How are you dealing with fatique and constipation in PD?

Posted by Starbright @gulfer, Jul 16, 2017

My mom told me today she is having extreme fatigue today. She was ok yesterday. She is also experiencing constipation problem. I will suggest her probiotic vitamins or supplements besides leafy veggies or salad. Do you think that might be a good idea to get probiotics or not? Also what would you recommend her for extreme fatique? What might cause that? She is wondering if that fatigue and constipation is a side effect of pexola? We really need your suggestions pleas.
Thank you!-Gulfer

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 16, 2017

@gulfer Fatigue and constipation are certain part of the PD symptoms. Keeping hydrated is important - so drinking lots of water is a good thing. Also some stool softeners can be a good idea. MiraLax can be used daily, if needed, for help with constipation. Here is a document from the National Parkinson's Foundation that gives some good ideas for dealing with constipation, http://www.parkinson.org/sites/default/files/Constipation%20in%20Parkinson%27s%20Disease.pdf.

Fatigue is a chronic problem for us all. I limit exercise and activities - because being overtired can create heavy fatigue that will last for several days. I still do mild exercise - but I try not to keep up with the same level of activity that I did pre-Parkinson's. Here is another article that you might find helpful, http://www.parkinson.org/sites/default/files/fatigue-and-parkinsons.pdf.

You are asking great questions!

Do any of our other members have any suggestions regarding fatigue or constipation? @chrisj2491 @denie57 @johnjames @trouble4343 @ggopher @tntredhead @aperob @caryp43 @burgle @macbeth @knightkris @mariemarie @pjsammy @techi @sandycerem @bobbieingeorgia

Teresa

ggopher | @ggopher | Jul 16, 2017

In reply to @hopeful33250 "@gulfer Fatigue and constipation are certain part of the PD symptoms. Keeping hydrated is important -..." + (show)

I've cut back a little on frequency of use of Miralax by adding probiotics. Dehydration has been an issue for years and I hope someone else can help with that. Having a problem last few weeks with fast shallow breathing leading to fatigue when physically

or mentally stressed. Have appointments next couple weeks and I'll let y'all know what develops. Good articles.

Steve

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 16, 2017

In reply to @hopeful33250 "@gulfer Fatigue and constipation are certain part of the PD symptoms. Keeping hydrated is important -..." + (show)

@ggopher Hi Steve: Glad to hear that the probiotics have helped. Yes, let us know if you find out any additional information at your appointments. Teresa

TNTRedhead | @tntredhead | Jul 16, 2017

In reply to @hopeful33250 "@gulfer Fatigue and constipation are certain part of the PD symptoms. Keeping hydrated is important -..." + (show)

@hopeful33250 I am going to back away from this group. I wish everyone the very best of medical care and finding solutions to this terrible disease. However, I find that it is not good for my mental health to keep reading the posts and going back to trying to figure out what I could have done better for my Tom. I will keep each of you in my prayers and pray for positive results. You are all important to me but I need to take care of me right now.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 16, 2017

In reply to @hopeful33250 "@gulfer Fatigue and constipation are certain part of the PD symptoms. Keeping hydrated is important -..." + (show)

Trish, I completely understand. To no longer receive messages from the Parkinson's group, simply click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the next email you receive.

Here is more information about Update Your Notification Settings: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tip-how-to-update-your-notification-settings/

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 16, 2017

In reply to @hopeful33250 "@gulfer Fatigue and constipation are certain part of the PD symptoms. Keeping hydrated is important -..." + (show)

@tntredhead Trish: I will also remove you from my Parkinson's email group. Teresa

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 16, 2017

In reply to @hopeful33250 "@gulfer Fatigue and constipation are certain part of the PD symptoms. Keeping hydrated is important -..." + (show)

@tntredhead I understand Trish. Your love and devotion to Tom was wonderful. Parkinson's isn't curable - which is most unfortunate. You were undoubtedly a great help to him in his struggle. Wishing you well as you move forward. Teresa

mojo1965 | @mojo1965 | Jul 17, 2017

In reply to @hopeful33250 "@gulfer Fatigue and constipation are certain part of the PD symptoms. Keeping hydrated is important -..." + (show)

Thanks for this info on constipation. We are facing challenges in this area. My dad can only have water by spoon due to choking hazard and minced food. So there is no way to get 8 glasses of water in...he's not awake long enough in day. He can't take pills unless they are crushed.
He's getting every bit of fibre possible with pureed veggies, prunes, oatmeal etc. But it's not enough. Do you know if Senokot can be crushed or is it time release and needs to be intact?
He is currently getting Lansoyl but I don't know the long term issues. Thanks!

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 17, 2017

In reply to @hopeful33250 "@gulfer Fatigue and constipation are certain part of the PD symptoms. Keeping hydrated is important -..." + (show)

Hello @mojo1965 I am glad that you asked this question. I'm not a medical professional so I don't have an answer to your question about weather Senokot can be crushed or not. You should probably call your dad's doctor to answer this question. I had not heard of Lansoyl before but I did a google-search and found it an interesting over-the-counter remedy. It is not recommended for long term use, however. How long ago was your father diagnosed with Parkinson's?

Teresa

mojo1965 | @mojo1965 | Jul 17, 2017

In reply to @hopeful33250 "@gulfer Fatigue and constipation are certain part of the PD symptoms. Keeping hydrated is important -..." + (show)

Hi Teresa,
My dad was diagnosed 6 years ago at 75. PD and dementia. I believe he is at endstage but of what? Its so hard to tell because end stage of both diseases seem to become so interwoven. ..no one can tell how long he will be in this situation. The family doctor has told us not to worry about dependency at this point...but I want to make sure nothing will actually hurt him or cause eventual pain. I feel like doctors see people in the last stage of life so often, it's all routine to them. But not to us. Everything I ask is answered with "this can be normal at this point" of course I understand this but I'm trying to prevent any possibility of suffering down the road. Hence the laxative questions. ..its fine if he's dependent but can something worse happen? Thank you for your answer and I will for sure ask the doctor next time he comes. The articles you posted were excellent, thank you.
I wish someone could estimate how long end stage is...he sleeps 22 hrs a day but has a decent appetite. Thanks to my mom who entices him with 10 different mini minced things every day.
Thanks monika