Hi all. I’m still awaiting neurology appt on an urgent referral, but my gp is 99 percent sure I have MS. So …. Bowels…. I’m either constipated or runny. Sometimes both in one day. Any dietary or other advice? On a ‘runny’ day I ca also suffer bowel incontinence, which is hard to deal with if I’m out shopping. Secondly, MS hug. This seems to be becoming a regular daily issue. I darent stretch, or my side and ribs go into spasm. Only last a minute or two, but my sides ache afterwards as if I’m just done weights at the gym 
Finally dry mouth. I wake every day with an extremely dry mouth and my teeth also seem to be loosening? Just having a general moan and needing a shoulder to cry on xxxxx
Hi Barnsleynanna
A lot of us on here can sympathize, can your GP refer you to a continence clinic? In the meantime chia/flax seed can help dietary-wise, sprinkle a spoonful in pretty much anything from porridge to curry to smoothies. Helps regulate bowel movements.
As for the delightful hug, I think we may be stuck with that one, haven’t really found a way of prevent/stopping it - post hug, a warm/cool pad helps the muscles recover quicker.
For dry mouth, my Brother recommended sugar free fishermans friend lozenges - which helps through the day and reduces nighttime dry mouth a bit. Teeth could be a combination of all sorts of things, just keep on top of regular brushing, flossing, mouth-wash etc.
Having a grouse and getting some of the annoyance out is good for you, and the forum is an excellent virtual shoulder for crying on.
1 Like
Hiya Barnsley,
I agree with Theresa’s post & advice.
Continence, incontinence, bowels clogging & stuff impacting into an immovable solid mass, then becomes a waterfall or soiling…sound familiar?
It’s horrid, embarrassing, unthinkable but commonplace in our MS World.
Continence Nurses are the saviours. They assess you & your needs, they’re practical and completely matter of fact in stuff we don’t dream of discussing. So ask your GP for a prompt referral.
Whether you have MS or not, it seems you’d benefit from the NHS free Continence Service. Your GP should refer you irrespective of MS tests.
The benefit of a handful of milled flaxseed on cereal each morning will keep bowel activity regular & quite normal. Some yoghurt drinks with good gut bacteria give similar results.
The Service supplies 3 months worth of Pads at a time, on free prescription for each patient.
Getting over the embarrassment was my big hurdle but I’ve learned that medical staff are so accustomed to dealing with yukki topics, I found it easy to discuss such subjects.
Being protected by the pads is reassuring as they’re bigger & superior to the ones we can buy.
Dry mouth is horrid, I eat a lot of ice lollies OR, far more practical, I suck a hard boiled sweet or mints.
It’s distressing but the Continence Service will totally reassure you
Good luck
Chrissie
1 Like
Thank you so much Chrissie. Will ask gp for a referral to incontinence nurse xxxxx
Thanks Lizzie! A wealth of advice…. Don’t feel quite so alone any more with this forum ….. 
Thank you Theresa
If you have a neuro urology dept in your area they’d be able to assist you with a bowel irrigation unit like peristeen, and you’ll then get support from the coloplast team and they delive via DPD to your door. I have to say they very helpful.
1 Like
Totally agree with Animali re Peristeen.
Not a success for me though due to pain. My Supra pubic catheter was removed after 6 months of complications.
Continence Nurse always found alternatives8i.
For me, the only thing possible was a Colostomy bag but I had no faith after the SPC removal.
The problem was lesions on my spine & brain. Nerve endings relayed excruciating pain.
I opted for Pads supply. It can be messy & I struggle in the loo for over an hour, but I manage.
So Good Luck, the Continence Service will be a start to your freedom!
Chrissie xx
2 Likes