toilet problems: my husband is constantly... - PSP Association

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toilet problems

Kaka1234 profile image
18 Replies

my husband is constantly fretting about going for a number two. He said its just so messy. ive tried to reasure him we hv baby wipes. ive offered to help but hes such a diffecult person. i understand he prob feels embarrassed but ill do anything to help him.

he has even mentioned not eating so he dosnt have to go.

we are due to visit hospital next week is their anything that can help.

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Kaka1234 profile image
Kaka1234
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18 Replies

Constipation is the norm with PSP. Tell him he’s lucky. There may come a time when he looks back to messy bowel movements fondly. I know this sounds weird but it is true. I had to give Larry two enemas the other day to get a little out. Everyday is an adventure with PSP.

ninalulu profile image
ninalulu in reply to

hi: i have the same problem since2007 when my back was damage for ever , i go every 2 weeks and we used small liquid enemas i found those in the pharmacy , i think they are called nitroglycerin enemas they help a lot and used glove to empty my colon , I know is to much info. but is part of my life for almost 11 years know this PSP

in reply toninalulu

Sorry to hear. It is an ordeal to deal with.

aliciamq profile image
aliciamq in reply toninalulu

no such thing as too much info!!!!! Bring it on!!!

kenh1 profile image
kenh1

My wife was having bowel problems, she is currently prescribed Senna which is working very well. We were also given lactolose but that made the movements too loose. I know I would feel the same as him, but we have to swallow our pride and do what comes naturally.😒

AnneandChris profile image
AnneandChris in reply tokenh1

Oh I'm glad were not the only one having problems with lactolose. It's far too severe, so I've stopped using it.

We now manage with diet and senna, but my other half has always been obsessed with his bowels and I think PSP accentuates thus

Keep on keeping on.

Anne

kenh1 profile image
kenh1 in reply toAnneandChris

The DN's who come every day are red hot on bowels. I understood why when a friend's husband died in a nursing home and amongst the causes of death was bowel poisoning. My wife is fed by ngtube and we were having problems the dietitian changed the feed to one with more roughage. So you are right, diet and senna keeps you going.😊

ninalulu profile image
ninalulu in reply tokenh1

i can't use nothing like that because of the damage to back

raincitygirl profile image
raincitygirl

Like the others Kaka, I recommend a visit from your community OT. That's exactly what they are for. I found them helpful.

Toward the end I had to help clean G. He was stoic about it, and accepted. I was just grateful that he could "go" as many get terrible constipation 😟 Fortunately for us, he liked his meals - could still eat, and wouldn't have ever considered giving it up!

Sorry to not be more help....

PS: I see a bunch of toilet strings here: toilet problems, bidet toilet seats, etc.... Worth a check?

Anne G.

Boyce3600 profile image
Boyce3600

Never thought of an OT for that particular task, but it makes sense. I have done this for probably 15 months or more now. After the initial uncomfortableness I got over it and preferred and still do prefer doing it as opposed to having to clean up after he tried to take care of things, but left more of a mess. I too gave 2 enemas 2 weeks ago. Never thought we'd be where ee are today. I still cry an awful lot.

raincitygirl profile image
raincitygirl in reply toBoyce3600

...and understandably so, Boyce...It is a heartbreaking situation. Our loved ones never did anything to deserve this, and they deserve so much better. We at the very least, spend our days giving extraordinary love to them to alleviate that injustice.

XXX

Anne G.

Hi!

In our case we have had some episodes of constipation that have been corrected by applying an intensive Mediterranean diet based on fruits and vegetables, abundant liquids (In particular, about 100 c.c. to 200 c.c. liquid before breakfast) and helped by the drug Duphalac (lactulose, an oral osmotic laxative). Yogurts with pieces of plum (at lunch) have been of special help and maintenance.

Hugs.

Luis

More....

. Avoiding lemon juice, chocolate, bananas and rice, helps.

Staying quiet favors constipation. A program of gymnastic exercises, especially walking, favor regularity.

DeDeDickson profile image
DeDeDickson

Kaka,

We just installed a bidet to our toilet. I found it on Amazon for $35. It works great!

xoDorie

Artteach10 profile image
Artteach10

My husband can no longer wipe himself. The left arm is hard for him to move and hands are not very coordinated any more. I wipe him for number two. He leans forward with my help and I do the rest using a wet wipe at the end. It was awkward at first but now routine. You are not alone and we march to the same drum. Hugs to you dear lady. Nancyxx

aliciamq profile image
aliciamq

The first time I helped, I asked him to turn around and hang onto the grab bar so I could just "check" him ( I could smell he wasn't cleaned up well). I "no big dealed " it and said he had "missed a little scooch of a spot, let me get it" as I was getting it. It worked. He wears pull-ups now bcz he can't make it to the pot. He is not allowed to get them off himself!!!!!!!! He stands in front of commode facing me and holding a grab bar and I cut one side of pants which he holds with his free hand while I cut the other side ~ I grab the front and back with my Gloved hands, moving between his legs and the whole mess comes neatly down and goes right into the open and ready bag for disposal. He is now ready to sit and do crossword puzzles forever on his favorite chair in peace and quiet. :) I don't try to get the mess into the toilet bcz it's another step and he is standing in the way and in danger of a fall already. So I just use the waste bag then wrap it all in newspaper and a paper bag. Working well so far -knock on wood. Got something better? Lay it on me!!!!!!

Motts profile image
Motts in reply toaliciamq

Thank you for explaining this so well. Sending A Big Hug - Granni B

Motts profile image
Motts

Dear KaKa - My heart goes out to you and your husband. Tell him I am bit jealous because I would give anything for a big _ _ _ _ right now. Hope this made you smile . . . we need more smiles as we tackle each day. Sending Hugs - Granni B

Caro2132 profile image
Caro2132

My husband just accepted the fact that he needed to be cleaned up after. We have to laugh about it, I’m the poop cleaner, with him and our dog needing to be cleaned 😊

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