Follow
Share
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!
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to cwillie
Report

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.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to BlueEyedGirl94
Report

Is on on meds that cause constipation?

What have you tried so far that isn't working?
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to Geaton777
Report

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.

Good luck.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter