help!! constipation

Scooterr · October 3

DW has been battling constipation for sometime now. We've (me and hospice) been though the gauntlet of meds. Frist we've done the old faithful prunes and prune juice. Now we're at the point of meds and stool softeners from senna-s, to polyeth glyc powder and the list goes on. Over a period of 3days I finally will resort to a suppository. I absolutely do not want to use the suppository, I want DW to have a natural bowl movement. Now this being said, I'm I pushing her bowl movement issue to fast (is 3 days without one not really a issue?) Knowing her body has slowed away down because of the progression of her disease. Has anyone had or going through this? Any info would be helpful.

annie51 · October 3

I was worried just this morning about that very thing with DH. Today was Day 4 and I was prepared to try MiraLAX or the Dulcolax pills. Both have worked in the past. I didn’t need to use them after all but after 3 days I start worrying.

Metta · October 3

DH has needed metamucil daily in his morning smoothie and a cup of smooth move (senna) tea daily to have a BM every 4 days or so. There were two times when an enema (last resort) was necessary after 6 days of constipation.

I also feed cantaloupe or watermelon daily, and veggies whenever possible.

Sorry you are facing this. It can be scary to see the bloat and worry.

ronda b · October 3

When I worked as a aid, we would give coffee with prune juice i. It. It usually always worked and didn't cramp them. Now as a retired nurse i still use it on DH occasionally, usually works. They are both stimulates.

ronda b · October 3

tonyac2 · October 3

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/255240#Comment_255240

I give watermelon quite often as well. My DH’s bowels move pretty consistently every four days. Earlier in this journey I took him to ER, doc wasn’t worried as it hadn’t been a week yet since he last went. Since he’s inactive I’m good with every four days.

Scooterr · October 3

Thank you guys much for your input it's reassuring. I think I've been hitting the panic button to fast.

Milo4455 · October 3

Thanks for the info, we are now experiencing this as well. Miralax has worked, but going to try the prune juice in coffee

SDianeL · October 4

I found this worked for both me (after sepsis) and my DH. Swiss Kriss Herbal Laxative. With prunes and juice, 6 prunes at night and half cup of prune juice in the morning with hot coffee before breakfast.

SDianeL · October 4

Scooterr · October 4

Thank you SDianel! We will sure try it.

mroberts8 · October 5

Doctor suggested Metamucil and two Dulcolax pills daily. Solved the problem for now. This is on top of our normal high fiber vegetarian / Mediterranean diet.

Robert1320 · October 5

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/74277/help-constipation

Um, I used to work in a LTCF. When all else failed, it was my job to do a digital extraction on males.

Digital means using a well-lubricated, gloved finger. It did work every time.

M5M · October 5

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/255393#Comment_255393

Robert, you are a trooper!! I doubt many of us want to try that, but it is good to know it will work.

M5M · October 5

Regarding Miralax, I resorted to it after stool softeners and prune juice weren't enough. DH had gone 5 days without a movement, and was exhausted from "trying" one afternoon, which left him weak and weary for 24 hours. I gave him the full dose of Miralax and he had results within 12 hours. I gave full dose for a few days, but have adjusted down to about 1/2 teaspoon daily in his morning hot tea. He typically has a movement every 2-3 days. I think if I had kept him of full dose, he would have messy stools and I figured we didn't want that as it would increase risk of accidents.

persevere · October 6

Hey Scooterr, I experience this with my DW frequently. I start easy with prune juice and/ or smooth move tea (Publix carries this in tea section). Then on to laxitives if necessary. I too get worried after about 3 even though she doesn’t eat as much lately. I also think she does better if I’m giving her magnesium regularly.

help!! constipation

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