This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

[Muu]

If you're looking for a natural solution dried fruit, in particular dried mango and pineapple are v effective. It does increase the natural sugars you're taking in so keep an eye on that and also increase water intake.

I also had the opposite problem with my waterworks of needing the bathroom, or should i say thinking i did, far too regularly. It got to the stage when i consciously cut down my liquid intake and was concerned about being anywhere where i could easily AND QUICKLY access a bathroom. It became oppressive. I overcame my initial reluctance (pride?) and asked to be referred to a continence advisor. The packet of blue capsules prescribed for my overactive bladder worked wonders and normality has been restored. What a relief (no pun intended!)
muu

[Loobie]

I have had this problem since onset. I have tried many things and am now very regular. However, if I change up my routine, I got constipated for days. My Dr. had me establish a "bowel routine" and it has been working for a good year now. Up to about a year ago strenuous exercise kept me going. I never felt the urge to go unless I was running. I mean never. What I do is eat breakfast every day no matter what within an hour of waking. I wait a half hour and use a glycerin suppository. It is not an "active laxative" per se like Dulcolax. It just brings moisture to your bowels. Anyway, I also pour myself 4 - 16 oz. glasses of water and put them on my desk. It is a requirement that I drink at least that much water during my work day. It screws with me since then I have to pee all the time, but what are you gonna' do? I also take 2 Metamucil capsules 3 times per day w/ at least 8 ox. of water. This has really worked out. If I don't do this to a T, I end up with "rocks" and I can't force myself anymore; there is just never an urge to go naturally.

Establishing this routine has been essential to me staying regular. Constant use of Dulcolax can ruin your bowels; just ask any anorexic. I feel that the key is massive amounts of water during the day. The process is that our waste isn't moving fast enough through our system and we know that as your waste moves through your bowels, it is getting moisture taken from it as part of the natural process. Since ours is slowed down, it takes too much and it becomes hard thus leading to constipation. It's been shitty , but this is what works for me.

[Loriyas]

Probiotics has helped me. I started taking them when I started the minocycline and it has worked for me.

[jimmylegs]

YES dom, you are EXACTLY RIGHT. magnesium fixed my throat, i went overboard on the dosage at first, and ended up pooping like mad. lol! it also is good for muscles in general, i have not felt as spastic in the arms since i started and i used to feel the tension right up to my shoulders sometimes. others have found it helped reduce spasms to allow a better night's rest. it's really crazy how many different ways magnesium is beneficial. i hope you try it tira, hope it helps you too!

Jimmylegs, am I right in thinking you found magnesium helped with your swallowing difficulty? If so, it might help with both problems for Tiramisu,

[RedSonja]

Till now I have managed without medication:
Muesli for breakfast, with a spoonful of bran or linseed on top. There are various breakfast foods with bran in, some actually taste quite good.
When travelling I take a bag of prunes, which are dried plums. I don't know what it is about plums, but the fresh ones do the trick as well, useful for small children.
And drink plenty of water and get a bit of exercise. The regular routine helps, the poor old bowels are a bit dim and have trouble adapting to new situations.

I try and avoid medication when I can, Copaxone is enough to be getting on with. Many of the posters here seem to be taking a lot more stuff than you see people on the German boards using, is this a US thing? Or do the Brits do it too? Must ask my sister - are you there, Sue?

[jimmylegs]

i looked up magnesium and spasticity and found this interesting case

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/463136_2