ring can you get him into depends ASAP so he goes in them rather than miss making the commode? and if his dr allows an anti dirarrheal like immodium, I would give one every few hrs as directed til its over. there is a lot of viruses going around as well. make sure hes not got a fever. even low grade can cause havoc with these guys. and I feel the distress over having all the cleanups. no fun for sure. divvi
So sorry that you are going thru this. Like divvi said, depends and anti-diareal meds. Natural stuff, banana, rice, toast. Is he staying hydrated? weak sweet tea or pedi-lyte. Hope he recovers soon.
hello Ring, like Divvi said consider using depends, they are very much helpful. Changing them, it’s not fun either, but still better than nothing. And you might want to check with the doctor about his diarrhea. BB
Imodium since the first episode, depends every time since the second. The depends won't do it since the stool is just like water and maybe it happens too fast for him to recognize...whatever the problem it's still soaking through and even soaking through the towels I have him lying on. He hasn't eaten anything but a few dry crackers and water and sips of flat ginger ale since he has also vomited a few times, luckily into the toilet. I'm sure it's just a bug and I'm not interested in a doctor's opinion at this time.
I know you have had lots of difficulties with Doctors lately, but if he is not eating or drinking well it could lead to dehydration and more problems. Please reconsider! I'm concerned that if he gets really dehydrated and something more serious develops that you would feel really terrible and you have enough to deal with without feelings of guilt and anxiety.
These guys can go down hill so fast and even a bug that would not give us much grief could be very difficult for them.
Ring, the right supplies make a big difference. Use everything disposable that you can: gloves, chux, paper washcloths, wet-wipes. I'm sure you are opening your windows wide and perhaps using an anti-odor spray. Some kind of spray-on perineal body wash helps a lot, too. I have one called Aloe Vesta. Put alcohol or Vicks Vapo-rub on your nose when you clean him up. Be careful not to let him get dehydrated, as others have said. Besides the health risks, once his fluid and electrolyte balance is out of whack, he will become more confused.
The only way he's going to the doctor today is if he drives himself!
Guys I don't mean to sound ungrateful but sometimes when people post they are just looking for a compassionate ear in a place where they feel safe discussing such things.
I'm in my 60's, raised two children and ran a home daycare and also worked several years as a PSW. I do have some idea about how to deal with diarrhea, how long to let it go without medical help, what the signs of dehydration are, etc, etc....
I know your hearts are in the right place but all this advice is just overwhelming me and making me feel defensive on a day when I am feeling low and battling self-pity.
Ring, I am sorry that your DH is feeling poorly, and I am even more sorry about all the extra work it is causing for you to deal with his messes. Hugs coming your way - and a shoulder to cry on if you need it!
I know this is not funny but I had to laugh. We are all so eager to help that we can drive someone crazy when they just want to vent. Ring, anyone who has had to deal with a mess like this can certainly understand your frustration. I haven't had that problem with DH....Yet....but I had to clean up those kind of messes with my Dad and it was awful. He had bowel movements in the tub when I was trying to bathe him and also in the chair, floor and bed. Warm cyber hugs coming your way and I hope things are much better tomorrow.
Lol Ring! You’re right! I guess we don’t sense sometimes with our posts, I’m new to this forum, and didn’t mean to overwhelm you, sending hugs! And hope to hear good news from you.
ring, Your vent sounded just like me before placement of DH. When your days consist of nothing but cleaning poop a vent and pity party are more than well deserved. I don't think they make a depends that will absorb all the poop piled on a ALZ caregivers mental faculties when you have to deal with it. I once threw a 60 day supply of Namenda in the trash after a 7 day bout of constant diarrhea. Never placed him on it again as I did not see it was helping one iota. You sound so stressed and with a more than good reason. I hope things ease up for you ring and I am sending you a big hug and a huge dose of understanding on knowing how you feel. We are here ring , and we do care.
"The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing... not healing, not curing... that is a friend who cares."
Henri J. M. Nouwen
Ring, sounds like this statement is what you need. It is one of my favorites. Sending out a silent moment with you.
DH was much improved as of last night. The diarrhea is not quite gone but much lessened (guess he's all pooped out) and because of that and with Depends as back up he has been making it to the toilet on time. He hasn't vomited any more and has been getting lots of liquids plus some crackers and dry toast. He was up and dressed by last night and even went for a very short walk.
sorry but your initial post appeared to be a cry for input and suggestions. if its just a vent maybe it should be stated. there were many who responded with valuable input and should not be chastised for offering suggestions and help. but that's just me. I am happy to hear your spouse is much improved. divvi
I know Im new here but my DH is feeling poorly and appears to have a stomach flu. His stomach make loud sounds after he eats anything but can't have a poop. I have given him laxatives and then whoosh, we have poop and only occasionally on the toilet. I too feel so frustrated as even on good days he can't take himself to the toilet if he needs to go, so now my 'poop antennae' is up and my radar is on emergency mode. Pepto Bismo seems to be helping and he is napping a lot and up at 4 am. God, this disease takes everything out of us. Glad you are all here to hear me out. Appreciate it!
abauche - have your tried an antigas pill? Papaya pills are good for gas and digestion if you don't want the drugs. Could be stomach acid. So many things could be. Such a guessing game we learn to play!!
Oh, you brought back memories! I remember that when my husband would have one of those bouts, for months afterward he would get an immodium pill, one, every morning, no more, and he would gradually get around to being regular. This, obviously, after the diarrhea had past.
I will say one thing for alz.. I learned to spell diarrhea!
Ring, I think many of us came here seeking help and advice, primarily, and later realized we could just VENT here. It's natural that our first reaction is to give advice!
That is really tough slogging Ring. My heart goes out to you. I was there and it was overwhelming at times. Memories that still seem unreal when I recall them. Try and find ways to stay strong and you will get through these days. I wish I could offer something constructive but I just survived those days and nothing more.