Ok, I can't embarass myself more than that, so did I ever tell you the story about ...........


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Jeez, good thing we all use aliases.

I am on calcium and heard Dr. Oz. (you know him from Oprah) to take Magnesium 3 daily. 3 is too much for me so I take 2 a day, I can't believe the difference it has made. I have always been constipated since diagnosed.

What form is that magnesium in - pill or liquid?

Dejibo,
Thank you for opening up this subject. The more I'm aware, the better I do, And I do like knowing it's not just me.

Hi Dejibo --

I have been constipated for years! It's the worst. I started taking 2 Magnesium Citrate pills a day and probiotics. Both helped tremendously...I actually started going to the bathroom every day (well almost every day). I was surprised at the difference. For awhile I did probiotics alone but then I had to add magnesium. The only problem is that only one brand of probiotics works for me and it is expensive. But it is so worth it!!! It is called "MegaFlora" made by a company called MegaFood. It has 14 strains of the good bacteria plus 20 Billion per capsule. I take 2 a day.

Here is a link http://www.megafood.com/products/dai.../megaflora.php

And I use a small bench in front of the toilet to put my feet up on as well. That posture/angle helps. Another thing you can try is massaging an acupuncture point called Large Intestine #4 (called LI4) while you are trying to go. It is between the thumb and first finger--sort of in the web area close to your thumb. If you do press on it/massage while you are trying to have a BM sometimes it helps create peristalsis so things begin to move. Here is a link showing where the point is.

http://www.irufa.com/eng/magnetic/Acupuncture/LI4.jpg

Hope this helps!
Natalie

I'm excited to report that I've had a regular BM 3 days in a row!!!

I want to send my PCP a thank you card cuz this is a record!

benefiber + colace + lactulose = Woo-Hoo!!!

What strength Magnesium do you take Natalie? I take 500mg tablets for cramp, but I still have constipated stools. Do I need to increase the dose?

I have almost constant constipation and I can't not feel when I need to go. Not until it is making it's way out. On occassion I will get diareah (sp) and can't feel that coming on either. So during those times I stay very close to bathrooma and wear depends.

Between the two, I much prefer the constipation. It is a nuisance to have to help it out, but I've learned to do that in such a way to not be a mess. I go through a lot of wet wipes.

It's just part of the ms for me. I don't worry about it. My life is just "different" now in a lot of ways. And this is one of them.

Thank you for the thread.

I have quit being embarassed or ashamed of having to help the poopies out! I'm not saying you are, but I use to be. I have to do this on a daily bases. It is easier to help it out and not have to be in such discomfort.

The way I do it is double up a wet wipes and wrap in around my longest fnger. Then it is easier to help guide it out. It's not messy at all. And the moistness of the towelette does the trick.

I am glad for this thread because other people reading this who are just learning they have ms, or who are just now have this problem, it is good for them to know others are going through it.

Thanks again for the thread!

Oh Friend.... I understand exactly what you're saying! I get that feeling too ..... or should I say I don't get the feeling either?

I'm so pleased that some-one has opened up this subject for discussion. Let's face it....... it's not the sort of thing you put on the agenda for discussion at a dinner party, is it?