My mother thinks she’s constipated if she doesn’t have a bowel movement every day!

Have you spoken to her doctor about it? I am not trying to be sarcastic but older people really do seem to be obsessed with bowel movements!

Maybe if she hears from her doctor that she doesn’t necessarily have to have a BM everyday it will ease her anxiety about it.

Do you think she is truly in discomfort or is it a mental issue about not going to the bathroom daily?

I'm no expert, by any means.

How much and is she eating? My grandmother is 84, also on levothyroxine, and stool softeners(generic prescription) and definitely doesn't have a BM every day (no other meds). Slow down seems normal.

If she eats like a bird, it's not going to happen that frequently. Show an article that shows its ok. Ask about when it does happen. Difficult? Diarrhea? Is dementia/alz involved? Then you cant trust her memory. Ask home health aid if there is residue and check undies, gowns for proof. I know this sounds gross, but generally adequate wiping is a challenge.

Too much fiber CAN CAUSE CONSTIPATION. What happens if she stops taking any fiber supplements? Diet is the main thing - and not knowing if you are living with or offsite cant make recommendations. Order a pizza :)

Oh and adequate water will help with movements. Depending on how much she weighs and activity level, 6 cups could be sufficient. Rule: half body weight in ounces.

She is by definition constipated. The bowel is designed to empty after every main meal. So once a day is absoloute minimum. Metamucil will aggravate constipation if your Mother isn't have plenty of water..which you explain she does not.Prunes are simple & work better than any medicine i have seen..and one doesn't get a tolerance. In the morning..take a handful of prunes..cover with boiling distilled water. Add the juice of a lemon. Let set for the day. Give to her to eat at night as an after dinner snack. Add yoghurt or ice cream if she doesn't like the prunes...most do like them..The lemon juice adds a pleasant tang. Have her eat a small bowl most evenings. Prunes also contain iron, & salts that strengthen the nervous system. Ease her off the metamucil. Apply cold pressed castor oil (or she can do it perhaps) inside the rectum when passing bm, as this will provide lubrication and ease the discomfort. Dr Christophers Lower Bowel formula (amazon) are helpful also. An enema of 2ozs of cool catnip tea will clear a congested bowel.