NeuroTalk Support Groups - Constipation as a symptom of MS??

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- - Constipation as a symptom of MS?? (https://www.neurotalk.org/multiple-sclerosis/95212-constipation-symptom-ms.html)

Well I gonna chime right in., I just saw this thread. Dejibo, your problem is also my problem , I have no push and I can't tell when I need to go anymore. I usually go everyday (varying amounts and consistancy), but not without manual assist. ( I was a GI nurse, and I can't tell u how many patients I have manually disimpacted--never thought I'd be doing it to myself). Yes the tummy massage works well,good for moving trapped gas too.

I have gotten into the habit for the past few years of pacing for about 1 1/2 hours each morning after my coffee, to see if I feel anything shaking. ( I would die if anyone saw my morning routine). I pace with my cane, and I don't think I could go now without doing that. If I just sit with my coffee (like pre MS day) I feel no urge. I live alone, so no one sees my mad behavior of pacing from room to room.

I lived on Donnagel-PG pre MS for my IBS diarrhea. Never thought I would have to put up with constipation, but then who knew I was gonna get MS. Personally, I would take diarrhea over constipation anyday. I just take stool softeners, and eat very high fiber diet with lots of fruits, and pace. Whatever it takes !! But it might be one of the most frustrating problems of MS, and like the thread says, under reported and undertreated.

Thanks for starting this thread, I don't feel so alone now. Has any one tried plum smart juice? Prune juice works for me , but I can't stand the cramps and gas!! I bought a bottle of plum smart, but haven't had the nerve to try it yet.

For me, plum juice didn't do the trick. I don't care for prune juice or prunes; I quarter prunes and swallow them with water. Additional water which is a must with constipation and as you mentioned a high fiber diet is needed too.

I don't remember if I mentioned this or not in my previous posts, but I now eat one Fiber One (a type yogurt that contains 40% of your daily needed fiber) in the morning with a large glass of water followed by a glass of orange juice.

Years ago, an older, experienced family doctor (who has since retired) told me to drink orange juice every morning for he said it would help with bladder infections. I have yet to have one and have had/have every bladder problem there is. I cannot take any of the bladder medications for they make my constipation unmanageable.

I have tried the plum juice, and it did not work for me.

This thread has lifted my shame, and helped me to see I am not alone. I would have never dared tell anyone what happens when I close that door. My husband asked once "why do you buy so much Prep H?" he wanted to know if my hemmorhoids were bad enough that maybe I should ask for help. I explained that "its a lady thing, and trust me, you dont want to know." he blushed and hasnt asked again. I just thought I was weird, and or some sort of rarity that i have to rescue myself from my own poop. I would just die if my friends could see me now. most people are horribly grossed out if a peice of poop touches them, and here I am in search of it. As a nurse/medic I got used to gross things a long time ago.

It truly is a very under reported sx of MS. I was shocked when the study girl pointed out that constipation lasting for more than 24 hours can be considered a relapse sx. I would have never drawn that line.

btw, I rarely if ever allow steroids. I save it for visual stuff or Optic Neuritis. most flares if mild will go away on their own, and I dont see the need to punish my poor body with IV steroids any more frequently than I have to.

I just owe each of you a great big hug. :hug: I have gone from being embarrassed and hiding my issue to being able to discuss it, and seeing that I am really not so rare. Thanks!

Sorry I didn't back sooner, On the magnesium, I take Spring Valley magnesuim with Chelated Zinc, 400 mg magnesium and 15 mg of zinc. I love reading this thread, I have so many of the same problems.

pear juice with milk or yogurt

these are tricks that I find help for me...maybe you could try them out too. At night, before I go to bed (i drink pear juice and add some milk) - I enjoy it very cold so I add ice to the mixer and I drink it, I find the morning after it helps me. Unfortunately, you have to work on it, sit for a little while and concentrate. I know it is annoying, but unfortuntely, we have no choice.

I also find that yogurt helps me too.

please let me know how it works out for you guys.... :)