At what point in the medication process does the med leave the digestive system and begin its medical function? In thinking about John's 5 day no go problem, does the medicine just pile up on top of the fecal matter that is not moving through the system, thereby providing less and less benefit to the patient? I recently went for five days myself with increasing pain, my belly as taut as a soccer ball and less and less energy. I finally took 1/2 of an outdated Fleet pill in the morning and another half later in the day. The next morning it took 20 minutes to expel the mass. Sorry to be so graphic, but there appeared to be a correlation between my inability to pass feces and my ability to get the benefit of C/L. I was still riding my bike 20 miles per day so exercise didn't seem to make a difference. Any interpretations?

Nan, graphic is good. We need to understand as well as possible. I've been there, but never for 5 days. If I get really uncomfortable for more than a day or so, I take stool softeners and/or insert a suppository and really step up diet & exercise (stretching, walking, posture), drink liquids & some coffee, avoid sitting, cheese, milk, etc. You're right: exercise alone doesn't cut it; it's the total package. But sometimes no matter what...

This doesn't say exactly where meds are absorbed but does have some relevant information , and info on supplements and Vitamins relating to PD.
https://books.google.com/books?id=lV...sorbed&f=false


My dad takes Miralax/generic daily...

Levodopa is not absorbed from the stomach, but the stomach plays an important role in controlling how levodopa reaches its absorptive sites in the small bowel. Some medicines, including dopamine agonists and anticholinergics, can also delay gastric emptying, as can severe stomach acidity, although over-treatment of this problem can also prevent dissolution of levodopa tablets, leading to incomplete absorption.

Moreover, gastric emptying can be delayed by Parkinson’s itself or by constipation caused by the colon-gastric reflex. Levodopa tablets may remain in the stomach for a long time, leading to delayed absorption in the small intestine and a delayed response to the treatment.

An enzyme called dopa-decarboxylase that is present in the stomach lining can convert levodopa trapped in the stomach into dopamine, making it unavailable to the central nervous system. Furthermore, dopamine formed in the stomach may stimulate gastric dopamine receptors, leading to stomach relaxation and reduced gastric motility, and this can worsen the problem.

Liquid levodopa may improve motor fluctuations by ensuring better absorption. Levodopa methyl ester and dispersible formulations are absorbed more quickly than standard preparations, especially when taken after meals. Subcutaneous infusion of the dopamine agonist apomorphine is effective in controlling motor fluctuations by bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.

People with Parkinson’s should try to eat small meals and take medicines when fasting. Dopaminergic D2 receptor antagonists, such as domperidone, improve gastric emptying in Parkinson’s. Similar effects can be induced by the 5-HT4 receptor agonists mosapride, presumably by increasing local release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

http://www.epda.eu.com/en/parkinsons...owel-problems/

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...on#post1112931

I had horrible constipation - and I do mean scary - for years in part from many years of many meds. Best solution for me was daily servings of aloe vera mixed with fruit juice and chia seeds. I use a piece of fresh aloe vera about the size of my forearm, a mango, and the seeds. Cured me of constipation problems and aloe vera has many nutritional benefits besides.

I also tried aloe vera which worked great. The past few months I have taken Thiamine regularly and no longer have any problems!