I am asking this question because as far as I am aware or remember (brain fog š¶āš«ļøI havenāt seen any posts related to constipation connected with fibromyalgia. I had my last appointment with my physio today and we were talking about different things and somehow it got around to this issue. She had personal experience with a family member and mentioned that she had heard many times that constipation was related to fibromyalgia. I had never heard of this but as I have, I was going to use the word suffered with this for too many years that I care to remember. I was obviously very intrigued about what she had said. It has been just 1 of the many many conditions that I have, as all of us here share that I just want to know if it is a real problem connected with fibromyalgia that as with so manyāpersonal health issuesā that arenāt discussed in general and maybe it should be. Iāve been a bit brave here asking this question, I say a bit because obviously we donāt see each other face to face but itās still a very personal question. I hope I hear from some of you and am very grateful for any replies. Thank you in advance.
I need to know how many people with F... - Fibromyalgia Acti...
I need to know how many people with Fibromyalgia suffer with constipation?
I'm glad you asked! The truth is, yes, constipation can be linked to fibromyalgia, though itās not something people talk about much. Fibromyalgia affects the nervous system, and that can slow down many functions in the body, including the bowels.For instance, many people with fibromyalgia also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can cause constipation, diarrhoea, or both. Plus, the medications we take for pain, like painkillers or muscle relaxants, can sometimes make constipation worse. And letās not forget the stress of living with fibromyalgia, which can also impact digestion.
What can you do about it? Here are some simple ideas:
Eat more fibre: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains ā they all help a lot.
Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is key.
Get moving a bit: Even walking or doing some stretches can help things āmove alongā better.
Try probiotics: They can sometimes improve digestion, but check with your doctor first.
Review your medications: If you think something youāre taking is making it worse, speak to your doctor.
This isnāt a topic that gets much attention, but youāre not alone in dealing with it. Itās just one of those things that come with fibromyalgia, and itās worth finding ways to manage it so you can feel better. I hope this helps! š
hi, yes this is true, I suffer IBS-D so I am the opposite, I have had this for years, medication can also affect you being constipated, and D, we use to have a lot of conversations about this on Hu, but some people can get embarrassed, you are not alone.
Good questionYes you are right. Fibro is a complex collection of symptoms. Restricted mobility affects how the bowel works and there are often other conditions that co-exist.
Increased fibre and probiotics might help.
I have autoimmune problems along with fibro and have food sensitivity. There are also different types of fibre.
Keeping a food diary and noting what helps can be tedious but may give answers.
Talk to your medical team if you want to add additional fibre like inulin. Don't overuse or rely on laxative over counter meds.
Some foods may also have laxative properties like apricots.
Stress greatly affects the gut so worth looking into that.
Gut health is a whole body thing.
Thank you for asking the question
Take care
Gigi
They tend to say there is a link to IBS which itself has symptoms of constipation / diarrhoea / stomach pains etc. All which I get with fibro.
I've tried micro biotic and similar and found in more likely to have stomach pains, and diarrhoea with it unfortunately. I have some food intolerances it th it's linked with childhood milk intolerance etc. But I agree the research show guy health has a whole body impact.
Great question! Yep it's silly it's a conversation we feel awkward to talk about as we all have to š© hey! I also suffer from constipation despite being a vegetarian who isn't on any medication and can only drink water due to my bladder issues so it's always been a mystery that it causes me so much gip! The mad thing is being constipated affects me physically and mentally and it's such a relief when I finally manage to go. I actually feel jealousy when my hubby goes to the loo like clockwork every blooming morning! š¤. As always, it's a little reassuring to hear it's probably not my fault and due to my fibromyalgia. Here's to the next bowel movement my fibro friends!! šš
Yes, definitely! I was diagnosed with IBS-C decades ago. Over the years it has got worse and worse. I eat mountains of fruit & veg, prunes, apricots, soaked chia seeds, flaxseed, nuts, pulses etc.... so it can't be a lack of fibre in my diet. I also drink plenty of fluids, my work is physically active and I do yoga/pilates most mornings. My doctor has run out of ideas.....I have been advised to take several sachets of Laxido, 2-4 docusate plus 2 senna tablets every day. I hate taking all this. If this fails my doctor has prescribed a "last resort" pill they give for severe chronic constipation which I'm not prepared to take! My question to my doctor is "what happens in the future when my body gets used to all these pills????" He has now referred me to the Bladder & Bowel Team to "see if they have any suggestions....". I'm also waiting (4 months so far) for a referral to the local NHS Dieticians to probably try me on the FODMAPS diet to see if its something I'm eating that's triggering it (I've drawn a blank on my own so far).
My IBS can be dreadful- bloating and a lot of tummy pain and swollen, hard lower abdomen. I also get pain in my chest just below the ribcage accompanied by nausea and sometimes being sick. I wish I could find the answer. My Mum was the same - Fibro and IBS-C. I've had my gall bladder removed plus 2 ERCP procedures to remove gall stones. I had an Endoscopy earlier this year as my Doctor thought I might have an ulcer. How I long to have a digestive system that works!!!
yep - but really hard to tell if linked to Fibro or the very many different drugs. Recently had a colonoscopy which revealed that I now have diverticulitis probably caused but it.
I get constipated regularly, usually a day or so after a day where I am unable to drink fluids as much as I can at home. I find I need a good amount of fluids as well as a lot of veggies to keep me going regularly. Fibre is my friend here. I'm old, (76), and slowing down with age, and my gut is slowing as well.
I have recently transferred to a Mediterranean style diet, next to no bread, cakes or sweets., no alcohol, and more fibrous veggies. It's working so far!
I had an episode last Thursday, but it was due to a very long stint at hospital for eye problems, resulting in me not being able to drink as much as usual. Back to 'normal' now.
Cheers, Midori
Hi there, while I wouldn't disagree there may be a link to fibromyalgia. I also believe there are other related reasons for constipation.
Saying that my thoughts are we with fibro may suffer more than most with constipation due other reasons for example. Not drinking enough fluids, Not exercising enough, Stress, and Medications.
Many of us with fibro can not exercise or walk very far. Many may spend most of the day sitting down or in bed all day. Many are on a cocktail of drugs for pain, anxiety etc . All of which must have a major impact on both the gut and the bowel IMO.
This is just a personal opion and how it's effected me after 40yrs of dealing with fibro and stress.
Have a good day everyone. Wrap up and stay warm xx
Momo
How many people in your family have Fibro
Help! Trying to be a parent with fibromyalgia and ME?
to all who suffer with fibromyalgia
How do people exercise? I struggle to walk a few yards!
