Nancy: I know a little bit about what you are going through. Bruce has IBS and it took a long time, pre-stroke, to get him regular, well at least for him, where he was comfortable. Post stroke this became my problem. I spoke at length with his PCP and GI and it was then we switched over to the Miralax daily and with diet changes,again my responsibility, and with some great advice from our Call Rachel, finally a satisfactory routine.

But our biggest issue over the last three years was incontinence.Finally, since Thanksgiving a true road to recovery with the right drugs finally and retraining.

Regardless of whether or not he is going, there must be activity in his bowels. You should check this daily. I am assuming you have a stethoscope, but if not, your own ear is fine. Listen both sides just below the ribcage, and again just about the hip bones. Its a gurgle or like a short rumble. And there has to be gas.

I know he sleeps alot and probably rests alot. You already push fluids and do the best you can with nutrition, but he must move. Ask him to stand in the kitchen and walk as much as he can tolerate. Lots of fresh air, best you can do. I know you are dealing with major depression issues, but you got a clean passageway just last week and need to take that date as day one. Regardless of how much he eats, he must have gurgling sounds in all four areas and some gas daily.

If there is an anatomic issue-curl or fold in a part of the intestine, these quick tests are even more important. If you lose sound around that area, it is time to talk to the doctor or go to the ER. Please be as pro-active as you can here, Nancy. Let us know. Debbie

when he was at the er they said no bowel obstruction and i can hear the gurgeling in his stomach.... its like the somach will go, but he has no urge... he denies even being uncomfortable ... nancyl

Nancy consult his doctor(s) to get their opinions first then in my cases of home remedies I use prune juice and other fruits it works every time for me! On the other hand if you are not eating much food it's even harder to have a BM! That's why I include some fruit from the can and if all that fails I take stool softeners (2) does it for me!

The biggest meal I eat plenty of is cheerios and bananas gotta have my whole grains any time of day or night! I'm a very lite eater in the last few months or so! and Dan probably is too nowadays! Hope good results come soon for Dan! Don't let him give up on himself trying to fix the problem!