I can't respond right now, but soon I will private message you and tell you my recent experience and the only thing that has helped.

Hi Freelee, I include raisin bran and many fiber foods in my diet. My intestines are slow moving and the added fiber helps a lot. I will have constipation issues too. I eat several small meals a day instead of three big meals. The small meals make a difference to help my intestines move. I have some control in not feeling so uncomfortable with smaller meals. I will also drink plenty of water/fluids daily which helps too.

I take Cellcept which has been most helpful. I work hard to try and keep my pipes clean to feel better. I have had a recent small flare, and I was amazed at how much better my lower intestines feel with a small increase in Prednisone. I will be hearing from my doctor next week about my blood work. More small medication adjustments might be coming for me. Slow intestines can mean bacterial build up so work to keep those pipes clean. Losing some weight also helps me feel and function better too.

You are not alone! I hope these tips help. Best Wishes.

Hi Freelee. I certainly have some of these problems and I believe they are caused by the medication I am taking fir my PM. Hope your tests are ok. Best wishes. Autumm

I've had the opposite. Consistant loose stool. Since I've cut out "whites" and sugar from my diet, it has gotten lots better. I do think it is the disease. I know my digestion is impacted. It is all muscles.

I take a probiotic supplement 2x/day (called ultimate flora (in the refrigerated section at whole foods)) It helps keep me regular. Also, a good deal of our immune health depends on a healthy gut...and living with DM, my immune system can use all the help it can get! ;)

I hope you feel better soon! Take care.

Freelee I have had them all, The muscles do not close up well at top of stomach, so the epigastric pain is the acids or foods irritating that area, anti acid meds help some of us... Eating a long time before sleep helps some too. I have had urine leaking in drips, a stream or not at all related to muscle weakness, it is one of my first signs of a flare... Also some constipation and loosing stool when i do not expect that, again all muscle issues, and they go when i am doing well with my medical treatments...

Stomach bloating that comes and goes, stomach gas,loose stools most days, urinary tract issues etc. This disease, in my opinion, is the root of all of these issues and more. It's cray to try to explain to others why we don't feel well. When one issue clears another rears it's ugly head. Before I was diagnosed, I tool a list of everything that was bothering me and the doctor said, " you are all over he place." He couldn't fathom that this was all from one illness.