Gut and brain connection

[lilylab]

I have had gut issues for a number of years. The medical people have come up with a DX IBS-C many times. In the past I have treated my problem with bentyl(drug to relax intestines) and metamucil. Neither seems to help anymore. I currently get a brain fog and pressure in my brain. It is difficult to function mentally and I feel terrible. I also have issues with high BP. I am on BP meds but it continues to be high. Recently I had very high BP and also felt stomach discomfort. I took an enema and my BP went down and felt much better. Cloudy brain gone. I feel as if I lack normal impulses for a BM. I can't understand what is going on nor what I can do to treat it. I take vitamin D and calcium supplements. I do suffer from a compression fracture at L-5. I have read recently of a condition called Cauda Equina syndrome that can affect the nerves controlling urination and bowel movements. Anyone familiar with this?

[Meleber]

No, sorry. Have you been seeing a neurologist for your symptoms? I was diagnosed (working diagnosis )with chronic functional bowel problems, (slow transit?) constipation and overflow diarrhea in 2019. But early April this year a neurologist came up with a working diagnosis dysautonomia. I'll have further examinations in a fourth night. I'm aware of the fact that even this neurologic disorder could also be a symptom of an underlying disease/disorder/malfunction of my body that hasn't been found / recognised yet by the medical professionals. Maybe you can ask your GP for a referral to a neurologist.

[Meleber in reply to Meleber]

At the moment I think (my working diagnosis 😉 ) the underlying physical cause of my chronic bowel problems could be a CF related disorder, a mild form of cystic fibrosis leading to recurrent incomplete (partial) DIOS (distal intestinal obstruction syndrome) with faecal mass in right lower intestines, distension and some pain. I want to discuss this with the consultant after I have had the tilt table test next week. The test is for the dysautonomia symptoms I have.

[Plumt]

Have you looked at pelvic floor dysfunction? This tends to tighten your whole pelvic floor, making it unable to relax and have normal bowel movements. I have exactly the same symptoms as you, with bp tablets not controlling and bp spikes. It has been put down to tight pelvic floor and nerves not controlling the bowel transit muscles

Good luck

[Lozzo68 in reply to Plumt]

Hi, I have this also. Have you been recommended any treatment for it. The only thing I’ve heard about is bio feedback but struggling to fine anyone near me that does it.

[Plumt in reply to Lozzo68]

fascrs.org/patients/disease...

plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/do...

nafc.org/bhealth-blog/how-t...

Where are you?

I have seen a number of different chyro and osteopaths and will ask if they recommend anyone in your area but you should be able to search on Google etc.

I discussed biofeedback with my gastro guy and he said that it only had limited success and that I would be better going down the exercise route.

Lots of people suffer from a weak pelvic floor, my and apparently your problem is it being too tight and unable to relax. Some of the exercises detailed above will help or look at a guy uptown Mike on you tube

Good luck, do not hesitate to search on Google and try different suggested stretches but it is a long path.

[Fergie53 in reply to Lozzo68]

Interesting re BP, I’m supposed to take BP pills but I’m not atm as don’t like side effects, I am due to start medication again but I also have the brain fog an IBS bloating etc, just doesn’t seem to be an answer!

[Mutleyforever]

Hi, sounds awful and wondered if a magnesium supplement could help, have you tried?

[edwangy]

Calcium can constipate you