Elderly Toilet Issues

[bainbrig]

I know it’s common for old people to suffer from speeded-up digestion (i.e. eat, sit, wait an hour, defecate). A nuisance. But are there any mild medications to slow down the process?

Ta

BB

[KARL]

I realise some people are very sensitive about revealing their age (although I don't understand why). May I ask how old you are, bainbrig ?

[bainbrig]

Mid 70s Karl. But the old-age accelerated bowel business is a bit random. I’ve seen it come on in the late 60s, and sometimes not till the 80s.

Luck has a lot to do with how we age!

[vulcan42]

bb, "I'm not sure, it's probably old age" is the favourite reply of my doctor. He might use it a lot because when he first said it I asked him if he could perhaps recommend a younger doctor, it wasn't well received.

[bainbrig]

Vulcan. I like it.

[KARL]

Oh, dear - I am the same sort of age. The good news is that there is absolutely no hint of the phenomena you describe.......yet.

Hey, Vulcan, I must pinch your idea for next time - it's never yet been suggested outright but the body language give the thought away. I see the medics as rarely as I can (routine check-ups only for the past years).

[bainbrig]

Karl. It might never happen, pal. (Something else might, of course!)

[m_hussain]

I still think it would be wise for you to consult your GP about your concerns bainbrig.

[pixie374]

I would still consult the GP (I haven't read all the thread yet). It could be anything from medication you are already taking, to IBS, to an intolerance of something, and those can come and go within around 6 months. If you can't see anything obvious yourself, do ask, as this is not an inevitable symptom.of old age. There may well be something easily treatable.
I agree, take one imodium, if you are having a day out and it is important, but this is not necessarily something you need to always live with either.

[bainbrig]

Thanks pixie ("this is not an inevitable symptom.of old age") - not inevitable, but ask anyone over 70 if this happens, and I'm afraid you'll find it often does. I'll take charge of it, and try and cut out possible causes - salad dressing with it's lemony/vinegary content seems a potential culprit.

I will see a doctor if I can't get to grips with it, but while I know they try and help, I've also lived long enough to know that sometimes they're also in the dark...

BB