I've heard that Metamucil can help with both/either. Probably a good strategy, Ewiz.

~ Faith

I do plenty of fiber stuff, and have good results, but sometimes it is a matter of not being able to push the material out into the world. yes, softer is easier, but its not a matter of bulk, its a matter of my body seems to have forgotten how to push, or peristalsis has not been able to kick in. The longer stuff stays inside, the drier it becomes, and the harder it is to get rid of.

I am blushing just writing this! That is one of the reasons I didnt mention it to the MD was its just plain old weird, but I am being told its kinda normal for my crowd to be constipated. From the looks of the Poll, it looks like I am not alone.

What other remedies do you use?

Constipation is a big thing, a battle many of us fight and some fight the opposite battle with uncontrolled Diarrhea.Having done both, think I prefer Constipation as it is less visible and embarrassing, but really both suck.

Something is always around for many in Urine and Bowel control and I like when someone brings it up. Have I spoke to my neuro? Not really, not sure he's a good choice. But a neuro's female PA (?)( Nurse but really almost a doctor.), she was excellent, full of practical suggestions, etc. No longer see that neuro (Or her now) so hope I continue with no big sexual pronblems (except "Does this wheelchair make my butt look big?" to ask my poor neuro. (that question is for DH, not the Neuro)
My PA suggested a not so good concoction of Prune juice, bran and applesauce. When I'm desparate, I do it. ICK.

Urine incontinence is a whole other thread.

LOL, I must be a Mom. I just read that while finishing my eggs and toast. Anyway, when I went for my first colonoscopy, the doctor suggested Miralax for occasional constipation. I think he said I could use it a few days in a row once a week with no problem. It's very gentle too but kind of pricey even though it's OTC.

This is a real problem and I hope you get it under control soon.

yes i do dej.
but some of that could be a side effect of some of my meds.
i used to take 1 pm stool softner and now i take 2 and still have to push.

i also take metamucil as needed.

I take 2 oxybutynin a day for bladder control. This med dries me out and I am sure it is the main reason for being constipated all the time.

But if I don't take it, l I can only go about 30 minutes without using the bathroom, so I will put up with the other issue so I can get out of the house more.

gmi

In my first couple of years after being dx w/MS I was getting monthly ear infections that required antibiotics. I was told by 2 or 3 different doctors to tell my neuro about my monthly ear infections because apparently it's tied into MS.

Why I bring this up is they did a culture on my throat and found I had/have an bacteria that belongs in my lower intestines in my ears and throat. Since, daily Acetic Acid 2% ear drops are put in my ears to prevent the monthly ear infections.

I've had problems with severe constipation since my MS was very active my first 4 years after dx. In time, I was sent to a protologist and told my intestinal muscles sometimes work in reverse and I have practically no sphincter muscles. I was prescribed MiraLax nightly. Now MiraLax is over the counter.

This was prescribed after I cut out processed meats, drink Citrucel nightly (doesn't produce gas like the other ones do), eat 'USA' black licorice nightly (which does not increase your bp), started with 2 softeners nightly, 2 stimulants when needed at night, eat a high fiber diet and drink plenty of water daily, eat shredded wheat cereal for breakfast along with a prune or two daily.

Bananas, white rice, applesauce and toast is the diet you are to follow when you have diarrhea (BRAT Diet).

My constipation has only gotten worse over the years and yes constipation is tied in with MS. Too, I now am prescribed Reglan with my meals for my stomach muscles digest food very slowly which too affects my intestinal muscles.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/abo...ion/index.aspx
At the bottom of the article are additional articles and brochures.

0357 thanks! it sounds like you are my twin. I too have extreme little muscle reaction which is needed to push things along. I did that food test where they give you a breakfast after you have fasted, and it is EXTREMELY slow to even leave my tummy. They were amazed. everything is so slow in my gut.

I too have ear infection issues. I will have them swab for that bacteria. thanks!

I too would rather have the constipation vs the diarrhea. once upon a time pre MS I had IBS, and it seems like it was a pre cursor to this disease. I knew where every bathroom was in every part of the city. I was a medic on a rig out in the field all day, so its not like the potty was down the hall. I am sure the stress of my job added greatly to my IBS, but it wasnt fun to constantly be worried about quick shutter speed once you got that rumble in your tummy. I kept a change of clothes at work, and didnt make it to that far away potty several times. I had to be prepared no matter where I went, so I have lived that life, and know its hazards as well, so I am counting the blessing of being slow rather than fast, but its still such an issue.

its so easy to tip me the other way. I think I will try this miralax, but have heard others say it tipped them the other way. lets see what it does for me.

This could be written about me...I have no oomph I have to put power
behind my lack of oomph to get anything done.

It's so easy to tip me from not to tooooooooo much. When I'ne taken Miralax (which is gentle and doesn't hurt) I do 3/4 to 1/2 dose, but sometimes that works and sometimes takes me over edge to opposite of constipation