If the problem is more incontinence than loose stools then that's a whole different level of difficulty. Adding psyllium fiber can sometimes help firm things up, probiotics may also be helpful.
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That's a tricky situation. My mother developed loose bowels that went on for over a week. I switched her to Lactaid milk from regular milk. I gave her 1/2 of an Imodium to slow things down but was careful not to swing the other way into constipation which got her - and me - in the hospital in 2020 from a fecal impaction. Ugh.
Anyway, the Imodium stopped the loose bowels, and then I started her on Milk of Magnesia at bedtime only on the days when she does not have a bowel movement- no MiraLax ever.
I also started giving her "Florastor" for her gut - it's over the counter.
Every now and again she will have a loose bowel movement but it always corrects.
It's quite the balancing act to keep the bowels of an elderly person on point.
Please call the primary care doctor. She/He may ask for a stool sample to make sure there isn't an infection. Otherwise, try immodium (antidiarrhea medication) to help slow down movement through the bowels. Make sure to give plenty of fluids, especially something similar to Gatorade or Pedialyte.
I agree. My first thought was C. difficile diarrhea, which can be caught in the community. This is contagious, so need to find out quickly if this is the problem. It is treatable. And a PCP can often have an idea of what might have kicked off the loose stools......but he/she has much more information about your family member than we do, here. Check out treatable causes and see what works...if nothing does, then diet changes, herbal additions, etc. may work.
Mom had chronic D for as long as I can remember. Super probiotic, from Walgreens fixed her, maybe too well. Because the problem had been nearly life-long for her she had, I think, forgotten the push part for a normal movement. Had to take her to the ER to get flushed out, on occasion.
Imodium when needed but try to identify and eliminate foods that might be contributing to diarrhea. White rice may help stabilize bowels. BRAT not necessarily helpful as many people have sensitivities to wheat and fructose and dairy that will aggravate diarrhea.
The hour glass icon beside your avatar at the top of the page allows you to search the site, maybe you'll find some good suggestions there.
Anyway, the Imodium stopped the loose bowels, and then I started her on Milk of Magnesia at bedtime only on the days when she does not have a bowel movement- no MiraLax ever.
I also started giving her "Florastor" for her gut - it's over the counter.
Every now and again she will have a loose bowel movement but it always corrects.
It's quite the balancing act to keep the bowels of an elderly person on point.
And a PCP can often have an idea of what might have kicked off the loose stools......but he/she has much more information about your family member than we do, here. Check out treatable causes and see what works...if nothing does, then diet changes, herbal additions, etc. may work.
Could be what once was tolerated, and did not cause diarrhea, does now.
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