Connect
Bowel urgency: Any suggestions?
I am 77 and have had bowel urgency for about 12 years. Mostly in the mornings, sometimes loose, sometimes firm, usually two to three BMs. Have had embarrassing incidents of no control when away from home. Recently GI doc recommended fiber supplement, pelvic floor strengthening and Bentyl (dicyclomine) daily. Fiber seems to help consistency. I take Bentyl if going out in the morning. I watch what I eat and drink. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
Connect
I have had IBS-D for over forty years. When the pain starts in my upper GI I take one 20 mg. pill of Bentyl I don't take them on a regular basis. I get side effects from almost everything. Mostly diarrhea but I have found that Bentyl just helps with no side effects. I can't take any PPI they all give me diarrhea. My script is written for one pill every 6 hours for pain.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsHi. Is there an actual pad for bowel incontinence or is it a brief you use?
@msvjv
I would use either an incontinence pad or menstrual pad.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionIf stools are loose, have you tried just taking 1/2-1 Immodium tablet before going out? It works really well to stop movement in the GI tract but you don’t want to use it every day or it will make you constipated. Try it first before you go out and then experiment with it, keeping up with the fiber to keep stool consistency soft and stable.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI've tried it all - psychotherapy, functional medicine, fiber, Imodium, pelvic floor training, biofeedback, bowel training, balloon therapy - you name it. Finally, Pelvic Floor Rehab suggested I have a consult with my urogynecologist about Axionics (a sacral nerve stimulator) for bladder or bowel accidents. I'm currently undergoing the Stage 1 Trial (done in my urogynecologist's office. The stage 1 trial is temporary and lasts for 1 week. Leads are placed near the sacral nerve and connected to an external stimulator. It provides continuous stimulation to the nerves that communicate between the brain and the bowel. If I pass the trial (which means I have to have a 50% improvement in the number and urgency of BMs), I will move on to Stage 2 (permanent implant done in the hospital as outpatient surgery). My urogynecologist has an overall 92% success rate with it. 85% success rate for bowel control. My urogynecologist has done over 100 of these procedures over the past 5 years. Look it up - sacral nerve stimulator. There are YouTube videos and Facebook Groups on it too. It's something to consider if you've tried everything else. I'm really surprised there is nothing here on this site discussing it.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 ReactionsYou could also ask about colesevelam, colestipol, welchol, cholestyramine. They are some of the first cholesterol meds, but they were noted to help people with GI issues too. My mom was having some pretty severe probs at age 75 and getting on this gave her her life back. I'm kinda jealous!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsColestipol along with others has helped my digestive issues. Ask.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@msvjv personally, I'd brief up. If having diarrhea issues. Easier to clean myself, than sheets or underwear
@p95 have you tried colesevlam 625mg three times a day & dicyclone 20mg twice a day. That put a rest to my D that lasted 4y's. Eat & run. Horrible. Took 2-3mo's to become Constipated. Need Rx. But, tell Dr when you stop for 2-3days or we'll, this has landed me home since 12/2023. Please let me know how you're doing w this new brain to bowel theory
I was actually wondering about availability. I’ve only seen pads and briefs for urine incontinence. I would think bowel incontinence would require heavier, tighter protection, even at home.