John, Although I have to confess DBS is not a term I understand, but I am somewhat familiar with the general issue of constipation that ids an integral problem with PD. I have had some rather serious issues with this problem. I haven't solved the problem 100%, but I'd say I'm 85-90%better. The first thing I did was to dramatically increase the amount of water I drink each day. I always drink at least 80 oz. and sometimes more. It sounds like a lot but over the course of a day it isn't that much. I was not a big water drinker in the past so it took a while to get accustomed to it. The water helps to keep everything "softer" and more capable of passing thru. I also decided I HAD to supplement daily with a fiber product. I made the mistake of buying the powered fiber that you mix with juice, water, anything you want. But for me it was unbearable. I had to mix it really quick and drink it down very fast or it would thicken and turn to "glop". I spoke with my pharmacist. He said the powered stuff is slightly more effective, but he said he recommended getting good quality fiber tablets. They do work and I can easily swallow them with water. I use Citrucel caplets, but I'm sure there are many good brands If you take the caplets be sure to drink plenty of water with them as they will swell pretty quickly and could choke you if you can't swallow. Also, do what ever kind of exercise you are able to do. Walking, running in place,anything will help. This sort of gets things bounced around in your bowels and allows nature to move it on thru you. Eating apples or other fibrous, bulky fruits and vegetables will help also. I have tried to be as delicate as I could, but it is an important subject and there are many, many who have the problem Claudia ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Hartranft" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 7:02 PM Subject: What's the effect of DBS on constipation > I've talked to one DBSer about the impact of his DBS on his PD related > constipation, but how about anyone else? Be as delicate as you like, but > this is a huge issue for my sister, the most important problem in her > life, in her mind. What can I tell her to probably expect? > > Thanks. > > John in Flint > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: > mailto:[log in to unmask] > In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn