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.

Big Papa2760 · October 7

My DW doctor prescribed (CLEARLAX 17-gram powder4 TO 8 ounces water. As needed.) After her first BM we cut it down to 1/2 capful in the morning.

Big Papa2760 · October 7

Scooterr · October 8

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/255431#Comment_255431

We've always relied on the old faithful prune juice, which in the pass has never let us down. Now that DW has progress deeper into the dementia world it has become more difficult to keep things moving. We've now tried what SDianel has posted and it works great. A combination of prune juice, prunes and Swiss Kriss Herbal Lax. It works just in case you get to that point.

Lorita · October 8

Hsvr you tried sauerkraut? I haven't read all the responses but my doctor says that's something that will work. I was going ito suggest Senokot but saw you have tried that. Just try a spoonful.or two of sauerkraut with his meals. Good luck.

Bagle · October 8

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

we have been going through the same thing. Got a referral today to the gastroenterologist and was told they could help. Things are better for us with a bm every other day. Before it was every five days! Poor thing! Currently at night: senna, dulcolax, and magnesium glycinate. My daughter who is a nurse said this is the common hospital “cocktail”. It was helping but have added 2 Mira fast in the morning. But still bm every two days. I will repost after the gastrointestinal doc visit if we get good results.

persevere · October 9

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/255654#Comment_255654

Thanks Scooterr. Working through a bout of it now. Usually a half of a laxative will get things going as a last resort. I am concerned lately that she doesn’t urinate as frequently as usual. I don’t detect any uti and I have antibiotics that I give her when I think she might. By the way, on the second day of serequol. Jury’s still out. I see some improvement. It knocks her out for the first hour or two.

help!! constipation

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Hsvr you tried sauerkraut? I haven't read all the responses but my doctor says that's something that will work. I was going ito suggest Senokot but saw you have tried that. Just try a spoonful.or two of sauerkraut with his meals. Good luck.

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