FUMS 081 - Butts, Guts, and MS with Neurogastroenterologist Dr. David Levinthal

As part of the rich buffet of joy that MS lays out for us, problems with your gut and pooping have to be right at the top of the charts - or the shit-list, if you will.

Just to state it for the record, not everyone with MS will have these issues - as we know, MS isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. But it is something that a lot of people deal with, which is why we’re covering it here.

So my guest today is Dr. David Levinthal, the Director of the Neurogastroenterology and Motility Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre. Dr. Levinthal got his doctorate in Neuroscience and has a particular interest in functional and motility disorders of the GI tract, and GI symptoms that arise in the context of neurological disorders, including MS.

So as far as gut issues and MS are concerned, it’s safe to say that he knows his shit! 

Topics covered in this episode include:

What are the GI issues which commonly affect people with MS? How neural circuitry interacts with the gutWhy are these issues overrepresented in people with MS?Current experiments with brain stimulationNew developments, treatment options, and Dr. Levinthal’s current focusWhat on earth is the Bristol Stool Chart?!

Resources for this episode (clickable links):

Get your copy of Kathy’s ebook with Erin Glace: "Bowel and Bladder Issues in Multiple Sclerosis by Two Pee Brains With Potty Mouths Talking Shit About MS"Connect with Dr. Levinthal on Twitter and view his Clinical Provider PageVisit the American Neurogastro­enterology and Motility Society websiteWeb MD page about The Bristol Stool ChartHelp keep FUMS alive at the FUMS Podcast Patreon page Sign up for the Patients Getting Paid course email waiting list

** Sign up for The FUMS 6-Pack here: The FUMS 6-Pack.

~ Special thanks to my podcast editor Steve Woodward. Do you have a podcast or are you interested in starting a pod? I HIGHLY recommend adding Steve to your team. Find him at PodcastingEditor.com