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Constipation and 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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Hi @susan62
You are certainly not going crazy. Constipation is certainly part of Parkinson's. It is one of the problems associated with PD. You are certainly doing all of the right things (water, high fiber, exercise) you might add to this stool softeners such as Colace as well as Miralax. Many PD patients have been told that they can use Miralax on a daily basis if needed. You should check with your PCP or neurologist to see what their recommendation would be for you.
Exercises such as bending over at the waist after meals can be helpful as well. Here are some Youtube videos with specific exercises for constipation,
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=exercises+for+constipationHere are links to additional information from various websites:
https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/constipation-parkinsons-disease/
https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/constipation
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354259
You might also check out the discussion groups in our Digestive Health group,
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/slow-transit-constipation-and-surgery/
Everyone with PD eventually finds their own routine that will help with constipation.
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1 ReactionI have been using both Miralax and Metamucil for the last 3 months and it's been working
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1 ReactionMy wife tried my Miralax on a cruise last week and it cleaned her out in a matter of minutes and she was in bed all day missing the port that was the main reason for the trip. Apparently this happens once in awhile. I’d advise anyone trying it for the first time to try a small amount first just to see. I’ve been on it for a couple years with no problem.
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2 ReactionsPoint well taken, @ggopher, my doctor suggested just a half a dose once daily of Miralax, to begin with, and then to increase it as needed.
My son didn't take polyethylene glycol 3350 (Miralax) related to Parkinson's, but sure did have terrible constipation when he was littler, more due to not getting a lot of fiber with his picky eating habits. The doctor prescribed an increase at one time which my mother-in-law warned me about. I figured that it was fine, but he had a definitely messy situation that could have been a real embarrassment. So, my observation is that slow changes might be wise.
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1 ReactionThx for the feedback. Unfortunately though, I have tried Miralax on and off for lengthy periods of time with very little results.
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1 ReactionThank you also for your experience and advice. Unfortunately, as I wrote in my other reply, Miralax has not done the trick. I have tried it daily(my GI doctor recommending it daily) on and off for weeks at a time. Very little results. It is certainly not that my stool isn’t soft enough, but that it just won’t come. Never thought I’d be discussing my colon issues on a chat site. Glad you folks are all here though.
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2 ReactionsHello @susan62
I would encourage you to take a look at the Davis Phinney website and Youtube videos. The Davis Phinney Foundation provides a free book for PD patients. To give you a little more information, I've provided a link to a Davis Phinney Facebook video that addresses GI problems and PD. Take a look and let me know if you have learned something more about this situation.
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1 ReactionThank you Lisa! As you can see from my other replies, I have tried Miralax daily at my GI doctor’s suggestion, for numerous weeks from time to time. Very little if any relief. My stool is soft enough, not anything like diarrhea, even without the Miralax, but it just won’t come. I feel stuffed. Sounds strange, but I find myself wishing I had diarrhea from time to time. Sounds pretty sick to say this, doesn’t it.
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1 ReactionThanks so much Teresa! You always have such good information and advice! As you have read(I would imagine) my replies to the others who have written me, I have done the Miralax thing with very little success. My stools aren’t hard and dry, but soft even without the Miralax. Just doesn’t work. Will definitely watch the videos today that you have sent. You are a GREAT mentor!!!
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