Bowels, sweating, and shower chairs

February 18, 2002

Hello group. I need some tips from you.

1. Sam does not feel constipatedand has had no problems that way in the

past, but things change. A couple of days ago he passed one very large

stool Now for several days he has had a lot of stomach rumblings, but

passes rectally only clear or slightly brown liquid. He has had no

problems with constipation. Could he be building an impaction? What can I

give him. He has been eating a good diet, but perhaps more beef in the

last couple of days, as we had company here.

2. We have spoken to the neurologist several times in the past about the

sweats--usually at night, I think. But I guess I come with such a giant

list of items to be addressed that that question is skipped over, or there

is little that can be done about it. Is this definitely more

shy-drager? He has a strong heart and recently had many tests for his heart.

3. He is beginning to be uneasy in the shower, though we have bars in

there, but I leaned in and washed his hair for the first time a day or so

ago. We have a shower stall, but that is pretty cramped, and I did try to

put a shower bench in there, but it was really tight. We also have a

bathroom with a tub and shower in there, but getting across the rim of the

tub would be hard. We have bars in there also. Now I have seen in the

catalogs these benches of various types that slide across the rim of the

tub. and we could use one of these shower nozzles on a hose--which I was

going to get anyway for the shower. What type of bench works best? Maybe

something would work for a while at least.

Thanks so much to everyone out there. It is wonderful to be able to talk

about these practical details with " those in the know, " and to get

information about other more serious things. Lou R.

February 18, 2002

lou Reynolds wrote:

> Hello group. I need some tips from you.

> 1. Sam does not feel constipatedand has had no problems that way in the

> past, but things change. A couple of days ago he passed one very large

> stool Now for several days he has had a lot of stomach rumblings, but

> passes rectally only clear or slightly brown liquid. He has had no

> problems with constipation. Could he be building an impaction? What can I

> give him. He has been eating a good diet, but perhaps more beef in the

> last couple of days, as we had company here.

I build up with impaction persay. They happen in the upper part of my intestinal

tract area and the lower xrays , ect. don't show the impaction most times.

Part of my diet includes pureed chicken mixed with low fat mayo and sometimes

ensure. Chicken broth is good too for the salt intake. I also find pureeing

chicken digest easier than beef/ gound sirlion . Also, I have to drink tons of

fluids (90 ounces at least) to combat this problem, so maybe ur husband didn't

get enough fluids that day. We have found that calcium enrich or regular ensure

- 3 cans a day, miralax, stool softners helps with the bowel movements.

U mentioned company.....If snacks other than normal snacks were served and he

ate

them, then that could be trouble. Also, change in excercise/movement routine

puts a bind in me. If companay comes, I end up sitting and talking more

than walking or moving.

> 3. He is beginning to be uneasy in the shower, though we have bars in

> there, but I leaned in and washed his hair for the first time a day or so

> ago. We have a shower stall, but that is pretty cramped, and I did try to

> put a shower bench in there, but it was really tight. We also have a

> bathroom with a tub and shower in there, but getting across the rim of the

> tub would be hard. We have bars in there also. Now I have seen in the

> catalogs these benches of various types that slide across the rim of the

> tub. and we could use one of these shower nozzles on a hose--which I was

> going to get anyway for the shower. What type of bench works best? Maybe

> something would work for a while at least.

>

I have a cushion vinyl shower bench with a back ( 150 -200) for 7 years now. it

extendds over the tub side. We put the shower liner in the slots between the

bench overhang part and the seat. My husband purchased :

Carex ( DIVISION OF aCORN , Newark, NJ. extra long (80 feet) hand held shower

spray with on/off shower spray valve. 24.88 (1995 price) model 765000

The mounting bracket - just use a self adhesive one.

A scald guard was installed to control for water temparture. A range of temps

are set , so not worries. $ 150. including the fixture and installation (about

1 hour) by a plumber.

Check medicare may pay for the shower chair.

nancy m.

>

> Thanks so much to everyone out there. It is wonderful to be able to talk

> about these practical details with " those in the know, " and to get

> information about other more serious things. Lou R.

>

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February 18, 2002