A taboo subject

One of the many symptoms of Parkinson’s and probably other diseases too, is constipation. I can’t believe that I'm actually writing about this – but I know that fellow sufferers are reading my blog, and I feel this problem needs to be addressed. If you have Parkinson’s, you will be able to relate to what I am saying, and probably thinking “thank goodness someone’s talking about this at last”. It appears a taboo issue – too personal – too intimate and just too darn embarrassing to talk about. Yet here I am, writing about this very common problem that affects so many millions of people in the world. It is not to be made light of, as it can be deeply troubling, a constant problem, uncomfortable and even painful.  Some Parkinson’s patients experience constipation due to the improper functioning of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating smooth muscle activity. If this system is not working properly, the intestinal tract may work slowly thereby causing constipation. In addition, various Parkinson’s medications cause constipation, and it is a well-known fact that strong pain killers are also a contributing factor. Add into the equation a lack of mobility and exercise and this problem becomes magnified. Everyone has their own way of dealing with constipation; be it laxative pills, eating porridge (oats or bran) for breakfast, adding extra roughage to one’s diet, drinking more water and exercising as much as one can. I hope that speaking frankly is of help, and you realise that you’re not alone!