Parkinson’s and Constipation
I feel like I ought to warn you that this post made me uncomfortable to write it, and it may make you uncomfortable to read it. It’s not considered “polite” to discuss bathroom problems, and I understand that. So just skip this one, if you like. I’ll certainly understand. But if you have Parkinson’s, or know someone with Parkinson’s, you might want to keep reading.
My Gastroenterologist has added Miralax to my Zelnorm prescription. He’s recently started me on a regimen of daily glycerin suppository use, too, in what’s called Bowel Retraining. I’ve already been on Metamucil capsules for several months now, and also eating a high fiber bran cereal every morning. The Parkinson’s, or a combination of the PD and my meds, has left me with very little muscle power in my digestive system, plus diminished nerve awareness as well. He says that’s where the bloating, nausea, and gas are coming from.
I am not allowed to have coffee, any caffeine drinks, carbonated drinks, chocolate, any dairy products – including cheese, any citrus fruits or tomato based foods, peanuts, drink liquids with meals, or eat anything within two hours of bedtime. And I’m sure I’m leaving something off the list! It seems like every time I go see him he adds something else to the list, anyway. Some things on the list are for my GERD, and some are for the IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) symptoms he’s treating.
Constipation is one of the most universal symptoms that people with Parkinson’s Disease deal with, but, let’s face it, it’s not something anybody likes to talk about. But I want this blog to be useful to other PWP, so I don’t want to leave out this information, even though I really don’t like coming right out and admitting that I’m constipated. I really didn’t realize I was, as everything seemed OK to me. But it’s obvious to me now, after taking all these high powered medicines he’s had me on lately, that I am, and have been for some time now.
Again, in the interest of being helpful to other folks with PD, I found this really well done site about constipation at MedicineNet.com.
Well, this was not an easy post for me to write, but I hope it turns out to be helpful to someone else with Parkinson’s who’s suffering some of the same symptoms I have been for so long. This is not a battle I have won, by any means. In fact, judging by the lack of success my doctor has had so far in dealing with my problem, I’m probably going to be dealing with this off and on the rest of my life. That’s probably the case with most PWP, as well. If any one chooses to comment, I’d appreciate hearing what you have to say about how you’ve dealt with this problem.
I think this is a great post, and kudos to you for overcoming your discomfort and writing about it.
Even with a fibre filled diet,lots of water, etc. I still get constipated. It is a life long malady. I have finally found a tea that works wonderfully well, but I don’t care to rely on that completely, either.
Thank you for the link…it is one of the most comprehensive sites I have seen, full of good info.
One thing I have learned is that it sometimes takes a month or two to regulate constipation, if it is due to an illness, and medication is given to overcome it. Hopefully, it won’t take as long for you.
Take good care of yourself, DB. You have so much on your plate these days. I think of you often!
I really do appreciate your kind support, Marion. You have a lot on your plate now, too, and yet you take the time to encourage me. I really appreciate that.
My doctor has been medicating me for some time now, but he’s been getting more and more aggressive lately. Hopefully, the combination he has me on now will be the right one.
Oh, Marion, did you notice the warning in that MedicineNet.com article about not over using herbal teas? I remember reading it somewhere in there.
DB, Thanks for making yourself vulnerable with this post–and your whole blogsite! I agree with Marion that the link was comprehensive and helpful. I didn’t think I’d have to deal with constipation this soon, but wham-o here I am, like those geriatric patients I work with. I almost bought Colace, but I’m finding that a tablespoon of ground flaxseed in my morning tomato juice, while subtle, is enough for now. Thanks again for sharing.
When I first started this blog, mozartmovement, I kept it private on Blogger, because I was uncomfortable thinking about other people reading such a personal journal. Then I got to thinking about how I thankful I was when I found useful information somewhere when someone was specific and open on topics I was anxious to learn about.
So, I decided I would open this blog and still try to be as personal as I could bring myself to be. It has been very therapeutic for me, and I hope a few of my posts have been helpful to other people.
I’m glad you can control your problem by subtle means! One thing’s for sure – thanks to Parkinson’s – I can’t! LOL!!
As a young onset PWP (diagnosed 2001 at age 46) I quite by chance found a soluton to this all too common PD symptom.
I had been told that a supplement that body builders use – Creatine – could have a neuroprotective benefit. I take a 5mg serving of Iron-Tek Creatine dissoled in a glass of water, followed by a huge cup of coffee every morning. Usually within 30 minutes it works it’s magic.
I’ve tried capsulated versions of other brands without success.
Hope this helps. God bless
Oh, I wish you hadn’t posted Anonymously! But that’s certainly your choice. It’s still good to hear from someone else who’s going through some of the same things I am. I will certainly look into this Creatine supplement! Odd that something with iron in it would have a laxative effect, though. But hey, it’s worth a try, for sure.
I hope you come back soon!!
I didn’t realize you have parkinsons and Peripheral Neuropathy. I read one of your other blogs. I have peripheral neuropathy too. I have severe auto immune problems. Plus diabetes, and now trigeminal neuralgia. Can’t feel in one end and feel too much in the other.
I know what you mean about the constipation. I learned a long time ago that the fleet enema is my friend. I don’t use it every day. My meds can dehydrate me something fierce. Water and motion are the two keys to remove things that interfere with average life.
I knew you had some kind of movement disorder, Lynn, but I didn’t realize you also had PN. My Peripheral Neuropathy is so minor compared to the PD that it just isn’t a concern for now. Mine is not from diabetes, but they don’t know why I have it. From what I understand, trigeminal neuralgia is extremely painful, so I’m sorry to hear you have that.
My meds certainly contribute to the constipation, but the main problem is the Parkinson’s itself. So it’s important that I find as mild a long term solution as possible. And you’re right – water and exercise are extremely important.
I just fell across this blog.
I have found that a LOT of water, yogurt with fibre one help me. If passing gas in public is too humiliating maybe you’d better leave the fibre one alone. I pretend it is someone else or just say “Excuse me!” and go about my business. My mother would die if she knew I did such a trick! But a person has to do wha a person has to do.
Good Luck!k
Thanks for stopping by! This is a very old post, and I have found considerable relief since this post. It’s still a problem, and requires following the prescribed meds and routines, but it does work.