Constipation, Again

When we were in Ireland, we finally found a solution to Dennis' never ending constipation. I promise not to go into another icky poop story, but I thought, for someone, this information might be helpful.

A quick background. Most of Dennis' meds have constipation listed as a side effect. In addition to that, he has always had some trouble with bowel movements. Constipation is also one of the symptoms of MSA. It was bound to happen, in a big way, at some point in his MSA journey.

First we tried Mirlax. It worked for a while, but after a while, it quit helping. Then he took the 14 day Activia challenge. Yes, it helped loosen up the day to day garbage, but he was still impacted. Then we added colase (a stool softner) twice a day. Finally the doctor suggested senna. Of course, in addition we have tried enemas, but, unfortunately, those muscles don't contract well, anymore and he couldn't hold it inside.

In Ireland, a pharmacist gave us magnesium citrate. He explained to us it is what surgeons use when they really want to clean someone out. He told us that Dennis would have to take one bottle in the afternoon and one before bed. So we did. And it worked!

By this time we were using 2 sennas, a colase and a Mirlax in the morning, and senna and colase in the evening. But, no matter how cleaned out he was, he started the constipation cycle one more time. So I bought more Magnesium citrate. But, this time, I just gave him a half a bottle. And that worked.

Now we are down to 1/3 of a bottle after 4 days. It seems to be effective and efficient. So, if you are in dire straights yourself, one day, try it. You won't like the taste, but you may like the results.

Until later,
Ann and Dennis