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Mostly Independent
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You've got great advice from other posters. I will add to Geaton's post that we did an inventory of my FIL's medications because he struggled with constipation as well as urinary incontinence.
What we found was slightly alarming. First he was on an astronomical number of medications if I'm honest. And at least 50% of them had constipation as a side effect. He also abused harder laxatives and his doctor recommended Miralax and the removal of any other laxative products entirely. And there were even medications that he was SUPPOSED to take at different times to help control his urinary output. He was supposed to take one that would control his urination at night and another that encouraged urination during the day. Before my SIL took over control of his medications - he was EITHER taking BOTH together (??) or taking them at the wrong times.
Medication interactions are a huge culprit of constipation for anyone. But if gut health has slowed and they are on medications that can slow things down even more, that's a recipe for disaster without some help.
Constipation can mean different things to different people and what you do about it depends on your definition. If he has hard, dry feces that he struggles to expel then all the normal things advised like increased fluid intake, more fiber in his diet and OTC stool softeners should make a difference. (we found PEG 3350 (miralax) a miracle drug)
If the problem is more that he has reasonably normal BMs but he doesn't go for 2, 3, 5 days (or longer) then know that gut dysfunction goes with Parkinson's and slow transit colon is common. In that case my advice is to follow all the normal recommendations about diet and try not to over obsess about frequency, no matter how many people try to tell you what is "normal".
Bowel dysfunction is something I am intimately familiar with as my mother struggled also, if you have specific questions just ask!
We need more information: What discussion have you have with the doctor about this? What has been tried, and not worked?
Meanwhile I will give you my own go-tos for a try. Stool Softeners are available over the country and worth a try. Citrucel works well but ONLY if your loved one can tolerate taking FLUID required. Otherwise the gel-glucinagenous stuff hardens into a block of gel. Don't use metamucil which digests differently and which can lead to gas buildup and explosive stools difficult to hang on to.
Some folks swear that melatonin 5 mg helps with gut issues and there's new research that it may for those with any IBS problems.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
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If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
What we found was slightly alarming. First he was on an astronomical number of medications if I'm honest. And at least 50% of them had constipation as a side effect. He also abused harder laxatives and his doctor recommended Miralax and the removal of any other laxative products entirely. And there were even medications that he was SUPPOSED to take at different times to help control his urinary output. He was supposed to take one that would control his urination at night and another that encouraged urination during the day. Before my SIL took over control of his medications - he was EITHER taking BOTH together (??) or taking them at the wrong times.
Medication interactions are a huge culprit of constipation for anyone. But if gut health has slowed and they are on medications that can slow things down even more, that's a recipe for disaster without some help.
If the problem is more that he has reasonably normal BMs but he doesn't go for 2, 3, 5 days (or longer) then know that gut dysfunction goes with Parkinson's and slow transit colon is common. In that case my advice is to follow all the normal recommendations about diet and try not to over obsess about frequency, no matter how many people try to tell you what is "normal".
Bowel dysfunction is something I am intimately familiar with as my mother struggled also, if you have specific questions just ask!
What discussion have you have with the doctor about this?
What has been tried, and not worked?
Meanwhile I will give you my own go-tos for a try.
Stool Softeners are available over the country and worth a try.
Citrucel works well but ONLY if your loved one can tolerate taking FLUID required. Otherwise the gel-glucinagenous stuff hardens into a block of gel. Don't use metamucil which digests differently and which can lead to gas buildup and explosive stools difficult to hang on to.
Some folks swear that melatonin 5 mg helps with gut issues and there's new research that it may for those with any IBS problems.
Good luck.
What have you tried so far that isn't working?