The nurses tell me she's having a bowel movement every day. Mom insists that she has to go and can't. I've taken her to her Dr and he did a rectal exam and doesn't find anything. She's on a stool softener and can take miralax upon request. Also Mom drinks a lot of prune juice, so much that the nurses won't let her have it sometimes because she's already had bowel movements. She can't control her bowels when she drinks so much prune juice. Mama will then get so angry and I get surprised at the words coming from her. I have begun to dread her phone calls and my visits because I can't even get her to change the subject. I live 5 hrs away and visit every 3 weeks for 3 days.
Is there anything I can do for her? How can I keep my sanity?
Thanks for your answer and support.
The best thing to do with an elderly person insistent on a particular subject is to agree with them. The more you argue, the angrier and more insistent they get. With this particular problem, however, the consequences can be difficult ie: she may need to wear incontinence briefs now if her BMs are out of control. I'd say the best thing to do is have a talk with her doctor to see what the next course of action needs to be here.
Wishing you all the best.......I know how tough this journey truly IS and my heart goes out to you.