# Constipation - Ataxia or not? **URL:** \ **Category:** General\ **Created:** [March 1, 2018, 4:25pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618 "2018-03-01T16:25:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Pfall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecae2f/32.png) [@Pfall](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/u/Pfall)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2024, 9:10pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618/101 "2024-08-15T21:10:47Z")
I’m OK. You fell backward and I slipped in the shower at about the same time. Recovery took awhile. ---
**Author:** ![manjad](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwithataxia.org/manjad/32/5001_2.png) [@manjad](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/u/manjad)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 6:45am UTC](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618/102 "2025-05-05T06:45:20Z")
Yes, I tend to be permanently constipated since my Ataxia got worse. What really helps me is eating a few dried prunes during the daytime. That’s also what they used to give to my mother in the nursing home, when she was wheelchair bound all day… ---
**Author:** ![Chas521](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwithataxia.org/chas521/32/5683_2.png) [@Chas521](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/u/Chas521)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2025, 2:16pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618/103 "2025-05-05T14:16:33Z")
Also important is to eat dietary fiber during the day as well as drinking 8 glasses of water. ---
**Author:** ![Beryl\_Park](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwithataxia.org/beryl_park/32/5716_2.png) [@Beryl\_Park](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/u/Beryl_Park)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2025, 7:40am UTC](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618/104 "2025-05-06T07:40:59Z")
When mobility is severely affected it can make problems with constipation worse….the digestive system can get sluggish. Over the years I’ve always had issues..probably because I was dehydrated, I always drank coffee….hardly ever just water. Now..I’m careful to sip water during meals, to break up stodgy food and hopefully alleviate potential problems. ---
**Author:** ![Patsy](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwithataxia.org/patsy/32/3_2.png) [@Patsy](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/u/Patsy)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 10:13am UTC](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618/105 "2025-05-07T10:13:38Z")
I always read posts relating to constipation. At 82years and late onset CA, it’s always been a problem. I have dealt with it in numerous ways but in phases. When one thing stops working, I try another. However I now have reverse and not wanting tests or treatment, just the poo lab home tests, I have presumed diagnosis of IBS. I definitely consider it to be ataxia related and very pleased to see it discussed over the years. I have consolation at the moment, I can eat cheese. ---
**Author:** ![Chas521](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwithataxia.org/chas521/32/5683_2.png) [@Chas521](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/u/Chas521)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2025, 3:05pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618/106 "2025-05-12T15:05:21Z")
Have you tried Miralax? I go to a Gastro MD. He suggested Miralax which is not a laxative. It works with the water in your system and it softens the waste so it’s easier to pass. Plus you can take it more than the 7 days without it becoming a problem. Just drink a lot of water during the day. ---
**Author:** ![Chas521](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwithataxia.org/chas521/32/5683_2.png) [@Chas521](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/u/Chas521)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2025, 3:07pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618/107 "2025-06-03T15:07:45Z")
I still think that constipation is connected with Ataxia. I’m not saying that all constipation means that the person has Ataxia but muscle control and coordination are required to make things move. Am I wrong? ---
**Author:** ![Beryl\_Park](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwithataxia.org/beryl_park/32/5716_2.png) [@Beryl\_Park](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/u/Beryl_Park)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 8:11am UTC](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618/108 "2025-06-05T08:11:51Z")
As a young child..I had Acute Appendicitis. My appendix burst, and I had abscesses. I recall being told not to become constipated…I’ve never forgotten. 🤔I think my issues stem from this…but I am aware that I don’t keep sufficiently hydrated which doesn’t help. ---
**Author:** ![Chas521](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwithataxia.org/chas521/32/5683_2.png) [@Chas521](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/u/Chas521)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 1:15pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618/109 "2025-06-05T13:15:37Z")
So sorry to hear of that Beryl. Yes, my Gastro MD told me to drink 8 glasses of water each day even if I wasn’t thirsty. Also you can even drink 100% fruit juices. Decaf coffee is better than caf coffee. ---
**Author:** ![Beryl\_Park](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwithataxia.org/beryl_park/32/5716_2.png) [@Beryl\_Park](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/u/Beryl_Park)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2025, 2:58pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618/110 "2025-06-05T14:58:38Z")
🙂I’m drinking juice right now. I did change to decaf coffee 👍 ---
**Author:** ![Chas521](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwithataxia.org/chas521/32/5683_2.png) [@Chas521](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/u/Chas521)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2025, 3:27pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618/111 "2025-06-10T15:27:05Z")
Hope that liquid is helping 😁 ---
**Author:** ![Beryl\_Park](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwithataxia.org/beryl_park/32/5716_2.png) [@Beryl\_Park](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/u/Beryl_Park)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2025, 4:42pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618/112 "2025-06-10T16:42:36Z")
🙂 I had good intentions…but inevitably lost track of time and wasn’t able to fit enough liquid into my day …so back to starting from scratch 🤞 ---
**Author:** ![manjad](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwithataxia.org/manjad/32/5001_2.png) [@manjad](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/u/manjad)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2026, 4:11pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618/113 "2026-03-26T16:11:32Z")
My neurologist says constipation is often a complication of Ataxia. I had constipation problems for months, trying all sort of laxatives. At one tme my gut woudn’t produce anything for three weeks and they suspected a blockage, as they could not administer an edema. After a colonoscopy - which was fine- I felt better. The following months however, I felt like a rabbit, as I only produced hard little pellets. More drinking and movement did not help! Then I stopped eating meat (mainly steaks) and replaced that with brown beans! Perfect! I’m completely back to normal! (My breakfast consists of Musli with oat milk). Just an idea! ---
**Author:** ![Chas521](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwithataxia.org/chas521/32/5683_2.png) [@Chas521](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/u/Chas521)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2026, 8:01pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618/114 "2026-03-26T20:01:42Z")
Beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber which your digestive system needs. Red meat is a no or very limited! ---
**Author:** ![Chas521](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwithataxia.org/chas521/32/5683_2.png) [@Chas521](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/u/Chas521)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2026, 7:42pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618/115 "2026-10-03T19:42:28Z")
Fiber helps prevent constipation or strain when you have bowel movement. FIBER FRIENDLY FOODS Vegetables: artichokes, beans, broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, lentils, leafy greens Fruits: avocado, apples, berries, peaches, pears, plums Whole grains: breads, cereals, oats, pastas Nuts and seeds: pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almonds, pistachios Mix it up. Add a variety of fibers at each meal but don’t overdue any one. ALSO MAKE SURE YOU DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. ---
**Author:** ![Chas521](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwithataxia.org/chas521/32/5683_2.png) [@Chas521](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/u/Chas521)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2026, 9:02pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618/116 "2026-10-04T21:02:35Z")
Just to add: look at dietary fiber on the label. [Previous page](https://forum.livingwithataxia.org/t/constipation-ataxia-or-not/6618.md?page=5)