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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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My dad (87yo) has this same issue and we’ve had great success with juicing… 3 medium beets, 5 carrots, 1 honey crisp apple, and a splash of lime juice. Orfeld juicer has worked great. Makes about 14 oz and has allowed him to get off all laxative/stool softener meds.
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2 ReactionsHello @bella531 and welcome to Mayo Connect.
I'm glad that you joined the Parkinson's discussion group and I'm glad that you shared some juicing techniques that have helped your father.
If you care to share more about your father's PD, please do so. How long ago was he diagnosed? What symptoms are most troubling for him?
I was given a constipation recipe by the head of the neuroscience department of the McGovern School of Medicine when I was participating in a study. Works like a charm; 1/2 cup applesauce, 1/2 cup prune juice, 1/2 cup wheat germ. I use organic prune juice in a glass container (the canned juice tastes funny to me). I also use organic applesauce. I take 1 tablespoon a day. It is important to get a lot of exercise, but it sounds like you are doing that.
Following a low fat, Mediterranean diet with as little sugar as possible will also help. Taking probiotics seems to speed things along as well.
Since your meds have to transit the small intestine the constipation is creating a barrier between you and your meds. So do everything you can to have a bowel movement every day!
You may want to try good old fashioned Milk of Magnesia.
Best wishes to you.
Cindy
I have the same issue. I think the bowel system just slows down in the later stages. I have done everything you have and I also massage my stomach downward using a clockwise small rub starting at my rib cage and working down. I can actually feel things moving, gas ex
Helps too
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2 Reactions@amandajro Reading books on Parkinson’s diet, trial and error.
This is one of the most uncomfortable aspects of PD and autonomic nervous system dysfunction and a chronic problem. Through much trial and error I have come up with a plan that works for me - and makes things better overall (not perfect, but better).
1) Miralax (polyethlene glycol) 17 gm nightly (gentle and can be used long term) The key is regular use
2) Align probiotic daily
3) Omeprazole 20 - 40 mg daily for GERD
4) Smoothie daily with: 1 cup coconut milk, 1 cup yogurt, 1 cup frozen fruit and greens, 1 tbsp peanut butter. Mix thoroughly to break down the frozen fruit/greens - keeps the bloating controlled by doing the digestion for you. Serves as a meal for me daily or every other day.
Vitamix blender works great.
5) Drinking at least 4 to 5 eight oz glasses of water daily.
6) Stay active - no couch potato - just get up and move.
7) Smooth Move Senna Tea 1 to 2 bags per cup if all else fails.
Be careful with strong laxatives - they can deplete your intravascular fluid volume and lead to problems maintaining your BP (orthostatic hypotension).
Hope you feel better.
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