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Parkinson’s and constipation
I have had Parkinson’s for 5 years and am 77 years old. In the last few months I am having problems with constipation. I have tried Miralax and some fiber supplements such as Metamucil and Citrucel without a lot of relief. Usually after a few days I have to use a laxative. Would like to hear what others are doing to get relief. Thanks.
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17 Replies
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Sure would appreciate some responses. Bug
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Hi Bug, constipation is such a common and frustrating part of living with Parkinson’s. It sounds like you’ve already tried several of the go-to approaches, and needing to rely on laxatives every few days can be tough to manage. Have you noticed if things like hydration, timing of meals, physical activity, or medication changes make any difference for you, or has it felt fairly consistent regardless of what you try?
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Hi Bug! I hope you’re well. This sounds like such a frustrating problem to navigate. My dad has Parkinson’s, and I don’t think he experiences this particular issue very often. But I know he likes to keep prune juice on hand when he does have a bit of trouble. Have you been able to find any helpful answers from your medical provider?
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Thanks for the replies. I have talked to my Doctor about the constipation but no real relief. I take Miralax every night which seems to help but it is a continuing problem. I drink plenty of water, prune juice and lots of fiber. Currently I am only on Carbodopa 25-250 mg. four times a day and 25-100 ER one at night. I do have A-Fib and take some meds for that which is known to cause constipation also. Guess it is just something I have to live with. Thanks for the replies.
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Also, I exercise daily. Do Big and Loud exercises, walk any where from 2.5 to 4 miles a day and do some light weights in the gym. I think exercise activity helps but so far still have to deal with it. Thanks again for the replies. Going to see my GI Doctor this week. Maybe he can help.
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How frustrating to be doing so many things to manage this symptom only to continue struggling with it. I’m sorry that you’ve been dealing with this, Bug.
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I find eating at least 1 apple a day helps me stay somewhat regular. .
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5-6 dates per day can be helpful too.
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Is it so terrible to take Miralax daily/nightly? By the way, there’s a generic “Miralax” on Amazon; it’s less expensive. Since Miralax is an osmotic laxative, it seems relatively harmless, but I need to ask my neurologist about it.
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Hi Bug, I recently read about the power of KIWI FRUIT! The advice was to eat 2-3 kiwi a day for constipation, I’ve been eating just one every morning, and it seems to be doing the trick! I used to get constipated at least once a week, but so far it’s been 2 weeks! I guess there is even more benefit if you eat the skin, which is just too fuzzy for me. My daughter suggested putting the whole kiwi (with skin) in a smoothie, then you won’t notice the fuzziness.
Good luck!
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I’ve recently learned this too, Christine. I need to try eating more kiwis! Thanks for sharing. P.S. My uncle is from NZ and has no problem eating the fuzzy skin but I’m not there yet, personally!
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my husband suffers from severe constipation and has done from well before he was diagnosed with PD. I make a mixture of 4 apples and half a cup of prunes cooked together and when cooked add half a cup of bran and stir through. I keep this in the fridge and he has a heaped tblsp every morning with breakfast which also needs to include a kiwifruit. he takes laxitives as well and sometimes needs to use an enema, but he certainly knows about it if he misses the above breakfast routine!
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I’m increasing the amount of water I drink, I eat an apple daily, and I take stool softeners daily. I save the MiraLAX and Milk of Magnesia for when I am in desperate need of relief. Massaging the abdomen is helpful too.
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Hi Bug,
My hubby has severe constipation issues as well. It really is a big deal! He does it all including a special drink called a Shit Bomb. 1 cup of coffee with 1 cup of prune juice & 2 Tbsp of Milk of Magnesia heated. Sounds horrible I know, but he claims it works.
Sorry you are dealing with this as well.
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My WWP has been dealing with it for several years and we have tried various ways. She usually forgets to drink enough liquids so our primary response has been me reminding her to “finish your water”, and pouring her a fresh glass, every once in a while. Additionally we recently turned to over-the-counter stool softeners just one single capsule each night when she goes to bed. It has worked very well.
Since she is frequently dehydrated, we stay away from things like MiraLAX and use the stool softener instead as they work in different ways. We don’t want any anything drawing water out of your system as MiraLAX does.
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I was diagnosed in 2018 & used to as regular as clockwork. A couple of years ago I started using Miralax, and I am now back on a regular schedule. I am now taking it every other day. Works great.
John Bumpers
Midland, TX
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Try “Zero Carb” tortillas. Depending on size and brand, you can get 14 to 18 grams of fiber each! Since recommended fiber for adults is 33 grams, I eat two tortillas a day.
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