When my husband was complaining about being constipated, I turned to the internet where I found that they defined constipation as having bowel movements less than 3 times a week. He was within this range so I wasn’t too concerned. Then I learned that People with Parkinson’s really need to have a movement once a day or they become uncomfortable and blocked. This disease damages the nerves that support his digestive system slowing the entire process which results in bloating and gastric distress. I should have been listening to him.

In addition to the discomfort, there is a small area in the gut where my husband’s PD medication is best absorbed by the body. This is why his doctors always recommend that he drink a full glass of water when taking his carbidopa levodopa, they want it to pass through the stomach and hit that target in the gut for best efficacy. If constipation has backed up his intestinal tract, the medication cannot get there.

Traditional treatments for constipation are the same whether you have PD or not, eat fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber and drink lots of water. Many doctors will also recommend exercise as a way to encourage movement. My husband’s neurologist added a stool softener for a while and then switched to a mild osmotic laxative to help regulate his system. Constipation is a serious challenge for my husband, I am thankful we are able to talk about it as we work together to find a solution.