Constipation

Husband Bob is suffering from constipation. Nothing seems to do any good.  Currently its been 9 days since a BM. I called his Dr. this morning and was told to get Miralax and give it to him every 20 minutes until he has a BM..  So far he has had 8 doses - and nothing happened, other than severe abdominal pains and a stomach filled with liquid. Still waiting on hearing back from his DR.  He has a pain patch for chronic pain and along with that he has to take another pain medication for breakthrough pain. I'm sure the pain medication has a lot to do with this problem. Last time we saw his Dr. and we explained the pain associated with eating he said to go on a liquid diet. Not just temporarily, but period.  Without so much as saying it, was his Dr. saying there is nothing else he can do. We were supposed to be building up his strength for chemo, but a liquid diet won't give him the strength he needs.  I'd appreciate any comments anyone might have. Thank you

Irene

Hi Irene

I'm so sorry to hear about Bob's condition. One of our Hospice nurses suggested a milk and molasses enema. Purchase the Fleet disposable enemas - empty the bottle and mix 1/3 cup milk with 1/3 cup molasses to put in the bottle. You'll have to heat it to mix it - don't get it too hot! Test it like you would a baby's formula. You can do this a couple of times a day until you get results. Jim would tell me that when he would have a BM it would be like pellets, however it would give him temporary relief. Also ask Bob if when he goes is he having ribbon stools - flat and long like a worm. If he is then he has blockage in his intestines either from the cancer or harden stool. Also, any time you increase your pain meds you must increase your meds for constipation by about 2 to 3 times the normal dose.

My thoughts are with you and Bob.

TnFishersWife

TnFishersWife

Thank you once again for being so kind to offer suggestions and information.  Dr. said to give him Miralax every 20 minutes until he had a BM.  He took 9 doses and I called the Dr. back. He said to wait about 3 hours and he should get relief.  He did.  So much so we ended up giving him medication for loose stools. At least we know what to do should this happen again.

I hope each day brings you some peace.  I pray for you.  I can only imagine what you must be going through. Having just lost your husband you are more than kind to take the time to help me. Irene, Bob's wife.