I have been doing the tummy massage two or three times daily, and am happy to report that it appears to be helping. I do clockwise, then counter clockwise, then clock wise. I am trying to rub deep and firm. I have been happy that I went several times in the last few days, and while some had to be rescued, it was considered a huge improvement for me. Thanks!

I can't believe there are 60 posts on this thread:).

i know! its been a wild ride. I expected it to be a one or two day post that a handful would come say they were constipated, and the majority would come say they are not.

I have found loads of love and support on this poopy thread.

Thanks! :hug:

Wow, look at the statistics at the top. Roughly 75% have problems with constipation outside of exacerbations!!!!!!!!!!! It seems to be the untalked about MS symptom. Has anyone had a doctor ask you if you were constipated?? Although maybe it's caused by some drugs?

This is important s*&#.:cool:

This got many more hits than lack of sex thread!!!!!

The only reason I brought it up, was a lil college girl was doing a study on MS symptoms and testing MS patients to see how quickly they could spot a relapse, and how severe they thought each relapse symptom was. One scenario that she presented was a 24 year old woman, who was experiencing constipation for the last 2 days, and a tingle in her right foot that had not stopped for a full day. I said it was a relapse because of the foot tingle. She said "what about the constipation?" I was kinda stunned. I said "I didnt know constipation was a sx of a flare of MS." she went on to explain that constipation is a frequently overlooked symptom of MS. I was stunned.

I went on to explain my own sx to her of the not feeling like I could push stuff out. she said AHA! that is a strong sx of MS. I have had MDs ask about constipation, but not one ever explained it to me that it could be a sx of MS or a sign of a relapse. I guess I had become so used to my constipated life style, that I never tied the two together, and would have never considered it a sign that would be worthy of a call to the MD for a possible relapse sx.

Its clear after this poll that many of us suffer in silence with the same symptoms. I am thrilled that I have found I dont sit and wait alone. I expected others would say they are only constipated by meds, or rarely. I was shocked when the numbers started racking up that so many have the same "cant push it out" as a sx. I truly never ever thought someone else would admit to "rescue" of stuck poopies. You have all made me feel so much more normal and better about myself.

Thanks for that! :hug:

btw, the ab massage seems to be helping! give it a try.

Dej - I am glad to hear that the ab massages are working for you. While I am not having this symptom right now, I will keep it in mind for when it hits again. Thanks for reporting back on that. Did you find out how to do it via the web? I never went back to check those articles I was reading and trying to interpret. LOL

I did not find out how to do it on the web, but have just sort of taken it upon myself to push, rub, and deeply massage my tummy. I go clockwise, and counterclockwise, and up, and down, and round and round. I find that I must do this everyday in order to have any relief, and the relief isnt as dramatic as taking a laxative, or a stool softener, but its helping.

I have made more of an effort to do things that get my tummy girdle moving. twists, stretches, and yoga stuff. I have also been trying some belly dancing moves. I am clunky and slow at it, but I think getting my tummy muscles moving is helping.

I have been full of anxiety and stress lately, so I am hoping these measures have also helped to reduce some of that anxiety.

Has anyone else tried rubbing their tummy? I push kinda deeply on mine.

Dejibo & others with constipation...