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Bad constipation with Parkinson’s
Hi everyone. Been awhile since I’ve been involved. My Parkinson’s has been doing pretty well for 2/3 of a year now with the exception of REALLY, REALLY bad constipation!!! I have been drinking a lot of water(60 oz a day), walking 5 days a week(3-4 miles each day), and trying to eat high fiber foods. Nothing seems to work much. I have taken Magnesium Citrate on a couple of occasions and tried an enema on a number of occasions too. These work for a short time, but then it is the same old, same old thing. I’ve tried Ducolax and a number of other stimulant laxatives. Same result. Not much. Last week I took the Magnesium Citrate again and this time when I drank it I had a horrible burning feeling in my upper GI tract. Had to go to ER. Did CT scan and could find nothing. Saw a GI doctor at the Mayo a few months ago and he had me do some tests and determined that I most likely have Bowl Evacuation Disorder. He ordered evaluation to see if I am a candidate for therapy. I haven’t scheduled that yet. I plan on calling his office tomorrow and request to see him again. I just feel so awful. Constipated most of the time, nausea, bloated, especially in am, and cramping. I wake up every morning feeling very bloated with considerable cramping. This is NOT normal!!! So that is my sob story. Am I going crazy? I am sincerely starting to think so. Has anyone had or have a similar experience? Your input would be greatly appreciated.
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@hopeful33250
I will try to remember to reply when I get any info, was told by Gastro doc today to call after first of the month to see about an appointment.
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2 Reactions@kshansen
It is so important to get a GI evaluation with colonoscopy to rule out "scary" causes of the symptoms you describe. I had both upper and lower GI evals done and input for long-term management of my slow gut from my gastroenterologist. It is also so important to be your own advocate - read, take advantage of online seminars, etc. and be well informed. Keeping a journal with symptoms, diet, etc. also helps your physician to try and make sense of your symptoms. If you have a component of autonomic nervous system dysfunction - there are other non-GI symptoms that will be present too (loss of sense of smell, urinary urgency, orthostatic hypotension, etc.) Good luck and hang in there while your workup is in process - it takes time.
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3 ReactionsI have found success with 6 oz of prune juice and a tsp of butter warmed in the microwave until butter melts. It works within 1-2 hours. I pinch my nose to drink it 😂 but it works like a charm.
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3 ReactionsWell I'm embarrassed! Yesterday's webinar was quite disappointing. In addition to the tech difficulty, my only take away was go see another dr and I missed one more early warning sign.
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1 Reaction@goatgirl28
No need to feel embarrassed! I had an appointment and was only able to join the webinar for the last 15 minutes, but I found the presenters informative. If you only come away with one helpful nugget of information, it is a good investment of time.
If a recording of the entire webinar is made available on their website, I will post it in this discussion group.
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1 ReactionHello @kshansen
I see that last month you were going to contact the GI doctor about an appointment. Has an appointment become available yet? I see that you recently posted about abdominal cramping. I hope that you bring this up at your appointment.
Have you tried any remedies for your GI discomfort?
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1 ReactionI don't know right of the top of my head but sure wife said I had an appointment with a GI doctor later this month. I will for sure try to make that one of the main things I mention, the GI discomfort that it worst in the morning hours.
Probably should write down when and what things are bothering me, trying to remember thing off the top of my head is a common problem these days!
Sometimes the discomfort seems a little less if I take some baking soda and water. Thing is what seems to help one time can have a negative result the next time. Like if I feel constipated and eat two or three prunes the next day I might have very loose stool a few times. Would like to have the GI doctor comment on that, is it working right or causing a problem?
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1 Reaction@kshansen
Writing down a list of problems and questions is a great idea! Here is a link to a Mayo Clinic Connect discussion on the topic of Keys to a Successful Doctor's Appointment:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/keys-to-a-successful-doctors-appointment/
Perhaps you and your wife can read this article together and come up with a plan on using this appointment time effectively.
Will you post again with any questions?