Easy remote study for PALS on urinary symptoms

[Nikki J]

 

[KimT]

I have all the symptoms mentioned. Went to urologist twice. I’ll participate. Thanks, Nikki.

 

[GXTrex]

Does ALS affect the ability to urinate? My dad was unable to urinate at all and needed a permanent catheter. His neurologist and urologist said it was completely unrelated to his ALS and was caused by other issues (such as an enlarged prostate).

Is that not true?

He also had severe constipation which I assume was ALS/sedentary related.

 

[Nikki J]

Your dad was seen by specialists who found another cause. Yes some PALS experience urinary issues but not being able to void at all due to ALS would be exceedingly rare. Prostate issues however are very common in older men. I think a lot of urinary issues related to MND are UMN Certainly those with PLS seem to have them. Constipation unfortunately is a big issue with PALS due to immobility diet weak abdominals and sometimes not enough fluid intake

 

[KimT]

I would urge anyone with constipation to start using a stool softener (Colace Clear works) along with enough magnesium. The last thing you need is an anal fissure or hemorrhoids. I've had both when I was still able to walk and swim a good amount each day. I ended up having a procedure to rid myself of the internal hemorrhoids and it took another couple of months on Colace and a higher dose of magnesium to heal the fissure. All that and I still had strong abdominal strength. Fiber alone just doesn't do it when you're not able to move around. Also, all PALS should drink lots of H2O. Don't stop drinking water just because you don't want to be a burden of getting to the toilet. There are ways around urination.