We stopped giving her any stool softeners/laxatives 5 days ago. She eats a very simple diet, whole foods, nothing processed but she's still having soft stools like mud - and fecally incontinent for the first time. She drinks 4 glasses of water each day + herbal non-caf teas. We're both frustrated and I'm not sure if medical intervention is required. Meals these days consistent of simple breakfast: scrambled egg, toast, herbal tea; lunch: yogurt w/ apple or soup w/crackers for lunch; dinner: baked fish or chicken, potato, veggie
I'm at a loss as to what and why this is happening.
Thanks for your advice, Grannycissy, I appreciate your reply.
Also, my sister has a recipe for a prune smoothie that we are also trying: about 4-6 ounces of prune juice (unsweetened), a pat or less of butter (yes butter, to "grease the skids") and a dose of Milk of Magnesia (we started with 1/2 teaspoon, now up to 1 teaspoon). Warm the prune juice and butter to a comfortable drinking temp and add the MoM. Hope for a happy bathroom visit later.
So far, the results for both are not spectacular, but at 95 yrs of age, these things take time and we are moving caustiously on the dosages.
For the runs, try the BRATT diet (banana, rice, apple sauce, tea, toast); along with acidophilus -- yogurt -- to help balance intestinal bacteria.
Years ago I had the nasty habit of laying down right after eating big meals. On top of that, I was always on the go and there was no set schedule; so there was no time for "regularity." The more Colace, Miralax, and milk of magnesia I used the worse the constipation became. Instead of keeping track of the food intake, getting enough rest, enough exercise, and learning to relax I relied on short-term, over-the-counter treatments that the body defended itself from after a while; not realizing that these same medications conflicted with the absorption of other medications I was taking at the time. My body was completely out of whack and I felt "poisoned."
Do speak with her doctor, but go on line and search for home remedies. The last thing she needs is another chemical in her system. Good luck my friend.
-- ED
My mother finally had a bowel movement on day 15. She is a former yoga teacher and always had good eating, exercise and bathroom habits. She is in quite good health for 95 and remarkably is not on any meds . She drinks plenty of water, wholesome meals, fruit and veggies. In fact, she always finishes her plate... Unfortunately, she is no longer ambulatory and sits all day, at 95 the plumbing is going. Her doctor said that past age 75 Fleets are not recommended and can do more harm then good. So now, we are just giving her a Dulcolax suppository every 3rd day and this alone is finally is helping. In all other respects, she's doing well and appears to still enjoy being "here." I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Here's to good health and community - we're all connected. Kay
Everyone's body is different. Blueberries prove to be a great laxative.