Thanks for that info. You mentioned you're working with a gastroenterologist, but have you consulted with your cardiologist? He/she might have some ideas on how to help you with your problems.

I recently started playing with ChatGPT. It's an advanced AI bot that's quite impressive with the info it can provide. However, you always want to double-check what it "spits out", especially medical info.

With that said, I put in your age and what you're experiencing and it provided the info below. I'M NOT GIVING MEDICAL ADVICE HERE. I'M SIMPLY PASSING ALONG WHAT THIS AI BOT PROVIDED. Hopefully there's something it spit out that can help give you some relief or at least give you some talking points when you see your cardiologist or gastroenterologist again:

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Here's the info I fed ChatGPT:

Consider the following facts when responding:

90 year old male with congestive heart disease.

If he drinks too much water, his blood pressure spikes and his right lung fills with fluid, requiring it to be aspirated.

If he drinks too little, his colon dries out and his stool gets so hard he can't pass it and he has to take powerful laxatives.

His gastroenterologist just tells him to Miralax daily.

What else can he do to address these health issues?

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HERE'S THE INFO IT REPLIED WITH:

Given the patient's congestive heart disease and the risks associated with drinking too much or too little water, it's important to find a balance that works for him. Here are some suggestions that may help address his health issues:

Monitor fluid intake: The patient could keep track of his fluid intake throughout the day, and try to stick to a consistent amount that doesn't cause his blood pressure to spike or his lung to fill with fluid. This could involve measuring out a specific amount of water to drink each day and avoiding other beverages that might contain excess fluids.

Adjust medication dosage: The patient's medication dosage may need to be adjusted based on his fluid intake and any other factors that might affect his blood pressure and lung function. His doctor can help determine the appropriate medication dosage based on his individual needs.

Medications: There are several medications that can help manage constipation, including stool softeners, laxatives, and enemas. The patient should discuss these options with his healthcare provider to determine which medication may be the most effective and appropriate for his situation.

Increase fiber intake: To prevent constipation and reduce the need for powerful laxatives, the patient could try increasing his fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This can help soften stools and make them easier to pass.

Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help improve circulation, strengthen the heart and lungs, and promote regular bowel movements. The patient should consult with his doctor to determine a safe and appropriate exercise regimen.

Manage stress: Stress can worsen heart disease and constipation. The individual can try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to manage stress.

Manage salt intake: Consuming too much salt can worsen fluid retention, which can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs and other parts of the body. The individual should aim to consume a low-salt diet as recommended by his healthcare provider.

Monitor symptoms: The patient should be aware of any changes in his symptoms and seek medical attention if he experiences any sudden or severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain.

It's important for the individual to work closely with his healthcare provider and follow their recommendations for managing his health conditions.

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When I've had constipation in the past, I found that eating 1-2 Medjool dates a day really worked and kept me regular.

Best of luck to you. I hope you get some relief soon.

Andy