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Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone had a colonoscopy with ms chronic constipation? Mine is bad and I am afraid I will have complications. Any suggestions?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Boston, MA
August 8
 · 
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A MyMSTeam Member

I don’t think you would need MiraLAX ahead of time because the prep beforehand makes you go to the bathroom.

August 10
MyMSTeam

Concerns about having a colonoscopy when dealing with chronic constipation from MS are completely understandable. Many MyMSTeam members deal with bowel issues, and it's one of the most commonly discussed topics in the community.

Chronic constipation is very common with MS — affecting up to 70% of people — and can be caused Show Full Answer

Concerns about having a colonoscopy when dealing with chronic constipation from MS are completely understandable. Many MyMSTeam members deal with bowel issues, and it's one of the most commonly discussed topics in the community.

Chronic constipation is very common with MS — affecting up to 70% of people — and can be caused by several factors:

- Slowed gut movement due to nerve signal disruption
- MS medications (especially opioid pain relievers)
- Reduced physical activity
- Dehydration
- Weak abdominal or pelvic floor muscles Before the colonoscopy, it's really important to talk openly with both your neurologist and the gastroenterologist performing the procedure about your MS and constipation severity. They can adjust the prep protocol to make it safer and more effective for you.

In the meantime, some things that may help manage constipation include:

- Increasing fiber through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Drinking at least 48 oz of water daily
- Using stool softeners or Miralax (as one MyMSTeam member found helpful)
- Suppositories or enemas if recommended by your doctor
- Light physical activity when possible
- Bowel training at a consistent time each day If certain MS medications are contributing to the constipation, your doctor may be able to temporarily adjust them around the time of the procedure.

The most important step is having an honest conversation with your care team beforehand — they deal with this more often than you might think! 💙

August 8
A MyMSTeam Member

Oh ok, well while you wait for you doctors office to respond just try to drink lots of water and stay away from high fiber foods, ( you probably are) I wish you lots of luck and I hope everything goes well for you.

August 10
A MyMSTeam Member

I know. It’s that I am not regular - and laxatives do not necessarily help me so I don’t know what will happen with the prep. I know they will have to give me an extended prep because of it. I will be talking to the nurse on our scheduled phone call but I wish I could talk to someone beforehand. It said to call them if you are really irregular and I did and as I stated no one has called me back yet. It’s probably ok and when I do get to talk to the nurse I will still have enough time to properly prepare. I’m probably overly concerned because of my history.

August 10
A MyMSTeam Member

I’m just curious if anyone had to take miralex or something else that might be better before they had to do the prep for the colonoscopy. It’s about the prep and I tried calling the nurse before my appointment with her for the prep phone call if I should start something ahead of time but, alas, she has not called me back. So, I will just wait for my phone call.

August 10

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