Colitis/explosive diarrhea/bidet brands

Illinois100

Hello, My Mom has Alzheimer’s and has colitis with explosive diarrhea. She is no longer able to wipe after a bowel movement and gets her hand in her depends and smears it everywhere. My Dad is trying to watch for signs of a bowel movement but it seems like she’ll feel like she needs to go and then bam, she doesn’t make it to the toilet. It would really help him if you have any tips related to dealing with explosive diarrhea? Certain diets or anything else. He is so overwhelmed cleaning her up over and over. Her doctors can’t seem to find a solution yet. I’d hate for her to no longer be able to stay in her home because of a bowel problem she can’t control. If the diarrhea could be helped, it would be such a weight off for my Dad. It would also ease a lot of stress as she gets mad at my Dad for having her go to the toilet sometimes. Like she feels offended or embarrassed.

Also, I have read on here about portable bidets on a toilet being helpful. Is there any way someone could recommend a model or brand?

The diarrhea is what is creating so much stress.

Thank you so much for any advice or experience, Paige Hartranft

ButterflyWings

Welcome but sorry you need to join us here.

There are lots of posts on this forum about meds causing diarrhea. Could that be the case? Also, your mom's Dr. needs to be consulted asap. Maybe an urgent phone call right now even to speak with after hours nurse? She can't be comfortable, something very serious may be occurring medically, and your poor dad...yes I can imagine how awful this is for both of them. They are lucky to have you for support as well.

I found this thread for now, as it may give you some immediate ideas until other members come along.

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/137937#Comment_137937

harshedbuzz

Hi and welcome.

Is your mom being seen and actively treated by a GI doctor? If not, it would be a good idea. There may be meds and dietary approaches that could improve this situation for both of them.

As to bidets. The brand my plumber nephew recommends is a Toto Washlet. For a PWD, you'd want the heated water and the handheld remote control for the caregiver. That said, I know a few folks who've introduced the bidet too late in the disease process and found it upset them.

HB

Illinois100

Thank you both

Banders

My mother had bad diarrhea and her dr. prescribed Dicyclomine (generic for Bentyl) which has seemed to help.

leilani

I'm so sorry that you & Parents are going through this. But, I understand completely. My LO with FLD doesn't have colitis, but at one point had frequent bowel accidents. I took full control of her diet and monitored her bowel habits. She is on a strict schedule to curb her accidents. She can no longer go to the toilet on her own, or let us know when she has to go. I toilet my LO often. Whether she has to go or not. Every 30 minutes after a meal and about 1.5 hours in-between. It can seem excessive, but it sure has stopped the frustration and the high cost of depends. Sure, we still have accidents, but very seldom. I have her during the day and another family member cares for her at night, so we are not overwhelmed. We each have a full day off on the weekends and run a pretty tight ship. One thing we've learned....you can't do it alone. You must have outside help to lessen the load. Hugs

Elshack

My DH has Crohn's disease which causes frequent uncontollabe diarrhea. Check with the Dr and also ask if Imodium would help. This got so severe that I had to put him in Memory Care since his AD worsened and I could no longer take care of his 4x a day explosive diarrhea.