Advice re laxative for 90 year old mum

[MovingSwiftlyOn]

My 90 yo MIL had a fall back in May and due to that and Covid, really doesn't do much any longer, as a result she's started suffering intermittent constipation. She takes lactulose daily which seems to work for a couple of weeks, then stops. The GP prescribed Laxido, but one dose of that isn't enough and two doses gives her raging diarrhoea for days, leaving her feeling rubbish. Any suggestions would be gratefully received, we've tried the senokot, wholewheat bread dried apricots and prunes route to no avail, plus she's a bit fussy about eating anyway! Thanks in advance

Mangoes are a laxative. Does she like them? Slice into a bowl and top with a little rolled oats and some almonds?

Thanks @TheSandgroper, she does, I'll give it a go. I've also given her some electrolytes to take if she gets another bout, might help her feel less rotten xx

Sounds like she’s needing more fruit or veg in her diet to make her go more regularly. What about more home made lentil (or other veg, rotate different ones) soups for lunch daily? Easy to eat, teeth not required. Quick. Warming. I think porridge ha the same effect as it’s roughage too.

Or a glass of fresh orange with breakfast (or mango, or tomato, whatever type she likes).

Or what about smoothies? You can cram a load of fruit and veg into them. Id not add milk though if that’s bunging her up, just water or perhaps a fruit juice. If she needs calcium I’d get a supplement.

Can you take her out for a walk together so she has you to hold on to? To give her confidence after her fall. Just to the top of the street and back or whatever. Moving makes the digestive system move. If she won’t go out could she do exercises holding onto a chair. Like walking in the spot or knee lifts or something along with a suitable programme on your phone once you come over perhaps.

One Dulcolax tablet should be fine. Theyre non-habit forming and gentle.

Up her water and vegetable intake too.

Try to get her into a routine where she gets up, eats breakfast then sits on the loo.

Can she split the packet of laxido? And take 1.5 doses? I’ve done this before.

Thank you for all the helpful suggestions. I think you're right, she doesn't eat enough vegetables particularly in the summer. It's much easier getting them down her in winter as she says she eats the soup I make her. She does have wholemeal bread and bananas, but doesn't eat much at all. Confidence is slowly returning, so she is moving more. I've passed her the suggestion to try 1.5 sachets and I'll get her some Dulcolax. Thank you all xxx

The gp told me porridge is a very good soluble fibre to help move the bowel too, easier to digest than some veg too.

Also make sure she drinks enough. Dehydration causes constipation, obviously, since the body is trying to retain as much water as possible. At 90, you don't have to worry so much about a "healthy" diet in the sense of long term damage to arteries etc, so get her to drink in whatever form she fancies.I presume that's why our care home puts out jugs of fruit cordial rather than water - it's more likely to be drunk.

Thank you @MereDintofPandiculation that's good advice. X

my mum is in her 90s and has the same issue, her dr prescribed Macrolief sachets that she takes when needed. I don't know if they are perscription only, but she finds them very good.