Advice on a rather sensitive problem *don't read while eating*!

[toadaleh]

Hi,
I've been having a rather unpleasant new symptom, and it's kind of yuk, so I think the best thing I can do is jump in and tell you about it.
I have stopped getting a signal that I need to open my bowels until very late, to the point that it's making me bleed because everything is getting compacted.  I'm aware that I have no sensation (internally), but still have external sensation.  Is this familiar to anyone?  
I'm seeing my GP in about 10 days, and after having things poked into every other orifice over the course of the last 18 months, I'm not looking forward to that appointment...

[b125]

I just recently recieved my dx, but I've had problems over the past few years with constipation as a result of a horrible work schedule. I never wanted to get my body dependent on laxatives if it could be avoided, but I have found that the new probiotic yogurts such as Yoplus are actually pretty helpful. The general suggestion is one per day, but depending on your system two may be better.

[Khiba]

This problem comes and goes with me too. Its so embarrassing that the first thing I do when I go into a restaurant or store is locate the loo.

I found when I got off Tramadol things got so much better and taking a good pre-probiotic and a product called forti-flax (ground flaxseed) made me much more regular so I can predict the time I need to be close to the loo. That and lots of water helped a ton.

Physical therapy has strengthened the muscles down there and I can hold it if I need to, but not usually for too long.

Good luck!

Jessica

[toadaleh]

Hi Luli,

I'm not DX'd yet, but I saw my opthamologist today who said I've got optic neuritis and he thinks I should have an evoked potentials test.

[Lulu54]

Hi T,
I'm sorry but don't remember if you are dx'd or not.  If you are having any doubts about your diagnosis, do get the second opinion.  Peace of mind is invaluable.

Like you, I am often wondering what is related to my MS, what is other disease processes, and what is normal aging going on in my body.  It often feels like a giant guessing game with no correct answers.

be well,
Lulu

[toadaleh]

Hi All,

Thanks for that, it just gets to the point where you wonder if what is happening to you is all linked, or if you're just the victim of a huge set of bizarre and unrelated symptoms!
I'll talk to my GP and hopefully get some help.
On another note, I was talking to a someone I work with today, whose sister is a neurologist, and she's advising me to get a second opinion, but I don't know if I can take going through the whole process again...

[truelove47]

Hi again,      wrong doc meant to say gastro.  LOL    (brain freeze)     Linda     duh!!!!

[truelove47]

Hi,    Thank you for posting this.  I could not find the words.  I am having the same problem also.   I got a colonosocopy today and endo recommended

miralax +water+ and fiber  Praying this will help me.
I have been living with this for too long           Be well    Linda

[jensequitur]

I think the basic problem is that your muscles stop moving everything down, and so your colon sits there and absorbs every drop of water.  What's left becomes hard as a rock.  It's quite unpleasant!  I've had it happen to me a few times, to the point where I have to help things along.  This isn't normal for a woman in her 30's... albeit late 30's.  There's plenty of signal that I have to void, but nothing's forthcoming.

So there's a couple of things you can do.  One is to eat plenty of fiber and drink lots of water, as it will help things work better.  Another is to try an over-the-counter preparation... which I might have to start trying.  

[Lulu54]

Yep, many of us are familiar with this problem.  Bowel and bladder issues are very common with MS patients.  The loss of sensation, muscle control and function are not unusual.  Chronic constipation is an ongoing complaint of mine.

Although it is quite embarassing initially to talk about with your doctor, please remember that they have heard it all before.  Let the professionals try to help you ....

I know what you mean about the orifices - every one that there is a license to look in has been probed in my body as well.  :-)

Many of us here take miralax (or the generic prescription version which is much cheaper $$) daily to help avoid the problem you describe. Be sure and talk to your doctor about that as well.

be well,
Lulu