MS Hug or Extreme constipation?

Ok, so it's not the best of titles, I agree. Just hear me out, if you will.

I've been having a lot of issues with lower back pain this summer. Oddly enough, I had similar issues LAST summer, but not THIS bad. Last summer, it was obvious that my lower back pain was due to weakness in my legs putting stress on my core area. This summer, though, I know it STARTED (in spring) with pulling a muscle in my lower right back; then just recently I pulled a muscle in my lower LEFT back.

Here's the kicker: once, about a couple of weeks ago, I felt as though my whole core area was a repeat of "Braxton Hicks" or false labor pains (and I'm NOT pregnant). I had also gained a LOT of weight, mostly in my stomach (which made the scenario all the more reminiscent of my preganancies). It hurt so badly that I had to miss church on that Sunday. Felt like I was being squeezed, front and back, and made it really hard to walk.

Of course, whenever I do have back pain or weakness in my core area, I DO get constipated. And, I was. Although the "labor pains"/MS hug finally went away, I finally went to see my doctor. The lower back pain continued and would even wake me up in the early hours. I had back x-rays done, a urinalysis, and was scheduled for 2 abdominal ultrasounds (all of which came back as normal).

I also went to see my Neuro the next day (already scheduled) and just HAPPENED to find out that a new medication I had started within the past few months was known to cause sudden weight gain. I KNEW I hadn't done anything to cause so much weight gain! Unfortunately, the pain meds that the doc gave me also caused constipation.

I've been avoiding the pain meds from the dr. and just taking Ibuprofen and a muscle relaxant, as well as using a moist heating pad. Plus, I've been doing EVERY trick I know to alleviate constipation. It's been working some; ESP. earlier today!!

BUT, tonight, I feel EXACTLY like I did a few weeks ago. So...does it sound like "false labor"/Braxton Hicks, MS Hug, or simply REALLY bad constipation??? Hurts just as bad or worse than before; enough to cause tears.

Any ideas??
Sherry

[Lillyheart]

Originally Posted by readingteacher

Ok, so it's not the best of titles, I agree. Just hear me out, if you will.

I've been having a lot of issues with lower back pain this summer. Oddly enough, I had similar issues LAST summer, but not THIS bad. Last summer, it was obvious that my lower back pain was due to weakness in my legs putting stress on my core area. This summer, though, I know it STARTED (in spring) with pulling a muscle in my lower right back; then just recently I pulled a muscle in my lower LEFT back.

Here's the kicker: once, about a couple of weeks ago, I felt as though my whole core area was a repeat of "Braxton Hicks" or false labor pains (and I'm NOT pregnant). I had also gained a LOT of weight, mostly in my stomach (which made the scenario all the more reminiscent of my preganancies). It hurt so badly that I had to miss church on that Sunday. Felt like I was being squeezed, front and back, and made it really hard to walk.

Of course, whenever I do have back pain or weakness in my core area, I DO get constipated. And, I was. Although the "labor pains"/MS hug finally went away, I finally went to see my doctor. The lower back pain continued and would even wake me up in the early hours. I had back x-rays done, a urinalysis, and was scheduled for 2 abdominal ultrasounds (all of which came back as normal).

I also went to see my Neuro the next day (already scheduled) and just HAPPENED to find out that a new medication I had started within the past few months was known to cause sudden weight gain. I KNEW I hadn't done anything to cause so much weight gain! Unfortunately, the pain meds that the doc gave me also caused constipation.

I've been avoiding the pain meds from the dr. and just taking Ibuprofen and a muscle relaxant, as well as using a moist heating pad. Plus, I've been doing EVERY trick I know to alleviate constipation. It's been working some; ESP. earlier today!!

BUT, tonight, I feel EXACTLY like I did a few weeks ago. So...does it sound like "false labor"/Braxton Hicks, MS Hug, or simply REALLY bad constipation??? Hurts just as bad or worse than before; enough to cause tears.

Any ideas??
Sherry

I'm on Gabapentin, which can cause weight gain and constipation. I haven't experienced the weight gain, but the constipation...ugh! lol

I take "Calm" for the constipation. It's a magnesium supplement in powder form. I mix it in a glass of water and drink it. It works great with no cramping at all. If you've never heard of it, you can buy it at a health food store.

[Bob698]

Sometimes it could also be due to having some of the muscles in your abdomen "go on strike". Specifically, these would be the muscles that move food thru your digestive system or let it pass out the last door, as it were.

You should mention it to your Neuro or GP Doc but don't be in a hurry to get an answer. They usually don't like to talk about it for some reason. It could be caused by a new med or a change in dosage, though, so its wise to mention something.

You could try a laxative or stool softner but try not to over-use them. Over use can lead to other problems. I found that taking a cheap pro-biotic helps me.
Pro-biotic bacteria help break down your stool a bit and can also cause some gas which tends to keep the line moving.
There's also the option of joining the "fleet", if you know what I mean.
One other thing you could try are some changes in diet. Think about what you used to eat that gave you the trots. For me its hot peppers and cabbage.

BTW, there's a really good thread on this subject. I think its in the Diet forum. We should have renamed it The Poo Poo Thread so its easier to find but just realize that the problem is more common than you think.

[Redwings]

Originally Posted by readingteacher

So...does it sound like "false labor"/Braxton Hicks, MS Hug, or simply REALLY bad constipation???

Hi Sherry:
The term "MS hug" has a particular meaning. It isn't a synonym for general spasticity. "MS hug" refers to squeezing or sharp pain occurring somewhere between the upper chest/back down to the waistline caused by spasticity of the muscles between the ribs.

Spasticity and neuropathic pain can occur anywhere else in the body. But "MS hug" refers to the squeezing sensation and pain in the upper torso, where someone would normally, literally hug somebody. (You might read/hear the term used to describe that sensation in the lower torso, but that isn't a conventional use.) If you're having false labor pains or constipation issues [I]above the waist[/I], then your anatomy is different enough to suggest that MS isn't your only problem.

You might be having spasticity and/or neuropathic pain (just not the MS hug), you might be having true constipation, you might be having an intestinal motility disorder, you might be having something unrelated, or you might be having some combination of any of them. And you're certainly not the only one. There was a similar thread here earlier this year called "Is it really constipation or something else?": [url]http://www.msworld.org/forum/showthread.php?t=117223&highlight=Constipation[/url]. There might be something in that thread that's helpful with what you're experiencing.

[Thinkimjob]

If you're taking codeine, that will block you up. Don't know about Ibuprofen?

Wow, thanks so much for the advice, everyone.

Ok, I can see by definition it is NOT an MS Hug; thanks Lillyheart!

I usually take 1 daily dose of Miralax b/c I've been told I have IBS. Plus, I have been careful to keep fiber in my diet as much as possible. However, I've found that I had to take it (Miralax) TWICE a day when the back problems got bad. In fact, I am very well acquainted with Miralax b/c my kids EACH developed chronic constipation as toddlers. Unfortunately, my second one is STILL on it (I think due to a lot of stress and not enough water intake).

One of the meds prescribed to me DOES have codeine in it, T-Job, but I've stopped taking it for that very reason. I already have rx strength Ibuprofen, in fact. I am sticking to that and my muscle relaxant for the pain.

In addition to Miralax, I've started taking Magnesium supplements with meals AND I have (sparingly) been taking a stool softener. I also recently bought an item that would give me the option of "joining the fleet" Bob. Kinda holding off, but getting desperate.

Today, I've had none of the terrible squeezing sensations, but (even with all of the above help) my pipes are COMPLETELY plugged! Sometimes I even found it difficult to pee (leading me to constant drinking of water all day).

If I can not get any relief before tomorrow, I'm afraid I'll have to contact either my pcp or my neuro. And...I really don't want to do that. Maybe I'll run out to the store and stock up on some good probiotic yogurt. It's usually a part of my diet, but ran out while my parents were here.

Oh, and I'll be sure to check out the other post you told me about (the one someone said should be called the Poo Post ).

Originally Posted by readingteacher

Wow, thanks so much for the advice, everyone.

Ok, I can see by definition it is NOT an MS Hug; thanks Lillyheart!

I usually take 1 daily dose of Miralax b/c I've been told I have IBS. Plus, I have been careful to keep fiber in my diet as much as possible. However, I've found that I had to take it (Miralax) TWICE a day when the back problems got bad. In fact, I am very well acquainted with Miralax b/c my kids EACH developed chronic constipation as toddlers. Unfortunately, my second one is STILL on it (I think due to a lot of stress and not enough water intake).

One of the meds prescribed to me DOES have codeine in it, T-Job, but I've stopped taking it for that very reason. I already have rx strength Ibuprofen, in fact. I am sticking to that and my muscle relaxant for the pain.

In addition to Miralax, I've started taking Magnesium supplements with meals AND I have (sparingly) been taking a stool softener. I also recently bought an item that would give me the option of "joining the fleet" Bob. Kinda holding off, but getting desperate.

Today, I've had none of the terrible squeezing sensations, but (even with all of the above help) my pipes are COMPLETELY plugged! Sometimes I even found it difficult to pee (leading me to constant drinking of water all day).

If I can not get any relief before tomorrow, I'm afraid I'll have to contact either my pcp or my neuro. And...I really don't want to do that. Maybe I'll run out to the store and stock up on some good probiotic yogurt. It's usually a part of my diet, but ran out while my parents were here.

Oh, and I'll be sure to check out the other post you told me about (the one someone said should be called the Poo Post ).

I accidentally hit a key before I was done; meant "The Poo Poo" thread to which (Bob?) referred. Also wanted to say that I'm glad I'm not the only one.

Sherry

[Bob698]

I used to swear by pro-biotic yogurt but it stopped working after a while.
What I do now is buy the pro-biotic capsules (ie, Phillip's Colon Health) and take one or two a day only on the days I need them. I'm not dumping on PB yogurt, in your case it just might not have the "shock and awe" you might need.

That's the good news, BTW.
I went thru the constipation hassles for a couple of years but things have gotten a lot better lately on their own.
It wasn't due to diet change or pills. They helped but it seems more like its one of those MS Things we get to deal with.

Originally Posted by Bob698

I used to swear by pro-biotic yogurt but it stopped working after a while.
What I do now is buy the pro-biotic capsules (ie, Phillip's Colon Health) and take one or two a day only on the days I need them. I'm not dumping on PB yogurt, in your case it just might not have the "shock and awe" you might need.

That's the good news, BTW.
I went thru the constipation hassles for a couple of years but things have gotten a lot better lately on their own.
It wasn't due to diet change or pills. They helped but it seems more like its one of those MS Things we get to deal with.

I've gone through the constipation hassles before, Bob; just not this bad. I am happy to report that "things are moving again" but only b/c I'm trying just about every trick I know (mag. tablets, fluids, Miralax 2x/day, fiber, and the one dreaded "fleet").

The one conversation I had with the nurse from my PCP's office ended up with the advice: "Just keep doing what you're doing until you're back to normal. Call us if it gets worse." So...you (or another poster) were right about contacting the doctor's office.

Well, I certainly hope this "MS thing we have to deal with" (and I realize that it truly is one of those; happens every time I have difficulty with my core muscles )...will "run its course" soon and be gone for a good long while.

Thanks again, Bob.

[Bob698]

You have to remember, this is one of those "gray area" topics when it comes to Drs.
Neuros specialize in the nervous system and brain. They may or may not have the experience when it comes to muscle groups.
Ask a GP or Ent Doc and the first thing they may say is "No no no no. Muscle movements in the abdomen are more reflexive and automatic". Sometimes we have to remind them that automatic or not, not much is going to happen if the signals are blocked or cross-wired.

BTW, almost forgot to mention it but how much are you walking a day? Walking can help a lot in keeping the train rolling.

BTW2, congrats on having to worry about running out of TP again.

[newbie but goodie]

Weight gain from gabapentin That explains so much... I wish there was something else that worked as well that would make me LOSE weight!

[CougarMama]

Readingteacher,

I've found that Miralax, walking (as little as 1 mile a day, which is all I can manage anyway), lots of water and whole grains help. It also turned out that adding a little protein to my diet helped (which I thought would have the opposite effect but who am I to argue with results)

You mentioned that you were diagnosed with IBS. My GI doctor (who will actually talk about constipation instead of running for the door) mentioned a new medication for constipation predominant IBS. I'm sure you are not looking for another medication but if it continues to be a problem it might be worth asking about.

Take care!