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Rob is spot on with his research on the NPF site. The usual problem is not constipation as such, but a separate disorder referred to as "difficulty defecating". One can have one or both disorders; in my experience, "difficulty defecating" is the more common disorder among PWP's. It is usually a combination of: 1. The slow, weak, passage of food through the digestive system, called "poor peristalsis"; this is a direct symptom of PD. 2. A weakening of the muscles used to "straighten" the "ano-rectal flap", a right-angled portion at the end of the rectum; again, a symptom of PD. 3. The usual and natural process of the body recovering water from the rectum. It can be VERY DANGEROUS to give a person with this problem a laxative, without also giving either a stool softener, or, in extreme cases, an enema, as the laxative will only cause the stool to pass as far as the "blockage", and it will then compact into a hard, solid, one-piece mass, frequently requiring surgery to remove. Sorry to be so alarmist, but I have personally experienced all phases of both disorders, and believe you me, "it ain't pretty"! One needs to consult not only a good, knowledgeable "neuro", but an aware, sympathetic GP. My own (strictly personal) answer to the problem is a quarter-teaspoon of "Epsom salts" (magnesium sulphate) daily, in warm water (it can be tea or coffee, if you can stand the taste!). This is maintenance, after the initial problem is solved; it keeps the stool softish, making it easier to pass. (Is there any "pleasant" side effect from PD!?!?) Jim ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn