Bowel problems and coping strategies in people with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disease, estimated to affect 100,000 people in the UK. Bowel symptoms are reported to be common in MS, with constipation affecting 29-43% and faecal incontinence affecting just over 50%. Both have an impact on quality of life. Very little is known about how people with MS manage their bowels and the effectiveness of different interventions. We conducted a 2-part survey of people with MS and bowel problems. MS Society members were invited to participate in an online survey: 155 replied. 47 people additionally filled in a more detailed postal questionnaire. In this self-selected sample, 34% spend more than 30 minutes a day managing their bowel. Managing bowel function was rated as having an impact equal to mobility difficulties on quality of life. Respondents used a wide range of strategies to manage their bowel but few were rated as very helpful. There is a need for high quality research on all aspects of managing bowel dysfunction in MS in order to improve patients' quality of life.