Have used magnesium citrate, but last bloodwork showed high magnesium so Dr. said to stop. Went to GI Dr and he scratched his head b/c she suffers w/low sodium so bad she can't do normal laxatives or her sodium drops and it's an ER visit as heart goes into fibs, etc., Any suggestions helpful Do steel cut oats, apples in a.m. and high fiber waffles. Karo syrup in tea, more apples for lunch w/high fiber soup and whole wheat breads. Eats no refined cookies/cakes, etc. b/c by the time she eats all of her fiber too stuffed for desserts and junk food. Losing weight but difficulty eliminating. Thanks for input.
I am one for the 'natural' approach but she has always used enemas and suppositories :0( She told me recently that she has done this for over 30 years and I wouldn't be surprised if it has been longer than that. So, when a person has spent their whole life eating the SAD (standard American diet) way, and they are now in their late 80's - seriously - there isn't much we can do to 'reason' with them or change their minds. I feel we have taken a giant step forward just by getting her to take probiotics, enzymes and vitamins.
She refuses to drink enough fluids because she doesn't want to run to the bathroom. She wants what she wants when she wants it. At this point, I pick my battles and give her what she wants in this department. She takes laxatives and stool softeners and uses Milk of Magnesia and suppositories. (I have hidden her enema equipment).
I grew up taking Castor Oil 4 x's a yr, to cleanse before each Season. Now I only take it if a stomach virus attacks, it cleans up very well. But with of course check it out with the Dr. Some Dr's are or are for some of these home made remedys.
I swear by warm water, tea or coffee first thing in the A.M. What about the grenn leafy vegetable intake? Those work well for many, can she take fish oil maybe along with all of the other suggestions?
Bless her heart, it's a miserable feeling, I hope you find relief for her soonest!
She goes from constipated to diarrhea. Back and forth. It sure gets old.
One thing that really gets things moving for her is canteloupe. Hope some of these suggestions 'get things moving.' Pardon the pun :0)
Push fluids. This is hard for older ones because their thirst mechanism just doesn't work well. But shoot for 64 oz - leaning heavily on water. My MIL likes some of the flavored teas and green tea. She likes cranberry juice - but watch the sugar if you re dealing with diabetes. We water it down 50/50. Goes further and it helps the water go down. Whole fruits are better, much better, than juice though. More fiber and less sugar. My MIL takes a good probiotic each morning also and enzymes for digestion. These help keep the colon in balance. If you can get her to be more active - that may help - but many seniors can't be active anymore. Hope you get some more suggestions and that something helps. OH - forgot - there is an herbal remedy called 'Smooth Move' Tea that works. Ask her doctor if it would be appropriate. It comes in different flavors. The chocolate isn't too bad.
What about a higher fat content? Butter on the waffles, and a few strips of bacon? An egg fried in olive oil between slices of that whole wheat bread? Can she take a stool softener?
I hope some one comes along with something that worked wonders for them. Good luck to you!