Bathroom Issues/Questions

Norma W

Sorry if this is TMI but I'm consulting my village about this.

From what I can tell, LO hasn't had a bowel movement in about two weeks.  We've given her stool softeners.  The first round worked quite well but I haven't seen evidence of a BM since then.  We've given more stool softeners (as suggested by one of her doctors) but I don't think she's actually had a 'movement' since then.

She can still move around on her own power and go to the bathroom but I can always tell when she's gone because she throws her toilet paper in the trash can and not the toilet.  I haven't seen any evidence of such in the toilet or trash can.

I've also noticed she's becoming incontinent.  Lately she wets her Depends which is new for her.  It seems like a crazy coincidence that the BMs have stopped and she's wetting herself.  We have learned how to decipher her 'language' and nothing points to constipation.

I'm worried about sepsis but she isn't running a fever. When my son was very young he had bad constipation and would hold it in for days so I can recognize the signs for that.

Anyone else have an issue like this?

DrinaJGB

She may have a bowel obstruction/impaction which is serious. Perhaps her doctor should be consulted.

Battlebuddy

   Going through this right now. The thing that worked for us were  the Senna pills. It’s a plant and the pills are red. Also I had to resort to suppositories which is obviously something no one wants to learn how to do but suppository will stimulate a bowel movement in 15 to 60 minutes. And beware it comes out FAST so be prepared. 

   Good Luck. 

towhee

First, I would advise calling the doctor again and advising about the urinary incontinence. Make sure to tell the doctor about the extent of her food intake. He might advise a visit, or other measures.

Several things- It might be helpful for you to keep a closer eye on her bathroom visits. PWD can change their habits, she could be putting toilet paper in the commode now, or she could be putting it under the sink or in a drawer, you never know.

Older people sometimes do not run a fever when they are ill. You need to look at other things than temperature. They will not always have the same symptoms as a young child.

You said that you had learned "her language". Are you keeping track of her appetite? If she is eating less each day for several days, no appetite, that can be a sign of constipation. If she has been eating significantly less for several weeks, or primarily eating a liquid diet, it might take her longer to have a bowel movement. If she seems lethargic, depressed, or more anxious and irritable, any behavior out of the ordinary, that can be a sign of constipation. Impacted bowels are not good, I would err on the side of caution.

Also, has she had any medication change in the last few weeks? Sometimes that can have an impact.

DrinaJGB

If she is not drinking enough which is very common in both the elderly and PWD she could be dehydrated which would lead to constipation as well as a UTI. UTI would also possibly explain the incontinence. And it is true--the elderly frequently do not run a fever even with a UTI.

Norma W

Thanks everyone for the good advice.  So yesterday was eventful.  Let's just say she made up for not going the last 10 days or so.