Digestive issues?

[esalcido]

What about digestive issues? Especially constipation. How does everyone do on that??? Ever since I started getting all my bladder issues, I've noticed worse "constipation". I wonder if they're related....hmm

[tnolan2006]

It' s not easy. Incontinence drugs like toleradine along with nerve damage and less mobility slow the gut down, things get backed up until the dam bursts.

Get as much exercise and movement as you're able.

Get enough water and fiber (psyllium for example) to keep things solid. Miralax can soften things up, too much sometimes. Glycerine suppositories and enemas are useful for emptying the colon.

[Fancy1959]

Esalido it's Fancy1959 welcoming you to this awesome chat room! We are glad you were here. I have basically been constipated for as long as I can remember. Even in junior high I would have horrible boughts of it. My mother was the same way. Well that all ended last November. I went up to the Cleveland Clinic for liver reduction surgery. They started me on Benefiber. You take 2 teaspoons in the beverage of your choice water, coffee, milk, soda, you name it, 3 times per day. The fiber is tasteless and has no sugar in it. After suffering from constipation for over 50 years I finally had a cure. I have been more regular and I go with more ease over the past year than I have my whole life. I also buy the generic Benefiber from local retailers such as your local food warehouse like Kroger's or your box warehouses stores like Walmart, etc. Their generic brands work just as well. You can buy a smaller bottle that is about a 2 week supply generic brand for about $8.50 or so. Buy it. Try it for 2 weeks for $8.50. Stop the harsh overnight laxatives. They really strip your intestines of good and bad bacteria. Go more natural and use fiber. What do you have to lose except a lifetime of constipation!

[esalcido]

Thank you for your suggestions! I'm currently experiencing some incontinence but I'm not taking anything for it...I'm just dealing with it...as many other things(you know what I mean) because I'm just scared it will worsen my constipation. I will definitely give "Benefiber" a chance and keep you posted! Thanks again!!!😘

[Fancy1959 in reply to esalcido]

Yes, esalcido, please keep me posted if you give the Benefiber a chance. It really would be worth your while with your constipation. I too suffer from incontinence from time to time and the Benefiber has not done anything to worse than that. It's actually helped in some respects. Please keep me posted again of your results from trying out the Benefiber. Fancy1959

[Good_enough]

Are you drinking less water so you don't have to urinate as much. Because drinking less water effects bowel movements .

I drink less water so I won't lose my bladder control , which is the wrong thing to do. Sometimes I have trouble with my bowel moving.

[esalcido]

You got that right! I think I do it unconsciously. I think I drink enough but probably not since I get so bothered by having to pee EVERTYWHERE I go. That's could be part of it!!!😬

[SueAB]

I have found that the yogurt advertisements touting probiotics are no joke. I eat at least a container of yogurt faithfully every day and it has eliminated my constipation.

[Karen-x]

I started using Metamusal awhile ago. I am much better most of the time. I hate the taste though so maybe I'll give benefiber a try!

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador]

I've only had the bowel issues, but I can sure tell you, if there was one symptom I could get rid of it would be the bowel problems. I've had some success at regular BM's by mixing 1 1/2 teaspoons of generic Metamucil mixed with hot apple cider mix in the am and 3 stool softeners at night. I drink lots of water and flavored water. Post cereals also makes a plain spoon size shredded wheat with added bran. Tastes bland, I sweeten it with honey. Lots of fiber in it, eat lots of fiber in fruits and veggies. I also drink Jacult probiotics every morning. It all seems to help. Be patient and find what is right for you. Best to you. Lynn

[erash]

Combined Fiber one cereal, applesauce and raisins works well. Also consider Miralax. Generic cheaper. TMI but glycerin suppository to stimulate a BM.

[StacyHayward]

I've got the opposite issue. Diarrhea and stomach pain plus weight loss recently. Discovered I seem to be highly intolerant to dairy suddenly too. In two years I've done an ultrasound and a CT scan and spent a night in the hospital. No answers. Did a colonoscopy this weekend and so far it looks great too. Guess that is good news but answers would be nice too.

[esalcido in reply to StacyHayward]

Sorry they haven't found an answer for you Stacey. I would say that is one of the most annoying issues with MS. I hope thigs get better for you. Keep your head up....we can handle this!

[Eleyne92]

I've learned that insufficient water intake is largely responsible for my occasional constipation. I have a daily target of 100oz water each day, as well as a fiber supplement and lots of veggies. if I stick to the plan, I have few problems. Weekends and days when I have appointments tend to become problematic because public restrooms and I have real issues. > And while I hate getting up in the middle of the night, that's at least an indication I'm getting my fluids.

[Morllyn]

I had constipation for 10 to 15 years and it was chalked up to meds by me and my doctor. After trying a few meds for fatigue he put me on Provigil and it really has helped. Funny thing is, from day one on this medicine constipation is no longer an issue. My doctor said that he never heard of it having that effect but we are both glad it has. I have been on it for around 2 and a half years now.

[esalcido]

There is no doubt that everyone reacts differently to everything...especially medications. Thank you all for sharing your experiences!.....keep doing it

[bavery207]

The MS center I go to gave me the recipe as follows:

1c. bran flakes

1c. applesauce( I use unsweetened)

1c. prune juice

Take 2-4 T. per day

I have not found this really effective, and am thinking about increasing the dose to twice a day. They say that for some it has worked well!

[Auntiesusie]

My husband started taking magnesium tablets for his digestive problems (excessive burping, constipation, indigestion) and it helped him tremendously. It's easy to find and not expensive.