Question
I read somewhere that arthritis can have an effect on the water retention in the bowel to facilitate movement. My mom, a sister and I all three have arthritis and as of the past year all three of us are experiencing severe constipation and difficult and painful episodes with bowel movement. We are eating a lot of fruits and vegetables as recommended, drinking lots of water taking stool softening over the counter pills as well as over the counter laxatives with little success. I asked the colon/rectal surgeon who has done our colonoscopies about it and he did not seem to know of any relationship between these two. Can you shed some light on this subject?
Answer
I am not aware of any connection between constipation and arthritis.
