Does MS cause the opposite of constipation?
 

Okay, I was constipated for 6 months, trying various fiber supplements, diet, etc. I just figured it was MS.

Then, on the way home from Hawaii, the opposite began, and I've been having that problem for over a week now.

Question: Does MS also cause diarrhea? Like this long?

Is it diarrhea or just loose stools? There's a big difference. I get the latter problem quite often.

MS can do one or both sometimes in the same day! its versitile, yes?

Its so hard to find a nice balance. You could have picked up a tummy bug, or maybe its just from stress. I find stress can trigger me into the other direction.

Diarrhea for over a week might be worth a call to the doc, wouldn't you say? From what I've read, MS can disrupt bowel function in many ways, but if you just returned from a trip, and it's not your "normal", it could be many other things. Hope it resolves quickly!!

Never ignore digestive system symptoms, as they may be totally unrelated to MS and a sign it is time for a visit with your doctor.

I have extremes of both, but more commonly I'm bound up and have to increase my fibre/magnesium and drink a LOT of water to compensate for this. I know this is due to my medications (drying side effect), but the other end of the spectrum is totally stress/nervous reaction in the gut and bowel for me.

I agree with what some of the others have said. While it may be MS, it is worth checking with your dr. You may have come down with a stomach bug or something or it could be stress.

I have neurogenic bowel and bladder issues related to MS. While I opted not to do the medication route as I am not bad enough, bowel issues are not fun. I can fluctuate some but rarely have diarrhea, I just get a little "loose." And, under stress, I am always loose.

I hope things are getting better for you.:hug:

Same here, Trish.:(

MS can cause either...
 

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/abo...ion/index.aspx

Click on the above and it talks about MS causing either; constipation or diarrhea. I've read too that a bowel obstruction can eventually cause diarrhea.

Take care.