1. < Parkinson's Disease

Constipation and Parkinson’s.

Posted by susan62 @susan62, Aug 25, 2019

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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Parkinson's Disease Support Group.

januaryjane | @januaryjane | Dec 27, 2019
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @susan62 and @oronogo I have found that warm foods/liquids work much better for constipation than..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

Hello @susan62 and @oronogo

I have found that warm foods/liquids work much better for constipation than cold foods or beverages. When I take Miralax I mix it in coffee or cocoa. I also purchased pureed prunes (baby food containers) and warm them before having them at bedtime. It takes a lot of different treatments to keep constipation at-bay when you have Parkinson's. Hope some of these ideas help.

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How do the pureed prunes work for you? I know awhile back i bought the individually wrapped prunes, but they didnt help any.

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1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 27, 2019
In reply to @januaryjane "How do the pureed prunes work for you? I know awhile back i bought the individually..." + (show)
@januaryjane

How do the pureed prunes work for you? I know awhile back i bought the individually wrapped prunes, but they didnt help any.

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The pureed prunes (baby food container) works the best, @januaryjane

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oronogo | @oronogo | Dec 29, 2019
In reply to @oronogo "My Mayo doctor told me to use warm prune. I warm it in a cup in..." + (show)
@oronogo

My Mayo doctor told me to use warm prune. I warm it in a cup in the microwave, just like you warm coffee. It must be warm.

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Prune juice

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maggienice | @maggienice | Feb 4, 2021

I have Parkinson's and tried everything for constipation. After nothing seemd to help, I soaked raisins in hot water for 15 min or hours. I went on a dairy free diet, Cut out all lactose, acidic foods, gluten, drank a lot of fluid and now I have absolutely no trouble with constipation. I feel as if I have won the lottery! I also rarely, if ever, eat meat.

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Moderator
Amanda Roe | @amandajro | Feb 4, 2021

Hello @maggienice and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for sharing what you have tried that has been successful for you!

You will notice that I have moved your post into an existing discussion on this same topic to allow you to share this good news with other members who have similar issues with constipation and Parkinson's.

How did you figure out what foods to eliminate? Was it trial and error or more strategic than that?

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parkiegirl | @parkiegirl | Feb 27, 2021

I use a product called colon cleanse by western botanicals. Ask your doctor if it is something you can take. I t works for me.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Apr 5, 2021

@susan62, @eugenede, @januaryjane, @oronogo, @maggienice @parkiegirl

A while back many of you posted about your problems with constipation related to your Parkinson's. I was wondering if any of you have found some help. I would love to hear an update regarding meds, products, exercise, etc. that has helped you. Has anyone tried pelvic floor therapy? Last year, I met with a pelvic floor therapist and gained some good suggestions. Not a cure of course, but it was very helpful.

I look forward to hearing from you. Will you post and let me know how you are doing?

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obx1982 | @obx1982 | Aug 29, 2021

Now that I can assist with!!! I never thought I would like it but in a smoothie I add 1/4 fresh papaya everyday. Papaya is very high in fiber and GREAT for your system. I read up on it extensively since not only do I have Parkinson’s I also have Stage 3 Kidney Failure, Bipolar 1, and Thyroid issues. So with all the meds my papaya helps me along daily!! It’s MUCH BETTER THAN MIRALAX AND IT IS ALL NATURAL!

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1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Aug 30, 2021
In reply to @obx1982 "Now that I can assist with!!! I never thought I would like it but in a..." + (show)
@obx1982

Now that I can assist with!!! I never thought I would like it but in a smoothie I add 1/4 fresh papaya everyday. Papaya is very high in fiber and GREAT for your system. I read up on it extensively since not only do I have Parkinson’s I also have Stage 3 Kidney Failure, Bipolar 1, and Thyroid issues. So with all the meds my papaya helps me along daily!! It’s MUCH BETTER THAN MIRALAX AND IT IS ALL NATURAL!

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Thanks for the suggestion, @obx1982.

Could you share your recipe for the smoothie? What other ingredients might you add?

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1 reply
obx1982 | @obx1982 | Aug 31, 2021
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Thanks for the suggestion, @obx1982. Could you share your recipe for the smoothie? What other ingredients..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

Thanks for the suggestion, @obx1982.

Could you share your recipe for the smoothie? What other ingredients might you add?

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Yes, papaya only 1/4, which is very good for all of us! Mango, 1/2 banana, peach, tangerine, kiwi, green grapes (6), 4oz non fat milk, 1/2 scoop whey vanilla, frozen blue berries, raspberries, and blackberries, and kale. I Love It!!

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