bowel issues..

[Hartzmom2]

HI everyone! Havent posted in awhile, hope everyone is feeling as good as they can

Lately i have been having some issues. I either dont go for days and then only go a little.. or I am going constantly and its like diarrhea. (sorry)

does anyone have these issues, i know constipation is common in ms.. but im trying to figure out why this is happening.

thanks guys

[1936siol]

Bowels

I went through a period where I was so constipated I couldn't go at all. Lacatives or nothing else would help. I was given a prescription for lactulose. Looks and tasts like cornsyrup but it did work and it puts you on a regular schedule.

Lois

[bk21061]

Bowel Issues

I am also having bowel issues. I was diagnosised almost 9 years ago. I have had urinary issues that come and go, but this bowel thing is getting out of hand. I had gastric bypass 7 years ago and have never experienced constipation due to the nature of the surgery. Certain foods would always cause "dumping syndrome". I did not experience a major weight loss from the surgery (around 50lbs) and I have gained 30lbs of that back.

I recently joined Weight Watchers and have been having good results. About 2 weeks into the diet, I started experiencing constipation. The leaders have tried offering home remedies as well as looking over my food journals. I was not getting enough fat so that had me increase that, I did. My fiber and water intake are excellent. I started taking a laxative after not having a bowel movement for 6- 7 days. After two weeks of that, they stopped working.

I recently had to go the ER with sever pain in my lower right side. I do not have my appendix. They did a CAT scan and said that I was severly constipated, gave me pain meds (that cause constipation) and set me home. My primary doc had me do a magnesium citrate treatment on Sat, followed up with an Xray on Tues. I was still "full". We did another Mag Citrate with not much success. I see a specialist on the 10th. My neurologist said that this is possibly due to my MS. Anyone else have experience with this? What testing options are there? What is the treatment for such a thing?

Thanks for your help! I'm really feeling a bit stressed out over this. Not to mention the pain!

***Post broken into paragraphs by Moderator for easier reading. Many people with MS have visual difficulties that prevent them from reading large blocks of print.***

[akafearless]

Try this

Miralax. I use wal-mart's brand, works just as well. Normal dose is a capful every day. If it does not make you go, increase amount until you find the dose that works for you. The way it works is easy on your system and usually does not cause cramps. My daughter took it when it was by prescription only. It is safe to use daily. Good luck!