Trying Biofeedback for Parkinson's Gut Issues

I previously wrote an article about how biofeedback is used to help patients control some body functions such as heart rate and blood pressure among others. I found the topic interesting and wondered whether any types of biofeedback could be used to help Parkinson’s patients and their symptoms. The only personal experience I had was during a Lupus clinical trial many years ago. I did learn to lower my heart rate and my blood pressure at those sessions.

Parkinson's and stomach issues

Recently I have developed some ongoing digestive problems that are interfering with day to day life and causing a great deal of stress. After an esophageal stretch to ease a swallowing issue I began experiencing either chronic constipation or diarrhea. So many of the medications I take have this unpleasant side effect.

Several tests were done at the University of Virginia’s motility clinic including an endoscopy, an upper manometry and a lower manometry. Although most of the results were in the low to normal range something was definitely not working properly. Hopefully this is not TMI but my bowels never completely emptied which meant I was constantly running to the bathroom with a sense of urgency.

Apparently my brain was receiving false signals and I experienced no additional bowel movement. That kept me essentially confined to the part of the house closest to the bathroom with the easiest access. Much like a UTI my mobility was limited and I became more and more sedentary. At the same time I have been dealing with severe arthritis and am undergoing ablations on the nerves in my knees which limits my ability to exercise at present. Lack of movement contributes to constipation significantly.

None of the usual remedies worked. Metamucil went right through my system and stool softeners also caused massive diarrhea. At the same time I was frequently extremely constipated. The digestive specialist felt that I have an extremely sensitive rectal system. Thus began my exposure to anorectal biofeedback. I must admit I was quite apprehensive about the process initially.

My biofeedback experience

Although it may take up to 5 sessions, the first was an interesting beginning. I laid on my left side on the examination table and hooked up to sensors on my lower pelvic area and a catheter with a sensor in the rectum. I could see the screen and the therapist explained what I would do and wanted to accomplish. Getting the pelvic line to rise and fall below a specific line rapidly while causing the sphincter line to rise above it and remain elevated for a short period was the goal.

We did about 20 ten second intervals and I got better at it with time. I am hoping this training my body to relearn how to function properly will solve my issue along with a daily quarter dose of Citrucel and a diet higher in fiber.

According to the NIH there are very few clinics that employ this form of biofeedback due to cost and the number of sessions needed although there is an 80 percent success rate. I am so grateful my hospital uses this method of treatment. I now have my answer that biofeedback can be helpful in treating Parkinson’s patients.¹