.

So now, I take 4 gel caps (Stool softener) daily... and fit them in 2 hours after and before my other medications. I drink tons of water as well.

The problem is... while I don't have the hard stool anymore, I just don't go! The only ways I can go?

1. Get 'overfull' and it's like opening a tap (after several days).
2. Laxatives (which I really really try to avoid).

It feels like my colon just doesn't move things along. If this makes any sense? There's no urgency until 5-10 minutes prior to having to pass a large amount.

There's no discomfort, or pain. In fact, I feel NOTHING until it's time to go to the loo.

When I do have to go (that 5-10 minute window), that's the only time I feel discomfort, or 'spasming'.

Anyone else understand this? Any advice? I've been complaining to my GP for 3 years at least now about this. I've even had an endoscopy and colonoscopy (both checked out), been tested for Gluten intolerance/celiac etc etc... everything's okay there.

I'm at my wit's end here.

[Erika]

Hmmm...it could be autonomic neuropathy affecting the branch of the vagus nerve that goes to the colon. That can slow things down like that.

With love, Erika

[ewizabeth]

I eat lots of fiber, fruits and veggies. In the winter I cook kale or collards and those both help. These are not only good for you but can help to keep things moving along.

[tnthomas]

Originally Posted by ewizabeth

I eat lots of fiber, fruits and veggies. In the winter I cook kale or collards and those both help. These are not only good for you but can help to keep things moving along.

+1 for greens!

Since I take 2 different SSRI meds, 'going' regularly can be a challenge. If lotsa water and bran buds don't do the trick- I break out the collard greens, plus the turnip and/or mustard tops.

I don't like stool softeners, not sure I can describe why, except that the feeling doesn't seem natural.

[Kitty]

It really sounds like an "MS thing". I haven't had this particular symptom (yet) but I have heard about it and MS does effect the nerves that regulate that bodily function.

Do you have a Neuro that you see for MS? I would let them know and see what they suggest. A GP will probably suggest the typical laxatives but if it's MS related a Neuro will probably know more about what to do.

I'm sorry you're having this problem but I am glad to see you posting again!

[dmplaura]

Thanks for the tips folks. I eat LOADS of vegetables (and a small mountain of spinach daily along with the rest). I know I'm getting plenty of fibre that route and for a while, focused on upping, and then balancing, fibre in my diet.

Kitty, great to hear from you too! <3 I've been a busy gal, lol I too think this could be an MS thing. I do have a regular neurologist, however getting in to see him is quite another story. Our health care system (Canada) can be great, but then something like this comes along and suddenly the govy doesn't want to pay for, or allow for, a visit to see the neuro.

If things resolve/I find something that helps, I'll be sure to report back. For now, day 4 and other than a loud (gurgly) stomach, nothing's moving otherwise lol. Thanks again all.

[missj]

Transdermal magnesium seems to relax things a bit and that may also help.

[Mariel]

I was going to post about the effect of magnesium on obstipation, but Missj beat me to it.
Seems Erika has it nailed! Of course it is a nerve problem, caused by your basic disease! It's common in MS. I had it very very badly during all of my young years. I did take a mild laxative and stool softeners and usually those would make me go, but occasionally I would get an absolute block, not associated with anything other than the disease. So I would have to go get manually unblocked. This happened several times.
The first time I went for a whole month without a movement. I can scarcely believe that I wrote that last sentence. Surely it must be wrong? I was only 17, and I suspect I remember this as total block when there may have been some occasional movement,
but it was So bad that I was all swollen up and very sick, exhausted, trying to go to college and hardly able to think from being semi-poisoned by this condition. Finally I took a very strong laxative, which I would not even think of doing now, when I know I should have been manually unblocked.
Whenever this has happened, the amount of residue which comes out is astonishing. Once, in Monterey, in the ER, I actually caused a toilet to come off of the wall because of the avelanche. The entire ER staff came to look at this and were howling with laughter. But it really happened!
However, since I started taking a lot of magnesium to stop spasm and jerking, I have never had a session like that again. Usually I have mild diarrhea. It's mild enough so I don't mind it, but I do eat some blackberries to counteract the diarrhea.
I'm surprised that anyone is surprised at this happening with MS. It's one of the chief
features!

[Sparky10]

My situation is not nearly as bad as dmplaura's. I go regularly but it often takes time sitting. All the pushing I can do does nothing. I keep an electronic Yahtzee game by the toilet for this reason.

All the suggestions of what to eat are good and healthy, but do they make the bowel muscles move when MS prevents the signal from getting through? Of course, this is assuming MS is the root problem that is being asked about.

[Mariel]

Yesterday when commenting on obstipation, I forgot to mention that oil enemas have been another way that doctors have relieved it for me. Oil enemas can be bought in most pharmacies without a prescription. They work much better than laxatives.

Needless to say, there are other causes than neurological for constipation. And there are some foods which are specific to ending constipation. The best one I know of is canned pears. I used that for my husband's constipation. They are gentler than "prunes" and work just as well or better. I think they have to be canned rather than fresh for optimum effect.
It's been so long since I've had major trouble with this that I had almost forgotten what a major problem it is for people with MS. It can just take over your life, and it is miserable. Do not eat any cooked cheese while having this trouble, as in pizza. That is a great stopper-upper. I really feel sad thinking of how much misery this causes.