1. < Colorectal Cancer

People with Fecal Incontinence: Psyllium Fiber?

Posted by jmy75 @jmy75, Jul 8 9:05pm

I alternate my father on loperamide and lomitil daily. At first things were hopeful but now not so much. He leaks through a maxi pad, a diaper, 2 boxer shorts and another pair of shorts into his jeans. I don't know how that happens, but I'm doing laundry and buying clothing like crazy.

I got him off caffeine because I thought that would help, no dice.

He is basically homebound. Occasionally he'll go out but only if he hasn't eaten anything at all.

He is so old and frail (82) a colostomy is out of the question....

Has anyone here tried psyllium fiber? I have read that it can help with fecal incontinence. To be honest, I don't see how, but I'm ending the road here on options. I'm going mad.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Colorectal Cancer Support Group.

rjjacobsen | @rjjacobsen | Jul 11 7:55pm
In reply to @jmy75 "My problem is that I have to do this for dad. He won't participate in his..." + (show)
@jmy75

My problem is that I have to do this for dad. He won't participate in his own Healthcare.

So when I need information from him he sometimes tells me something useful and sometimes hides stuff from me.

So far what seems to be working is immodium/lomitil, psyllium fiber, moderate water, and no caffeine, and no artificial sweeteners. And by "work I mean" 3 accidents a day instead of 6

Jump to this post

That's really tough and difficult. I'm sorry.

Since he has trouble swallowing the capsules and can't handle the slurry, maybe gradually bump up the number of gummies since you're not dealing with constipation, but with diarrhea?

I'd also suggest a chat with somebody from the people who treated his rectal cancer... they may have some better suggestions or know of someone who does.

Hope this helps.

REPLY
bevjoy | @bevjoy | Jul 15 9:20am
In reply to @rjjacobsen "I have bad days as well so I try to avoid variance from day to day..." + (show)
@rjjacobsen

I have bad days as well so I try to avoid variance from day to day and try to eat/drink/take MM consistently - that variance is what messes me up.

I try to limit fluid intake to a quart and a half unless I'm doing something to cause sweating... drinking over that amount encourages the diarrhea. Today, I was working outside in 84 F heat so I drank more water than normal. Even then, I don't over water because of the consequences. I avoid soda entirely - the non-diet (sugar HFCS) versions encourage diarrhea and I'm allergic to most diet pops. It is difficult to adjust the water and the psyllium husk powder based on activity. I do drink (and recommend) G-zero (Gatorade - zero calorie) or G2 (Gatorade - half sugar) or equivalent. I use this when I've been very physically active.

Yes, drinking lots of water is a good thing for most, but it is counterproductive to what the psyllium husks are doing. I think, but don't know, that you can increase water and psyllium husk powder proportionally if you are thirsty. I've thought about testing this, but haven't yet. I do know if I overwater the diarrhea returns and quickly. Ick.

I don't bother to count my fiber intake in a day.

Hope this helps.

Jump to this post

Thanks so much. My one gripe about this surgery was no substantial after care nutrition advice. My surgeon prescribed Cholestyramine because of the constipation side effect. I'm not taking it because of other potential side effects and I want to work with the husks first. I've just been overdoing the fluids and under-doing the husks. Your advice is so helpful.

I experimented yesterday with increasing my p husk capsules and it did make a difference, at least in the short term. I'm going to follow your suggestion about fluid intake and have measured out my daily water allotment. I believe that I was nervous about hydration and small intestine blockage. But, I'm willing to give it a try.

I also eat all bran with blueberries in the a.m. and it helps.

Do you eat anything you want or do you limit spices or other foods? I get very confused about what to eat and read about SIBO and the FODMAP diet. It feels overwhelming. Any thoughts? Do you take any probiotics or digestive enzymes?

Since I have genetic recessive mutyh-associated polyposis (MAP), I need to get a sigmoidoscopy (even tho no sigmoid, but he can check the illieum for polyps). Also, get an upper endoscopy annually to check for polyps. I trust my gastro, but very nervous about doing the prep..since it will put system into a loose mode.

If you don't mind, I may post an update after a few weeks. There aren't many of us around with a TC.

Thanks again!

REPLY
1 reply
rjjacobsen | @rjjacobsen | Jul 15 9:58am
In reply to @bevjoy "Thanks so much. My one gripe about this surgery was no substantial after care nutrition advice...." + (show)
@bevjoy

Thanks so much. My one gripe about this surgery was no substantial after care nutrition advice. My surgeon prescribed Cholestyramine because of the constipation side effect. I'm not taking it because of other potential side effects and I want to work with the husks first. I've just been overdoing the fluids and under-doing the husks. Your advice is so helpful.

I experimented yesterday with increasing my p husk capsules and it did make a difference, at least in the short term. I'm going to follow your suggestion about fluid intake and have measured out my daily water allotment. I believe that I was nervous about hydration and small intestine blockage. But, I'm willing to give it a try.

I also eat all bran with blueberries in the a.m. and it helps.

Do you eat anything you want or do you limit spices or other foods? I get very confused about what to eat and read about SIBO and the FODMAP diet. It feels overwhelming. Any thoughts? Do you take any probiotics or digestive enzymes?

Since I have genetic recessive mutyh-associated polyposis (MAP), I need to get a sigmoidoscopy (even tho no sigmoid, but he can check the illieum for polyps). Also, get an upper endoscopy annually to check for polyps. I trust my gastro, but very nervous about doing the prep..since it will put system into a loose mode.

If you don't mind, I may post an update after a few weeks. There aren't many of us around with a TC.

Thanks again!

Jump to this post

Thanks for your comment. Appreciated. And my best to you.

Tried probiotics but they didn't help.

Things I avoid:

Things with added sugar or high fructose corn syrup like non-diet sodas. Also tightly limit use of pancake syrup to minimal amounts.

Some frying fats are very troublesome - the difficulty is that it's "some". Most are OK in moderation, but I do have no-go places based on experience such as KFC. I'm fine with most fast food joints as long as I get senior meals and limit the deep fried stuff - example: I have no trouble with a burger and fries, but fired chicken strips and fries are too much. Ditto with all you can eat fish fries - limit the number of filets and go for a baked potato instead of fries. I does seem the heavier the oil (like peanut oil), the more it causes problems.

I'm checking into the FODMAP diet. It appears I do some of it already, but not all of it - I daily do some milk/dairy and fruits.

My docs do a sigmoidoscopy every 3 years, CT scans/blood work every 6 months now that it's been 41 months post surgery.

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