In my case, my doctor seems to accept this as one of the common problems, or
side-problems of TM. He says we just have to keep things moving, one way or
another. That is the most important thing. If it doesn't keep moving, no
matter how slowly, then we will have another problem. We have tried
Thera-Vac, little mini-enema capsules, which I read on the description sheet,
was prescribed for Spinal Cord Injury patients. It didn't work for me, so
have shelved that product. I take Fibercon daily, and two laxative tablets
(over the counter) nightly. Plus, all the nectarine, peach and apricot trees
in the area are producing abundantly this year, so have to eat them as fast
as we pick them. That seems to do the job, although it is still only working
every three to four days. But watch out, on that fourth day! I just have to
stay close to a bathroom all day.
Also, I can't "push" like I used to do, to get it out. I have to sort of
rock back and forth to "move" it. And as you describe it, it sounds like I
have the same problem, that the sphincter muscles are not expanding to
accomodate. So just rocking back and forth, it finally comes out.
Is your doctor a neurologist, or neuro-surgeon? When I first returned to
California, I had been referred to a neuro-surgeon, and he didn't seem to
know or care to know about the bowel-bladder problems. What he said to me
was "I am an upstairs doctor, not a downstairs doctor, don't ask me". That
was my one and only visit with him!
Anyway, I hope my experience helps you somehow.
Debbie
dcapen(AT)ivic.net
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