Constipation and Parkinson’s.

My husband with Parkinson also has the same constipation problem. He walks almost everyday for 50 minutes and drinks frequently. I also make sure that we have plenty of fiber in our diet. Somehow, it could still be 3-4 days before it happens. It is heart aching to watch his struggle with some of these challenges daily.

Hello @rockwood,

Yes, the constipation problem that accompanies a PD diagnosis is very frustrating. I'm sure that you and your husband work on diet, activity, and hydration. With PD sometimes that is not enough.

Most of us with PD also use a fiber supplement, like Metamucil, along with a stool softener like Miralax. These products can be very helpful. Has your husband tried some of these products? Has his doctor offered any suggestions?

My wife (82) currently sees a neurologist MD, a neurologist PA plus a gastroenterologist for PD constipation problems--spasms mostly which trigger tremors, anxiety, body rigidity, voice whisper, et al. Her approach is to lie down with a hot pad on her abdomen. The spasms abate in a few hours only to return a few hours later. She takes Amitiza (24mg) for constipation and Dycyclomine (20 mg) for spasms. (Results?) It's been suggested she consider seeing a gastroenterologist with a background in PD treatment.

I reflect on all that I continue to read about pelvic floor dysfunction and haven't come upon a GI doc with a background in PD who has made a reported difference. The idea of seeing one has appeal but it would mean a 5 hr drive and my wife and I aren't convinced that seeing a GI doc who's familiar with PD would make a difference.

We'd appreciate comments.

Phil

@telios Hello Phil,

Good to hear from you again. I'm sorry to hear that your wife is still dealing with these spasms, tremors, and constipation.

From your post, I see that you aren't convinced that seeing the GI specialist with an interest in PD is not your best answer right now. I'm wondering if you have considered Pelvic Floor Therapy (PFT)?

PFT is done by physical therapists with a special interest and training in urinary and bowel disorders such as chronic constipation. If your wife has not seen a pelvic floor therapist, you might consider scheduling a consult with one to see if they could help her.

I would also like to invite @rockwood to this discussion as her husband is dealing with this same problem.

@telios, Has your wife seen a pelvic floor therapist?

Tereasa: Thanks for your comments and observations. Yes, my wife spent a number of sessions with a pelvic floor specialist and did benefit from the learning; however, she never took hold of the specific exercises prescribed by the therapist and now can't recall why. I suspect the instructions weren't fully understood and consequently a loss of interest followed.

I want to again ask if going from our gastroenterologist to one who also has expertise with PD is to expect significant change. I ask because I see no literature that extols the merits of such an expert in dealings with PD patients. My question hinges on a 5 hr drive to see such a person as well as doubt that he/she would be any better than our present gastroenterologist.

Does anyone have an answer to my doubt?
Phil

Ever since I was a child I grew up with up with what is called an American Bidet. You remove your existing toilet seat and replace with this toilet seat that squirts warm warm water either at or up your rectum to stimulate your system. As I have gotten older and I am on many different medications and I have CKD at Stage 3 and PD having this toilet seat is a God Sent Blessing! I only know of this device because my father needed one while I was growing up. Once he loved it he place one on every toilet in every home we owned. The brand name is Bio Bidet and you can find them at Lowe’s Home Improvement or on Amazon. Just pick the model you desire and off you will be going!

Another thing I also do is make a papaya smoothie. Papaya is a natural fiber and is GREAT for making people go. If she is eating nuts or peanut butter stop that will bound anyone up very quickly! Here is what I like to make but before you anything check with her doctor first:
1/4 fresh papaya
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
1 cup frozen mixed berries
1/2 fresh mango
4 ice cubes
And blend it all together in a blender. I absolutely love it!
Most doctors are Not familiar with the bidets so I’m not sure what his/her opinion will be but it beats more pills! I’ve using a bidet since I was around 12 and I hate being without one. Once your use one and get used to it you will be hooked forever. You will never want to leave your home again!

I grew up in a tropical island where papaya is very popular and I can swear to its efficacy in digesting, almost magical. The problem is how to get fresh papaya in the U.S. unless you live a certain parts where they are available in selected months.
Thanks for the tip on American Bidet.

Based on your bidet recommendation, I've discovered that four friends have them and, like you, rave about theirs. I just bought a TOTO bidet and am about to install it. I expect my wife will share your enthusiasm about it. Also, we're going to adopt your smoothie recipe. Much thanks. Phil

CBD helped my dad with constipation, anxiety and sleeping. Buy a CBD oil infusing machine like Magic Butter (there are better ones online) and flowers from CBD Flower USA. I use Northern Lights since it has highest CBD percentage and give him half a ounce measured in drop bottles mixed with his food. Hope that helps.

We have the Toto toilet and bidet system and it is fantastic. My only challenge is that my husband has Parkinsons/ LBD in addition to short term memory loss from two strokes... so he can't always remember how to work the remote... or distinguish one remote from another, along with their differences. I still highly recommend the Toto bidet seat.