This is really just a vent, I'm pulling my hair out with frustration! Mom is chronically constipated and every time I think I have a handle on things it returns worse than ever. Last week when she developed diarrhea I was reluctant to give her anything due to her history, but the the doc told me to use imodium and days of constant clean up I was ready to try anything.
Nurse popped in on Wednesday and said everything sounded good, no tenderness, return to business as usual. Well now it's been 5 days, rectum full but no pooping. Last time I dragged mom to the hospital about this after a painful digital exam they set her on the commode (like that was going to work) and after several hours sent us home with instructions to go buy some Miralax (which, btw, is not even sold under that brand name in Canada). I vowed I would never put her though that again.
I understand nobody WANTS to deal with a possible dis-impaction, but why am I supposed to sit here stressed with worry and frustration and NO HELP. It seems everyone I turn to for help just lobs problem back to me like a hot potato. Well my hands are on fire! :(
I will continue to keep her on a liquid diet today and do some more research about her diet in the future, something has GOT to change.
Have you tried simple things like, coffee? Unless you get more information and call doctor or nurse Monday morning, over-the-counter meds should be limited to what you have routinely given her. This is not medical advice, just a discussion to give you ideas. Move her around in the bed by turning her more often. Can she be ambulated/walked around? I will read more of her condition, but from what you have said, waiting is zen.
I'm going to step back and play a waiting game, let go and let god as they say. Things will either resolve themselves soon or progress to a degree that can't continue to be ignored. (A little of mom's ativan has helped me be a little more zen about this)
And you both nailed it, she has absolutely no sense of having to go, no ability to push, no idea if she has gone. If only I get a health care provider to LISTEN to my concerns and actually offer to do something about it,or at least offer some reassurance, but it seems I can't.
I am still hopeful something will happen soon, thanks for letting me vent to you all, no one else will try to understand.
So sorry your having awful bathroom problems.My Mother does too on and off.Our recipe is a half dose of polyethylene glycol 3350,NF which is like Miralax,and 2 senna pills at bedtime and then when shes on the toilet the first time of the day,I give her a suppository everyday.when were having no luck,I give her a saline enema and if that doesnt work,a mineral enema,one after another.I also try to make her as comfortable as i can with a blanket and heating pad and something to read and give her lots of time and kkeep checking on her and offering drinks.Impaction is awful to go through.Fortunately,it hasnt happened in a while.I hope you find a recipe that works for you.Take care!!!
Toward the end mom had no sense of needing or HAVING a bowel movement. It was scary, so I know what you mean. I used to mark the calendar. The nurse finally gave me an suppository laxative. What a mess is all I can say about that.
If mom gets uncomfortable, it's probably ER time again...or one of those super suppository laxatives. I have no doubt in my mind THAT will solve the problem.