Bowel urgency: Any suggestions?

Posted by lwbarker @lwbarker, Mar 3, 2023

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!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

@msvjv

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.

Jump to this post

I was 85# now 80#'s & I was a certified nurses aide. Rest assured, no leaks. But, if you're worried, a medical supply store supplies bed chucks. It's a blue light plastic square that goes neath you bottom. Cotton side up. You'll rest much better w knowing you can sleep w/o worrying abt an accident. I had an accident at hospital & I poured out on floor. Got yelled at. Threw up. & no one came to clean the tossed mess. I fell asleep w some still on my feet. Oakwood gone Beaumont now Corewell Hospital in Dbn MI horrible hygiene & care for patients. I wouldn't kennel my dog their

REPLY
@shawnkthryn

I was 85# now 80#'s & I was a certified nurses aide. Rest assured, no leaks. But, if you're worried, a medical supply store supplies bed chucks. It's a blue light plastic square that goes neath you bottom. Cotton side up. You'll rest much better w knowing you can sleep w/o worrying abt an accident. I had an accident at hospital & I poured out on floor. Got yelled at. Threw up. & no one came to clean the tossed mess. I fell asleep w some still on my feet. Oakwood gone Beaumont now Corewell Hospital in Dbn MI horrible hygiene & care for patients. I wouldn't kennel my dog their

Jump to this post

I’m sorry you were treated so badly.

REPLY
@msvjv

I’m sorry you were treated so badly.

Jump to this post

Thanx :/

REPLY

You may have gluten intolerance or celiac disease. This happens to me when I eat gluten. I get lose stools or diarrhea. Watch to see if it happens after you eat bread products or anything with gluten. It took me while to figure it out. I have havld bad Accidents in stores and it was awful. My daughter has Celiac Disease.

REPLY
@shawnkthryn

@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

Jump to this post

Thank you for your reply. I've now had the Axonics permanent implant for 3 weeks. I am experiencing less urgency and fewer bowel movements plus they are solid now so I have more time to get to the bathroom. It's the one with the rechargeable battery which is supposed to last for 15-20 years. Now I'm done in the bathroom by 8:30 am. I feel like I've gotten my life back! Yes, my gastro doc had me on a bile acid sequestrant (cholestryamine) and I tried Bentyle as well. Like I said, I've tried EVERYTHING. None of it worked for me. My problem is nerve damage - presumably from giving birth, which unfortunately has gotten worse and worse over the years.

REPLY

I had to break down and go with Depends-type pull-ups, and it was tough emotionally, but I had no choice after several embarrassing accidents due to EPI, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. Pull-ups usually work well enough for me. Actual tape diapers are too uncomfortable on my small frame, as I have lost a lot of weight.

REPLY

I’ve been on Viberzi for about 6 years and it’s pretty much changed my life (77). Started with twice daily, but now I only take once in the morning.

REPLY
@linmarie01

I’ve been on Viberzi for about 6 years and it’s pretty much changed my life (77). Started with twice daily, but now I only take once in the morning.

Jump to this post

I have had IBS-D for forty years and am also gluten sensitive. I can't take Viberzi or any newer drugs for IBS because Medicare won't cover it. I can't afford over $1000.00 a month and make too much to get help from the company. Bentyl does help the pain but not the amount of times I have to run to the loo.

REPLY
@gussie

I have had IBS-D for forty years and am also gluten sensitive. I can't take Viberzi or any newer drugs for IBS because Medicare won't cover it. I can't afford over $1000.00 a month and make too much to get help from the company. Bentyl does help the pain but not the amount of times I have to run to the loo.

Jump to this post

I’ve used a Walgreens coupon as well as a CareRx coupon at different times. Both have brought the price down to the low $400s for 60, which last me for 2 months.

REPLY
@cembry

You may have gluten intolerance or celiac disease. This happens to me when I eat gluten. I get lose stools or diarrhea. Watch to see if it happens after you eat bread products or anything with gluten. It took me while to figure it out. I have havld bad Accidents in stores and it was awful. My daughter has Celiac Disease.

Jump to this post

I meant to write a reply to you but posted it as a comment below, Sorry for the double post.

"I had to break down and go with Depends-type pull-ups, and it was tough emotionally, but I had no choice after several embarrassing accidents due to EPI, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. Pull-ups usually work well enough for me. Actual tape diapers are too uncomfortable on my small frame, as I have lost a lot of weight."

LOWFOD diet, Creon, and peppermint oil have brought me relief, but it is not a 100% cure for EPI or bowel urgency. I am just relieved that it is mostly under control.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.