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Bowel or fecal incontinence and how to manage it

Digestive Health | Last Active: Oct 20 11:52am | Replies (210)

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I know this is an old post, but if you are still suffering, may I suggest you look into Axonics for sacral nerve stimulation. It has been shown to help with both bladder and bowel incontinence. I only have bowel incontinence probably from nerve damage from the birth of my only child which was 36 years ago, but my problem has been getting steadily as I have aged. I'm 70 years old now and have been struggling with bowel incontinence for many years. My daughter weighed in at 8 lbs. 7-1/2 ozs. and they had to use forceps to get her out plus I have a very small frame. My urogynocologist performs this procedure. I'm not sure what other specialties do it. It does require a trial phase where leads are place in the sacral nerve and all the wires and battery are taped to your backside. If you pass the 1-week trail with a 50% or better improvement in urgency and number of bowel movements, you go on to phase 2 which is surgical implantation of the device/wires. I tried everything from keeping a food diary, to low FODMAPs, to increasing my fiber, to Pelvic Floor Rehab, to daily Imodium (which helps, but causes a rebound effect for me). I am only 2 weeks post op from having the implant and have seen a dramatic change in urgency and number of bowel movements. I wish you the best of luck.

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Replies to "I know this is an old post, but if you are still suffering, may I suggest..."

That is good to know—I am 71 and have both bladder and fecal incontinence. The colorectal surgeon I consulted suggested a series of shots that go up through your rectum. I was referred to Pelvic PT but did not go. I rely a lot on immodium and lomotil if the problem is severe. I see a bariatric nurse practioner for these issues.