Diarrhea Unusually frequent and liquid bowel movements can result from chemotherapy , radiotherapy , emotional stress or sensitivity to certain foods. Your doctor can help find the cause and advise you if you need medication.
To relieve the discomfort, restrict yourself to warm fluids so your bowel can rest. Then gradually add foods low in roughage—dry toast, crackers, mashed potatoes, applesauce and rice. As you slowly return to your normal diet, drink plenty of liquids to replace the fluids lost in the diarrhea.
Incontinence If you have a problem controlling urination, two kinds of catheter can be used. Men can use a condom type that fits snugly on the shaft of the penis and is attached to a gravity drainage bag. The other type is a Foley catheter that is inserted directly into the bladder and attached to a bag that is changed regularly.
With either type, it is important to keep the skin clean and dry. With the Foley catheter, special care has to be taken to keep the connections and drainage port free of contamination. A nurse can show you and your family the procedures to follow before you leave the hospital.
Skin Care If you have to remain in bed for long periods, you'll have to pay special attention to the condition of your skin. When some part of the body lies against a surface like a mattress for a long period, nutrients and oxygen can't reach the skin cells . The area breaks down and the skin cells die. This creates pressure sores or bedsores.
