Managing constipation

[thebes]

My OH has increasing problems with constipation. This has been a theme for a year now, and after a visit To a bowel specialist I managed to get a system going that helped - plenty of roughage hidden In his tiny meals, regular laxatives, and becoming a poo monitor.
But over the last couple of months things have got worse agin, and despite the GPs changing laxatives and everything else I can think of, he is often going for up to a week without passing anything , or just small 'ribbons' which I assume are coming past the back log. How long can he go without a proper bowel movement without it causing harm?He does get increasingly, tired, confused and loses his appetite so it is not doing any good. I find our GP very wary of any interventions which leaves me feeling more than a little at a loss. What Have others experienced? Or am I worrying too much?

 

[LYN T]

In my opinion you are NOT worrying too much My OH suffered from terrible constipation which resulted in 'overflow' where the waste is liquid as it has to flow from the blockage. Sorry to be graphic at dinner time

At times the result was the infection spread and antibiotics were needed. An enema could sort your Husband out followed by a stool 'softener' to reduce the problem. It shouldn't be ignored, and your GP should be more proactive in resolving the issue.

So sorry you are worried about this

Take care

Lyn T XX

 

[bemused1]

I had similar problems with my oh which went on for over two months. He had been on. A single sachet of movicol to counteract the effects of codydramol. Suddenly it wasn't working and the advice from drs and DNS was more,more,more movicol which just made matters worse. As you say the effects are plain to see in someone with dementia. GPS in general don't seem to see it as a problem, in fact our gp said he wasn't blocked at all because he wasn't in pain and his stomach was soft. She should have been here when it did clear.
Her advice was stop the movicol and do nothing which I found totally unacceptable.
So I took him off codydramol back onto ordinary paracetamol and added daily dried prunes to his diet. Mostly it works and if we have a bad spell I give him movicol for a couple of days.
He also has swallowing problems which limits how much fibre he can have.
No you aren't worrying too much, it really affects mental and physical health. In view of the aging population we keep hearing about GPS need to get their act together.
I hope you get it sorted soon, its distressing for both of you. Don't know whether its affected your husbands continence but it had pretty serious consequences for us and oh is pretty much doubly incontinent where he wasn't before the latest bout

 

[Chuggalug]

Wish I could remember who started another thread on this subject. People popped on with some excellent advice. I'll see if I can find the link. It's a really good thread.

 

[bemused1]

Wish I could remember who started another thread on this subject. People popped on with some excellent advice. I'll see if I can find the link. It's a really good thread.

It was me chuggs!!! Can't post links but the thread was 'A little sympathy please' There was some good advice given

 

[Chuggalug]

It was me chuggs!!! Can't post links but the thread was 'A little sympathy please' There was some good advice given

I've just found it. Can't post links, or not allowed to? I've got it, if that's all right?

 

[bemused1]

Dumb brain I don't know how to. Link away

 

[Chuggalug]

Dumb brain I don't know how to. Link away

'kay...

http://forum.alzheimers.org.uk/showthread.php?82106-A-little-sympathy-please

There it is. Good'un that one.

 

[Chuggalug]

By the way, Bemused. Never talk down on someone I care about. You're a good friend. Not a dumb brain, okay?

Links are easy to post once you know how:

Find the page you want, look at what's known as the Address Bar. Right click it, which turns the link blue. Then copy and paste that link where you want.

 

[bemused1]

Thanks chuggs, will have to get used to that

 

[Chuggalug]

Thanks chuggs, will have to get used to that

Really appreciate your input on my thread. You've been good to me, Bemused. I'll never forget it, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[thebes]

Thanks for all the suggestions and for the very useful link. Haven't tried raisins or syrup of figs so will be buying those tomorrow. It is such a help to hear of others with similar problems who also think it is important to sort it out.

 

[Chuggalug]

Thanks for all the suggestions and for the very useful link. Haven't tried raisins or syrup of figs so will be buying those tomorrow. It is such a help to hear of others with similar problems who also think it is important to sort it out.

It's probably one of the most important things, thebes. I remember aconversation I had with someone a few years back. Who knows whether lack of exercise brings on a lack of peristalsis?

Peristalsis

If that link works, you'll get the definition.