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I am hoping that my response will be helpful to anyone with PD experiencing GI symptoms. My mom, diagnosed with PD in 2017, had a number of GI issues (including constipation) since 2010. Her GI issues were comprised of constipation; bloating; indigestion; gas; burping; growling noise; abdominal pain & cramps; loss of appetite; nausea and etc. About 2-3 hours after getting food in her stomach, she experienced extreme abdominal pain. She has seen numerous gastroenterologists throughout the years, and none of them have been effective. These GI doctors ordered extensive studies and tests, indicating normal results. She tried Benefiber, stool softer, prebiotics, and post-biotics ; yet none has been helpful. She was also too sensitive to laxatives that even small dose resulted in extreme diarrhea for multiple days. As you can imagine, she lost weight dramatically, and it was agonizing for me to see my mom suffering this way.
Most recently, she hasn’t been able to tolerate solid food for over 5 weeks. Even with liquid diet, she had severe diarrhea, followed by sudden urgency of bowel movement for 2-3X/day. She was losing more weight and was very low in energy and strength. About a week ago, I was able to locate PDGI clinic at UCLA, where one physician scientist specializes in gastrointestinal complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He spent almost 2 hours with my mom, obtaining detailed history and completing physical examination (including rectal exam). After getting x-ray of the abdomen, which revealed constipation with distension and full of gas, the doctor prescribed Suprep and Motegrity. Once my mom followed this treatment plan, ALL of her GI issues disappeared likea miracle! She is no longer suffering any of her past GI symptoms, including constipation and extreme pain & cramps. Now, she is able to eat normal portions of solid food. Below is the link to the PDGI clinic and this doctor’s presentation at UCLA Symposium:
https://www.uclahealth.org/gastro/motility/parkinsons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGKt3IT6y8E
I am crossing my fingers (and toes) that this will be helpful to any one of you or your loved ones! Well wishes!!!