You are right, horserider. There could be infections or problems with the intestinal lining if the diarrhea is chronic. Talking to the doctor is a very good idea. Sometimes older women are ashamed to admit they are having digestive problems, so caregivers have to be truthful for them.
Oh, and just so you know, constipation can be fatal -- we've had a couple near-misses on this one w/senior who "knows her body better than the Drs" & keeps avoiding the laxatives prescribed. The hard stool blocks the bowel, liquid leaks around, so you have simultaneous diarrhea & constipation (oh, and the nurses in the ER just loooove these patients, as you can guess!). Good luck at figuring it out, & of course cleaning thoroughly to avoid the UTI's that can follow these episodes.
When you say "lose control" you mean what -- sudden urgency/not able to get to bathroom in time? Diarrhea? Both? All the time? 1x week? at night? I would talk to a Dr. if it is sudden. Meds, change in diet (or mild food poisoning) can all cause loose stool in folk of any age (as can impaction BTW), & at 91 one might not be able to sprint to the john as quickly.
4 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
ADVERTISEMENT
I would talk to a Dr. if it is sudden. Meds, change in diet (or mild food poisoning) can all cause loose stool in folk of any age (as can impaction BTW), & at 91 one might not be able to sprint to the john as quickly.