Anger, Constipation, Low Libido

[LancZen]

Dear MS World,

I am a 26 year old female. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 3 years ago and have been on Copaxone for the past 2.5 years.

I am having quite a few problems that I attempted to share with my neurologist at my last appointment but I was so ashamed that I couldn't even properly get my feelings and words out:

First, I have been having some serious issues with making regular BM's. Not to sound crass, but I am used to making hefty movements on a regular (almost daily) basis. Over the past 5 months, all I do is make tiny droplets maybe once a week. I've tried laxatives and different foods--and I'm still uncomfortable.

Second, I have been having an extremely low sexual desire for about the past year or so, on and off, but the past 3-5 months have been ridiculous. At times, I don't even want my long-time boyfriend to touch me because I so annoyed and embarrassed about my lack of desire. Sometimes I think it's hurting my relationship, but my boyfriend keeps telling me its not.

Is it possible the low libido and constipation are related??

Third, I have been an emotional wreck for the past year. Some days are worse than others and most days I'm able to function, though I am by no means my old bubbly self. I get so angry and frustrated by things that normally would not have such a huge impact on most people. I also cry a lot, at random things. I also have been finding myself not wantig to socialize because I feel like I can't hold a proper conversation like I used to and I'd rather just not bore the person. The stress from those feelings, coupled with my sexual frustration and constipation has me up in arms, ready to surrender to whatever causes are making me this way.

Has anyone else had similar issues? Does anyone have any remedies? Thanks for reading.

[tortis]

Hi, If you look on the questions page just a little down from your post you will see shashi's post and she has a fix for your constipation problem which is very common problem with the MonSter (M.S.). I also have had major constipation problems I use 5 natural fiber capsules (psyllium) a day and I try eating a lot of fiber besides. Shashi talks about flax seed and whole grains which I add in but the fiber pills seem to make it easier so I do both. Also if you are as constipated as you say all you other problems could get better. Your body is a system and when one major thing gets out of whack many things start to go haywire. Try these out but if you do not see some relief you should talk to your dr. There is very little that they have not already seen and treated. Be well,
PEACE
Tortis

[BigA]

A few suggestions. Many clinics have a nurse or a nurse practitioner that is more useful than a doctor for such things. Also, check if you're not depressed - it's a symptom of the disease even without anything to be depressed about (as if). Finally, why not consider a plant-based diet or the Jelenik OMS diet which is vegan+Seafood. It's done wonders for my health, fitness and weight.

http://www.overcomingmultiplesclerosis.org/

[dalechilders51]

LancZen I have all of the problems you mention and think they are related directly or indirectly to MS, the constipation would be a good place to start, as Tortis mentioned there is information on the board on this, There is also information on the NMSS site on setting up a bowel program to combat constipation which I found helpful. The emotional side of this needs to be addressed too, I know my self esteem and confidence has taken a beating which leads to anger and no libido at all, I discussed this with my doc and it's being treated, Try to be up front with doctor so he can help you, Take care and let us know how you are doing, Dale

[Thinkimjob]

If you feel miserable, constipated and tearful of course you don't feel like having sex.
Some people just need a place, other people need a reason.
Most of us are in the middle somewhere.

Not saying you need anti-depressants (a good laxative, maybe ), but you sound as though you've been feeling much too unhappy for much too long.

[LancZen]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I have read the thread about constipation and will be going to my local health food shop to pick up some things this weekend.

I should also make it known, on a separate subject from MS though still slightly related, I was working at a deadend serving job at a well-known international hotel chain for a while before I started to develop these problems. The environment was very cliquish and after a while, I didn't seem to fit in anymore. I also had stressors with moving to Europe. It was after I quit my job and moved that the severity of things started to surface.

Now, for how this is related to MS: I know that stress can trigger MS symptoms and I was under a whole heep of it for a long time. Now I have very few reasons to be severely stressed yet my problems have gotten to be more uncomfortable.

[CaroleL]

Lanc, before spending a fortune in a health food store, have you tried prunes.

I've posted on another forum about the severity of my IBS so I won't repost it here. (Does anyone have IBS)

A very simple and affordable way to deal with constipation:

DRIED PRUNES. with every meal. It really works. I took about 10 dried prunes with every meal and within a few days my bowels were active. The prunes are very good, they taste like giant raisins. I took them regularly to stay regular.

They are cheap, easily available, and do the job! It's important to keep taking them to maintain regularity. Adjust amount as needed.

Hope this helps.

[knuckle]

My advice...

Google "natural calm". Drink a glass of the stuff before bed every night. You'll sleep better and it helps with regularity.

Eat an apple every day. Apples are a great source of fiber, fill you up, good for your teeth and skin. Google "apple cider vinegar multiple sclerosis" and you'll find the malic acid in apples has a positive effect on MS. Dried apricots are also a mild laxative and of course prunes if you like them.

Next, google "Swanson's Vitamins" and search for something called "Triple Fiber Complex". Take a few of these with a large glass of water every day.

While on Swanson's, order some L Arginine. Google "L Arginine female arousal" "L Arginine sex" "L Arginine erection" - you get the point. L Arginine increases blood flow to your genitals.

Take your L Arginine 3-5 hours before having sex. You can't overdose so take six or so capsules over a couple hours. It's basically like Viagra but safer and applicable to women. Give some to your boyfriend. Trust me, he'll like it.

Lastly, learn about LDN over on the Medications Forum as it will improve sexual response and may help control your MS. LDN works better in younger women and is compatible with Copaxone.

[fishead]

LancZen,

Poor thing. Sorry you are going thru this, but know it happens to many of us with MS. Everything you described I, and I have hear other say, they experience.

Talk to your neuro to see what CAN be done. Have you/do you see someone for your physchological needs? You may want to consider seeing a trained counselor.

[dennissr]

Some drugs cause constipation so you may want to check the side effect profile if you take any. I was on elavil for pain and it was a disaster so I live with the pain rather than the constipation.