Has anyone used Zelnorm for GI problems? I'm talking about constipation, sluggish bowels, bloating, gas, etc. Not sure if it's from nerve problems but probably.

I see it says it should only be used short term. Do you know if it can be used on an ongoing basis? I'm sure if I stopped taking it, the problems will come back again. But I've tried all the dietary approaches and they didn't help.

Just wondering if anyone else has any experience with this drug.

I haven't tried Zelnorm.

However, I have had success for the same kinds of problems by using kefir, it's a yogurt drink. The brand I use is Lifeway, it has 10 different active cultures. Probiotics and regular yogurt never helped me much, but I've been taking the kefir for about 3 weeks and am happy with the results.
Good luck!

Thanks! I'll try that first! I'd rather take non-meds than meds if I can help it!

Appreciate your input!

Many people on the chronic pain forum have found relief using the recipe below.

People have stated that it works well for pain medication-induced constipation/bowel distress, and that it also works well on constipation/bowel distress that is not caused by pain meds.

A real life friend of mine is a CNA and she works in a nursing facility that takes care of adults of all ages with physical and cognative disabilities, and this is the recipe that they use when a patient has constipation, slow bowels, etc....

Hope it helps,
Liz



Yakima Valley Anti Constipation Fruit Paste

1 lb pitted prunes
4 ozs senna tea leaves (at health foods store)
1 lb raisins
1 lb figs
1 cup lemon juice


1. Prepare tea; use about 2 1/2 cups boiled water, add to tea leaves and steep for 5 minutes.
2. Strain tea and remove tea leaves.
3. Place 2 cups of tea, or amount left, in large pot.
4. Add all of the fruit to the tea.
5. Boil fruit and tea for 15 - 20 minutes, until soft.
6. Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Allow to cool.
7. Use hand mixer/blender or food processor to turn fruit and tea mix into a paste.
8. Place in glass jars or Tupperware and place in freezer (paste will not freeze but will keep forever in freezer also very long in fridge).

DOSAGE: 1 - 2 Tablespoons per day

Suggestions for use: Can be spread on toast, english muffin, bagel, bran muffin or rice cake. Good breakfast. lunch, or snack: toasted bagel or english muffin, spread with low fat cream cheese or goat cheese and topped with fruit paste. For a change of flavor mix in some raspberry or strawberry jam. The first time I made this, I cut the recipe in half, used the full recipe after that. The stuff seems to work just fine, as long as you use it regularly .... it's all natural, no chemicals, no preservatives, just a little bit of money and time invested.

Dayle posted on the old BT that she was using if for the reasons you mention and it was really helping. Perhaps I can link her to this page and she can tell you herself how it was working. Seemed to be the only thing for months that alleviated the problem. Not sure if she's still on it.

I have never used Zelnorm.

Have you ever tried taking supplements?

What has worked wonders for me is: calcium/magnesium, Metamucil and fish oil capsules.

I was dx with Ulcerative Colitis about 5 yrs before MS. I have had terrible problems with it, for about 20 yrs.

LDN has taken care of all of the symptoms, for the past 16 months. It can't be taken with the interferons though.

Cherie

Thanks to ALL!!!!!!!!

Goldie, I bought the kefir (yum yum!!). Not sure if it's related but I had my first good BM in a long long LONG time! I also made a shake with prunes, wheat germ and flax seed in it with lots of fruit, yogurt, ect. So that might have had something to do with it too.

Liz, thanks, I'll try that too. Sounds easy enough. I am more optimistic now that I actually CAN improve my symptoms with diet. I'll track down those ingredients too and make up a paste.

Cherie, thanks. I'll hold off on taking it to see if I can develop any regularity and reduce the bloating, ect with diet first.

Snoopy, I've tried every supplement known to man. Never helped me.

Cherie, I tried LDN and it did nothing for my intestinal/bowel issues. Glad you got relief tho.