Constipation - Mom on hospice (and on soft diet) is constipated - suppository & food suggestions?

HeyDforDaughter

Hello All,

Mom was discharged on Sunday from SNF  to home for hospice care. She is on soft diet due to recent stroke. Her bowel movement since discharge indicate constipation and some impaction. In addition to some doses of Senna, Hospice nurse gave her a suppository last night which was productive (somewhat). But I can see more bowel movement in there and have called the Hospice nurse for another suppository visit. I feel bad but I just can't do it myself. The nurse who did it last night wasn't very instructive and Mom was very uncomfortable with the insertion. Anyway, after her productive bowel movement, Mom does seems less restless and anxious. I have increased her fluids including prune juice and adding more fiber (oatmeal, cut up vegetables, etc.)

Would love to any suggestions for food that I can chop or puree that would help her (and avoid) constipation and any constipation treatment that worked for you (over the counter, prescribed or natural).

Thank you all as always

M1

HeyD, get some polyethylene glycol (brand name Miralax but generics are cheaper) and mix a capful in water or juice (or any liquid really, it completely dissolves).  Not as immediate as a suppository but a daily dose will keep her out of trouble.  Usually works pretty quickly, just in a day or two.  Safe to give as long as she is having oral intake.

numb

Hospice said my hubby can have 6-8 Senna a day but  I feel they are not working. Have also used Miralax.     

Suppositories ( or just the "insertion" ) seem to get him going. 

mommyandme (m&m)

Generic Mirilax is a daily staple in our camp.  Moms completely incontinent but we haven’t had a problem. Good luck!

Jo C.

Miralax is very effective and is what was recommended by our two physicians.  Miralax is not an immediate actor; it takes from one to three days for it to be effective, but effective it really is; it is safe and it does not cause cramping as some of the other laxatives are prone to do.  Miralax draws extra water into the stool making it softer and easier to move and appears to be well tolerated by the elderly, but it is best to consult with your doctor about laxatives.

NOTE:  Many times, medications can be the culprit for constipation.  Do take a look at the side effects of each med.  If this is part of the problem, I personally would not stop the med as it may be a crucial need, but I would consult the physician about it.

You are doing well with increasing fiber and using prunes which are indeed helpful as per  studies that have been done. Adequate water intake is best, so if you can get fluids in, that too may be helpful.  We have used Miralax and it really did work well and was gentle.  It dissolves into nothing in water or other fluids and has no taste.  I liked the idea that it can be used often, even daily if necessary; but again, please consult your doctor about the frequency of any laxative use as done with any medication.

Best of wishes being sent your way from one daughter to another,

J.

HeyDforDaughter

Thank you all. Since Mom's big BM's with the help of a suppository and Senna. She has had a day without any BMs but her appetite remains good. The Senna dosage was reduced since I reported to the hospice nurse that she has some watery like leakage. Feel like I'm walking the fine tight rope between not wanting her to be either constipated or have diarrhea and to keep feeding her so she doesn't lose more weight. Seems like every food suggested to make her gain weight is constipating and over treating the constipation could lead to loose stools and make her dehydrated and/or lose weight. Anyway, would love to know of any high caloric snacks that are good to give her between meals. Thanks again.

Martin Robbins

Miralax constipated my mother because she did not consume enough fluids.

Magnesium citrate in liquid form worked best.