Per the dr., I gave her a stool softener and two hours later had her go to the bathroom, but.....still no bowel movement. I'm concerned. Next move??? cadams
Unfortunately, we had this problem way too many times. First off, push fluids, some people react better with hot coffee, tea, cocoa. Liquids can include popsicles, watermelon or other drinks. It doesn't have to be only water.
You can use glycerin suppositories, stewed prunes or prune juice, a clear liquid called magnesium citrate, or there is a "prune juice cocktail" that I used to make, I got the recipe from Parkinson.org. "- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce - 4 tablespoons wheat bran - 6 ounces prune juice Mix well, and store in refrigerator. Take a tablespoonful a day at first, gradually adding more if needed, till you find the amount that works well for you. The bran helps keep the stool bulky and soft, the prune juice contains a natural laxative, and the applesauce gives a palatable taste and texture. Aim for 25 - 40 grams of fiber in the daily diet, and drink 6-8 glasses of fluid daily. It may be helpful to also have a serving of 4-6 stewed prunes 2-4 times per week, for added fiber and additional natural laxative."
In addition, if she can walk then she needs to as much as possible. If she is non-ambulatory, you can massage the gut area. In addition, artificial sugars usually have a diarrheal effect.
To head this off, a lot of people use a daily dose of Miralax mixed in with a drink, I used to use Mom's morning orange juice.
If your mother is to the point doesn't eat much, she may not have a movement every day. but it is good to keep up with it. I used to write it down so as not to forget. What you want to avoid if she doesn't drink a large amount of water each day, is fiber supplements such as benefiber. It can be very uncomfortable if you don't drink enough fluid.
I hope something I have suggested works. I know it is difficult to maintain regularity. Good luck!
You can use glycerin suppositories, stewed prunes or prune juice, a clear liquid called magnesium citrate, or there is a "prune juice cocktail" that I used to make, I got the recipe from Parkinson.org.
"- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 4 tablespoons wheat bran
- 6 ounces prune juice
Mix well, and store in refrigerator. Take a tablespoonful a day at first,
gradually adding more if needed, till you find the amount that works well
for you. The bran helps keep the stool bulky and soft, the prune juice
contains a natural laxative, and the applesauce gives a palatable taste
and texture. Aim for 25 - 40 grams of fiber in the daily diet, and drink
6-8 glasses of fluid daily. It may be helpful to also have a serving of
4-6 stewed prunes 2-4 times per week, for added fiber and additional
natural laxative."
In addition, if she can walk then she needs to as much as possible. If she is non-ambulatory, you can massage the gut area. In addition, artificial sugars usually have a diarrheal effect.
To head this off, a lot of people use a daily dose of Miralax mixed in with a drink, I used to use Mom's morning orange juice.
If your mother is to the point doesn't eat much, she may not have a movement every day. but it is good to keep up with it. I used to write it down so as not to forget. What you want to avoid if she doesn't drink a large amount of water each day, is fiber supplements such as benefiber. It can be very uncomfortable if you don't drink enough fluid.
I hope something I have suggested works. I know it is difficult to maintain regularity. Good luck!