My problem was urge incontinence - had it since puberty but the slowing down of PD turned a minor embarrassment into a real problem. Finally plucked up nerves to tell the doctor - was prescribed Regurine (tropsium chloride) - sorted. wish I'd done that years ago. Amanda Quoting Jim Slattery <[log in to unmask]>: > From: <[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Re: Treatment for constipation in PD > | you don't need pills for constipation - just a regular supply of oranges > and a > | good book to pass the time while the fruit gets to work.... > > I wish that it was that simple. Constipation, like anything else connected > with > PD, is a complex condition, with complications not found in other disorders. > > The ways in which Parkinson’s disease can increase the risk of constipation > include: > > · Insufficient dopamine – lack of the brain chemical (neurotransmitter) > > dopamine impairs muscle movement throughout the body. Bowel muscles can > become > slow and rigid. > > · Uncoordinated bowel – the bowel muscles may be weak and unable to > contract or they may clench instead of relax when trying to pass a motion. > > · Eating problems – dietary fibre is indigestible, so it adds bulk to > the > bowel motions and prevents constipation. However, if chewing and swallowing > are > difficult, a person with Parkinson’s disease is less likely to eat fibrous > foods. > > · Drinking problems – water is needed to plump the dietary fibre in > bowel > motions. Swallowing difficulties may discourage the person with Parkinson’s > disease from drinking enough fluids. > > · Sedentary lifestyle – lack of exercise slows the passage of food > through > the intestines. Parkinson’s disease reduces muscle control, so lack of > exercise > is common. > > · Medications – many different drugs can cause constipation. > Medications > used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (especially anticholinergic > drugs) > may slow bowel movements or dampen appetite. > > Your doctor may suggest various treatments to help combat constipation, > including: > > · Dietary changes including consuming more fibre and water > > · Moderate exercise > > · Good toilet habits > > · Avoiding unnecessary medicines that contain substances known to cause > > constipation such as calcium and aluminium > > · Laxatives > > · An enema – this may be part of the initial treatment > > · Treatment for any medical problem that may be contributing to the > constipation, such as haemorrhoids > > > > Jim > > _____________________________ > > Dr. J. F. Slattery, PhD Soc Sc > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] > In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn > ---------------------------------------------- This mail sent through http://www.ukonline.net ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn