Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Emphysema and constipation

My 89 yo father has COPD and his recent time in the hospital he became constipated with no bowel movements. They tried many things (suppositories, enemas, miralax and a myriad of home remedies) with still no success. A CT scan showed both stool and gases in his colon. A sigmoidoscomy relieved some of this but not much. We were told he isn't a candidate for a full colonoscomy without a lot of risk. He was sent home with hospice. He has gotten very weak and can't even sit up without help. My siblings and I will also care for him, but we are upset that the lack of a bowel movement will probably mean his demise. Do you have any suggestions??? Before this he was able to walk (he had just started using a walker), eat, etc. Is this part of the end stages of COPD?
Thank you for any help.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Hospice nurse brought in gas-x tablets. After his second one he started passing gas. The following day a lot of gas, and he had his first real bowel movement in over 2 weeks. We're still not completely out of the woods, but it's a start. Who would have thought an OTC med would have solved the problem?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dad is still eating and drinking but is on a soft/liquid diet. His lungs sound better than they have in a while, and he has a good heartbeat.
Helpful - 0
757137 tn?1347196453
I don't know if this is a typical end stage of COPD, but those often close to death the system seems to shut down. The patient stops eating and drinking. Is your father still eating?
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what causes asthma, and how to take control of your symptoms.
Healing home remedies for common ailments
Tricks to help you quit for good.
Is your area one of the dirtiest-air cities in the nation?
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.