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Elderly male w/ constipation then huge bm cycle. HELP!
Im a caregiver of an 84y.o. male that has this terrible cycle of not pooping for 8 to 10 days, then having like 4 huge, crazy BMs in one day. I have been told (well, alot of things) but, that giving Miralax every couple of days can help him get back on track. So after his BM, I waited 2 days gave Miralax, no BM still for 2 more days( so 4 total now) so gave another dose plus prune juice....then 3 days later we had like, 3 huge BMs in one day. So even with Miralax added, it still took like 8 days. I understand some people don't go every day, but judging from the huge amounts when he dies go, tells me he should go at least every 2 or 3 days. Should I give Miralax more often...or was the prune juice what actually did it? Any ideas or suggestions would be so greatly appreciated.
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I’d check with his doctor for advice of doses. My primary and gastroenterologist told me to start with one cap with water per day and work with that, adjusting according to how it effects me. I once tried it every other day, but that wasn’t sufficient for me. I’m also doing a glass of Metamucil per day as well.
I had the same problem but started miralax daily every day and I'm regular now. I have to keep taking it. Been on it for a year now.
How is his fluid consumption? Low fluid consumption is part of constipation. Combine that with fiber intake and you have constipation. Also, if he’s mobile, maybe increase his activity level.
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4 ReactionsHello @kahealani9 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I see that several members of Connect have already responded to your question. Has this constipation problem been mentioned to his doctor? Often, as we age, our digestive system does tend to slow down.
If his doctor doesn't find any digestive tract problem causing the constipation, I'm sure he/she might make a suggestion on the amount of Miralax to use in order to help. Has he seen a doctor for help with constipation?
I think Miralax can be taken everyday. I take one capful every night. I still only have like 3 BMs a week. Anyway, check with your Dr about using Miralax.
And Teresa is right, as we age, our digestion slows. Certain medications can also contribute to constipation, the worst is probably opiate painkillers, especially after a surgery, or for long-term pain management. There is another opiate, Suboxone, that is taken everyday to control opiate abuse. I know that sounds weird - use an opiate to control opiate consumption. It's for addicts primarily and it contributes to constipation.
Anyway, it's probably the single worst thing about aging IMO - constipation.
After 40 yrs with Crohn's I have stopped having symptoms and now have constipation. I remembered that I was taking a magnesium suppliment (250 mg) and quit because it made my stools loose. So I started them again and it worked. So I take a whole one one day and 1/2 the next. Just a thought....
I thought that would help me too, but I take 300 per day and it had no impact on me.