My mother (89, type 2 diabetic, uses walker) has had this issue off and on very occasionally for the past year. Not always loose stools, but not feeling the urge and then not making it quite to the toilet on time. This past week has been very frequent, with major clean up and carpet cleaning required once. After the initial bm she is fine the rest of the day. No temp or other illness going on. No change in diet. The fact that she can't tell when she has to go has me concerned. Does this have to do with diabetes, or is she starting to have bowel incontinence? I've set a timer to get her to the bathroom regularly a bit after breakfast, but that is a real struggle when she says she doesn't have to go. Going to talk to the doctor's assistant next week, but in the meantime, any suggestions? Thanks!
I'm so sorry to hear what your mom is going through. And I know its tough on you as well having to clean up the messes. Does your mom use any Depends products? This might help minimize the clean up.
Glad you are taking her to the doctor for an assessment.
I find if everything is done with the utmost of compassion, patience and love, it will work out. Just give it a little time.
Good luck and take care of yourself.
She withheld fluids and drank only about 8 oz of water per day. This led to more confusion and constant dehydration. It was a real rat race, poor lady. When she was completely bowel incontinent she was moved to a lovely ALF where she lived out her last few years. Her family (though she had almost 40 hours of respite a week) was totally exhausted with caring for her.
She had Parkinson's--so different than diabetes, but the dementia was there and she'd simply "forget" what it felt like to have the urge to use the bathroom. For a dignified woman, this was so humiliating. I know that they handled this issue MUCH better in the ALF, than having me or one of her family help her.
Just a very sad fact of aging. (And yes, she'd fight me on using the bathroom every single time I mentioned it--over 2 years of "no, I'm fine".)
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