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Elderly father in trouble with constipation

Posted , 4 users are following.

clucky58
clucky58

I have been here for a week trying to help with this problem. Various advice from doctors at the moment we are trying lots of Movicol and glycerine suppositories this is the beginning of the third day on this regime and still nothing what can I do?

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • dambudzo
    dambudzo clucky58

    Posted

    is he able to walk? that can help get things moving, as the body moves about. also, is he getting plenty of fluids to drink?

    best wishes

    • clucky58
      clucky58 dambudzo

      Posted

      Yes to all he is walking not much but I do realise the importance of keeping moving and drinking. Thank you tho.
  • patricia46418
    patricia46418 clucky58

    Posted

    It is very early if only 3 days. You have to take Movicol regularly for it to have any effect 1

    IE. 2 Sachets every night.

    But if you are impacted the GP will give you a different regimeof up to 8 sachets.

    I found Lactulose better for my Dad who had constipation. And the glycerine suppositories.

    I also have chronic constipation but none of these work for me.

    I take bisacodyl tablets. Have they suggestef those?

    My father wouldnt drink water but he would drink squash and lots of tea so I think that is fine or orange juice diluted.

    Prune juice, prunes on the cereal.

    Putting stool in front of toilet to raise your feet.

    Something will work eventually. 

    If not have you had tests.

     

    • clucky58
      clucky58 patricia46418

      Posted

      Thank you for all that I will try it all. It was not that third day of the constipation it's now about 11 it was the third day of 8 Movicol and 6 suppositories we have now completed 4 days and are back to the doctor he can't go on like this much longer, he seems to be getting increasingly confused and miserable - me too!
  • Leelulumpkin
    Leelulumpkin clucky58

    Posted

    Hi There!

    I  empathise totally and know just how chronic this can get.  I just wanted to say another thumbs up for lactulose here.

    My son is severely disabled and is only capable of a liquid diet so you wouldn't think it would be a problem, but for a long time it was awful.  It took as long and longer as your poor Dad for him to "go"

    We've tried everything but, lactulose worked every time, sometimes too well! and so much easier, less painful and undignified than suppositories!

    if you are unable to see the GP or get a quick appointment/prescription you can buy it over the counter for just a couple of £££s for a large 500ml bottle from any pharmacy. (Far cheaper at supermarket in store pharmacies btw as compared to the famous high st store)

    Really hope this helps and best of luck!

    • clucky58
      clucky58 Leelulumpkin

      Posted

      Oh thank you I will try it. We have managed to get an appointment this morning. So goodness knows what we will be facing this time! But I will try the lactulose.
    • patricia46418
      patricia46418 clucky58

      Posted

      Hi. If it was third day of taking 8 movicol you need to see GP.

      I would go to A and E to have Enema.

      Simething should have come out by now.

      You need to ask for tests if you havent had any done.

      But has this suddenly started or has it been like this for a while.

    • clucky58
      clucky58 patricia46418

      Posted

      Spent the whole day in A&E the poor old chap was not overly impressed, neither was I come to that but he has been admitted and they are doing their stuff  later this morning. Thank you for your advice, I am feeling a certain relief that it has been taken out of my hands. Now all we need is relief for Dad.
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