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I use Senna plus, prunes, prune juice, water, etc, but when those work, he has diarrhea we cannot control.

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I feel for you and this is a very common problem. Hydration is key, and it seems as though you might have that under control. Exercise or movement is important, too. Somewhere between all that you are doing, there must be a happy medium!

Remember that even if he doesn't have a BM every day, it might not mean he is constipated. As we age, our body functions slow down, our food intake usually decreases too. Food in, food out. Movement is important to the function of our bowels. Even the bedbound need to be rolled over side to side occasionally for food to make it's way through the intestines.

Usually a hot beverage in the morning works to encourage a BM. Diarrhea could just be the fluids passing around the solids and not necessarily solving the main problem. You might try an enema or suppository to clean him out and then use the stool softener only occasionally to supplement the prune juice.
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Thanks. He is nnder hospice care and not too mobile. I will try more of the hot beverage. I know that after the first sip of coffee, I am running!
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There you go! That's what I mean.
Ask the hospice nurse about the method for turning him to facilitate bowel function. However, he might not be getting enough food in him to make a daily movement necessary.
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Yogurt with active cultures is also very helpful (and yummy). You could add fibrous fruit to it, or make it into a smoothie.
Angel
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Thanks, I tried the yogurt with strawberry so we will see! He walks, but only walks to bed and bathroom! So hard!
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one tablespoon full of chia seeds softened in boiling water . 10,000 heroin junkies cant all be wrong .
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Mum has this problem from having IBS she veers between constipation to the point of bowel impaction and diarrhoea so it is a bit of a nightmare. When all is functioning I find water to hydrate movement etc brilliant but when not so good I was gibing mum movicol/laxido/a drink that helps a bowel movement.
Over the years as her mobility has declined and drinking too much has reduced her sodium levels the docs now recommend she has this laxative EVERY day so as not to cause sinoidal waves of constipation and this does seem to work really well. My advice would be to ask your doc or local pharmacist - I am sure they will be able to offer advice. just remember that a lot of meds especially painkillers can contribute to constipation so she may need to have a review of those too. xxxx
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Fruit and Vegetables, I eat orange, Apple, banana every morning. Mom eats orange and banana. Fiber one cereal. She has to let it soak to soften. Her teeth are bad.
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OK ITS NOT HEALTHY - I am saying that up front so I dont get complaints but
1 cup (bucket if you so wish doesnt matter as long as its equal measures)of each of the following
All bran
Sugar
Dried fruit
Milk or tea (depending on lactose tolerance but it works better in my opinion with milk)
Put all those ingredients into a bowl (bath if you used a bucket of each!!!) and let it sit covered overnight.
In the morning add a cup of what we call self raising flour (self rising over there?) stir in well and pour into a loaf tin lined with greased paper - bake in a moderate oven for about 45-60 minutes depends on the heat this caKE IS NOT A TROPICAL FLOWER IT WILL LET YOU PRETTY MUCH COOK ANYWAY THAT IS NOT TOO HOT.

Let it cool and then cut into slices and serve with butter on (none of this margarine stuff - real butter!!!!! Oh and just to disgust you all I like cheese with it too! What can I say im a brit and proud of it (even if I would rather live in the states)
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My mother was told to lay off the coffee, it us a diuretic and causes constipation from lack of water in your system.
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My 87 year old Mom has recently been constipated. She normally goes daily, but since she started taking an antibiotic for her bronchitis, her bowel habits have changed. Her nurse said the antibiotics would have an opposite effect and that it lack of water causing it. I do believe this is the case since she recently was advised to take in 3 large glasses of water at max, including her other beverages since she has congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease. She has also decreased her intake of food, so that has a lot to do with it to. Food in, waste out. Her physical activity has decreased as well since she began needing to use a walker. She does have physical therapy visits twice a week so that helps get her moving some. We have used prune juice as well. (Warm it before serving.) She drinks a cup of decaf coffee every morning after her glass of orange juice. The visiting nurse suggested Mirolax. The doctor said that was fine, but advised to use a Fleet enema. I went to the pharmacy to get one and found they make a saline based one and another with mineral oil. I asked the pharmacists which one I should use and she suggested the mineral oil enema-that one is gentler on the older people. The packaging on the saline type said to ask your doctor if you are over the age of 55 before using. The saline acts faster so it could cause more stomach cramping. I googled information about the Fleet enema and there were some negative comments about it. I decided to use the Mirolax first. I also made my Mom one of the fruit drinks that I make for myself each morning. It's 2 cups of cold filtered water, 1 cup of organic kale greens. Blended in my Ninja, then add 1 tablespoon of organic ground flaxseed, 1/2 chopped apple, 10 seedless grapes, 4 large strawberries and some chopped mango. (You can use the frozen mixed fruit from the store too.) You may add a tablespoon of Agave sweetener if you like. Blend until smooth. I added the Mirolax to it and she drank all of it last night. This morning, she had a bowel movement. Hopefully this did the trick. Now to keep her hydrated and balanced is the next step. Just as they say, everything in moderation and your diet should be balanced with enough fruit, veggies, grains, protein and dairy.
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My 87 year old Mom has recently been constipated. She normally goes daily, but since she started taking an antibiotic for her bronchitis, her bowel habits have changed. Her nurse said the antibiotics would have an opposite effect and that it lack of water causing it. I do believe this is the case since she recently was advised to take in 3 large glasses of water at max, including her other beverages since she has congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease. She has also decreased her intake of food, so that has a lot to do with it to. Food in, waste out. Her physical activity has decreased as well since she began needing to use a walker. She does have physical therapy visits twice a week so that helps get her moving some. We have used prune juice as well. (Warm it before serving.) She drinks a cup of decaf coffee every morning after her glass of orange juice. The visiting nurse suggested Mirolax. The doctor said that was fine, but advised to use a Fleet enema. I went to the pharmacy to get one and found they make a saline based one and another with mineral oil. I asked the pharmacists which one I should use and she suggested the mineral oil enema-that one is gentler on the older people. The packaging on the saline type said to ask your doctor if you are over the age of 55 before using. The saline acts faster so it could cause more stomach cramping. I googled information about the Fleet enema and there were some negative comments about it. I decided to use the Mirolax first. I also made my Mom one of the fruit drinks that I make for myself each morning. It's 2 cups of cold filtered water, 1 cup of organic kale greens. Blended in my Ninja, then add 1 tablespoon of organic ground flaxseed, 1/2 chopped apple, 10 seedless grapes, 4 large strawberries and some chopped mango. (You can use the frozen mixed fruit from the store too.) You may add a tablespoon of Agave sweetener if you like. Blend until smooth. I added the Mirolax to it and she drank all of it last night. This morning, she had a bowel movement. Hopefully this did the trick. Now to keep her hydrated and balanced is the next step. Just as they say, everything in moderation and your diet should be balanced with enough fruit, veggies, grains, protein and dairy.
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the best remedy is metamucil daily. it is good for you, and it works. both my 93 year old mom and i can attest to that. she swears by it, and so do i!!
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ask her doctor to prescribe MOVICOL, it's a mild laxative, I take-it daily in 1/2 a glass of water.
Beware of constipation, hard stools can cause bleeding anal fissures that can cause
serious problems.
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Is he taking pain medication? Perhaps hospice would consider a trial of a drug called Linzess. Linzess is specifically for constipation caused by pain meds. There is also an drug called Relistor. You inject it into your thigh yourself or with help, and it produces a good bowel movement within 30 minutes, every time. This drug is also for constipation caused by pain meds. If he is not taking pain meds, perhaps a trial of Metamucil and Miralax with 8-10 oz. of water. Sometimes this works too well and you have to stop for 1-2 days, then start again.
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While enemas will clear a blockage here in the UK they are used as an absolute last resort, Fleet enemas are exactly that - fast. better to find a prevention that works for you rather than a cure after the deed is done as it were
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Some years ago, after marrying my wife, we travelled to New Zealand from Brisbane and shortly after we arrived, I couldn't pass my bowels, I did not know what was happening or why, I went to hospital for help and to my embarrassment the nurse asked me if I inserted a sex toy, to which I replied with a resounding NO. I later found out that the condition is called "Compaction" or severe constipation (take precautions when travelling to NZ ?)
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Stay away from laxatives as these are too harsh on the system. Marilee brings water into the gut, acts as a stool softener as well. Slow transit is the culprit. Sometimes one movement every three days, and just a few inches at that, is all someone can produce. Could be growths, polyps, etc. getting in the way. Be careful about impaction issues and c-diff. There could be internal bleeding causing the constipation, although constipation in the elderly is common- you need to 'ove' before you can move bowels. Being immobile, bedridden is a big factor.
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Our doctor has told us that at 92 Mums gut is so sluggish that the peristalsis that moves the food/waste through the body is no longer working effectively and that she now needs help on a daily basis to prevent constipation. we tried duclolax (a stool softener) it did the trick eventually but in the interim period gave mum terrible stomach cramps. Laxatives are the only thing that work FOR HER. Just remember since we are all individual every treatment has to be individual too it aint a one size fits all. SO while I agrtee with clever do check with your doctor - maybe one will work maybe not but trial and error is in itself a trial especially if impaction occurs as it does with mum
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Have you tried Miralax, one capfull every night with warm beverage. Keeps you regular without harshness of a laxative.
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ive researched this previously . beets go thru your system like an overweight kid down a water slide . next best is white rice . it requires very little digestion and indeed has a higher energy return than the energy required to digest it . if you make cold sweetened rice with various fruits in it ( pineapple for one ) your elder will eat it . if they dont , threaten with them with that NH they showed on 60 minutes ..
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my mom was very active prior to stroke. She enjoyed hiking, cooking, cleaning (yes she was a mrs. Clean) and spoiling her 5 grandsons. Now, mom has left side paralyzes she is no longer independent. I have her cook with me but it is hard mom only has her right arm. I have her dust, fold clothes, put silverware away. We do exercises, go to concerts, plays with kindle,books on tape, but this is not enough. Mom gets bored fast. How can I keep her busy. I have 3 young boys, running to 2 different schools. My dad also lives with us but he is happy just sitting and watching tv. Mom does not like tv. Would appreciate any Ideas to keep mom busy thank you
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Detuchka, is he taking a lot of meds that can be causing the constipation? My 90-y/o mom is constantly constipated from all her meds (including Senna & Colace, which are supposed to keep them regular). If fiber (in the form of fruits, veggies) and her Senna & Colace don't work, and if she goes 2 days without a BM, her assisted living has a bottle of milk of magnesia for each resident that does the trick. But then mom has the opposite problem and I always make sure that if I have mom over and give her the MofM, that: (1) she has a diaper on, (2) she is always near a bathroom and (3) I have a fresh pair of pants, underwear & diaper on me, if we are out. We have had one too many disasters, so I am now aware.
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