bowel problems

[jacquelyn]

My 77 year old father was diagnosed with ALS in January of this year. He is at the stage now where he can barely still walk (with the aid of a walker) and is on bipap for about 22 hours a day. His most recent problem is with his bowels. He is not constipated but is so weak that he doesn't have the strength to push to release his bowels. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what we may be able to do. We have tried different medications and it has worked for a while but now he is getting cramps in his stomach from the pressure. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[ronney525]

glycerine suppository might help.

[lunarruna]

We struggle with this too. We use stool softener (liquid docusate in his feeding tube), my husband takes 3 x a day, also some senna, an herbal laxative ....but he can no longer have a BM without first using a bisacodyl suppository....we just plan on it and he goes every other day that way. And stay hydrated--lots of water.
Beth (CALS to Shannon)

[Al]

http://www.living-with-als.org/Diane/constipation.html

There is some good information here about bowel problems and constipation. AL.