Bowel Problem

[genie123]

My husband (aged 76) has reduced mobility due to stroke. Last weekend he spent a night in A&E suffering from severe constipation. He had 2 enema and suppositories and eventually there was some relief. Although he now has a hemorrhoid! He was sent home with the recommendation that he take two Cosmocol (active ingredient Macrogol) powders night and morning which he did on Monday. since then although not suffering from diarrhoea his bowel movements are often and very soft. Once or twice he hasn't realised it has happened which I find concerning. I haven't given him any more Cosmocol since one Tuesday morning. Is this all still the bowel settling down or should I be seeking more medical advice.

[Sqad]

Yes, constipation may be a problem with stroke victims although this is not my area of expertise and it can be quite challenging. It is not uncommon for soft frequent stools to be a problem after laxative administration and Cosmocol is no exception in the early days.
Yes, it is the bowel settling as you put it and should soon settle and i would advice that you give it at least 2 weeks before seeking further medical advice.

[genie123]

Many thanks Sqad.

[woofgang]

How long ago was the stroke?

[genie123]

Hi Woofgang. The stroke symptoms were caused by a bleed during an operation to remove a cyst from the brain. It was in 2012. He has had constipation before but never got to this situation before. His mobility has decreased as he's got older.

[spathiphyllum]

Yes. The bowl / gut takes a while to settle down once it has experienced inflammation especially from constipation.