1. < Digestive Health

IBS chronic diarrhea and bowel incontinence

Posted by faye0707 @faye0707, Mar 8 4:16pm

I am 62 and have suffered from IBS for about 35 years. This year I started having daily diarrhea and bowel incontinence. I have been through tons of tests and the doctors haven’t found anything. My doctor hasn’t tested me for any cause of the incontinence yet he has been focusing on any other cause of the diarrhea besides my IBS. My quality of life has gone from active to housebound unless I take4 Imodium I can go out for the day but I can’t do this but once a week because it causes bad stomach pain. Hoping there are others out there who might offer help.

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faye0707 | @faye0707 | Mar 19 9:33am
In reply to @mrsflutterby "Make sure and get the breath test for SIBO (small intestine bacterial overload.) My incontinence turned..." + (show)
@mrsflutterby

Make sure and get the breath test for SIBO (small intestine bacterial overload.) My incontinence turned out to be a Hydrogen Sulfide overload and once treated, I’m back to almost normal!

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Thanks. I will definitely check into that. Did you have chronic diarrhea also?

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2 replies
faye0707 | @faye0707 | Mar 19 9:46am
In reply to @rashida "@faye0707 I have been having stomach cramps and diarrhea lately - although not to the point..." + (show)
@rashida

@faye0707 I have been having stomach cramps and diarrhea lately - although not to the point of incontinence - and my doctor told me it was irritable bowel syndrome (I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy last April). She has suggested that I take peppermint oil capsules since I am reluctant to take prescription medications.

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I was diagnosed with IBS about 40 years ago. If I tried peppermint oil I don’t remember but it sounds like a good place to start. In my years of seeing multiple specialists I have found that when a painful attack comes on I take Imodium. It normally stops the cramping and then I am able to lay down with a heating pad. Most of the time I take prescription strength ibuprofen which is 800 mg.

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1 reply
kb2014 | @kb2014 | Mar 20 12:05am

My neurologist suggested today I could have this. I take lamotrigine for seizure prevention. He lowered the dose bit O am moving on with visit to my primary the GI. Going to start the fodmap diet. I havd been under tremendous stress and on top of that have ptsd. Any insight is appreciated. What about escitalpram? O take it. Was on 10mg. I reduced to 5mg
I think my symptoms got worse from that

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mrsflutterby | @mrsflutterby | Mar 20 1:40am
In reply to @faye0707 "Thanks. I will definitely check into that. Did you have chronic diarrhea also?" + (show)
@faye0707

Thanks. I will definitely check into that. Did you have chronic diarrhea also?

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Yes, after taking Xifaxan for the SIBO. I switched from IBS-C to IBS-D.

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swilkins1974 | @swilkins1974 | Mar 21 8:14am
In reply to @faye0707 "I was diagnosed with IBS about 40 years ago. If I tried peppermint oil I don’t..." + (show)
@faye0707

I was diagnosed with IBS about 40 years ago. If I tried peppermint oil I don’t remember but it sounds like a good place to start. In my years of seeing multiple specialists I have found that when a painful attack comes on I take Imodium. It normally stops the cramping and then I am able to lay down with a heating pad. Most of the time I take prescription strength ibuprofen which is 800 mg.

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My physician prescribed Tylenol with codeine. Works tremendously when I get an attack including pain.

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faye0707 | @faye0707 | Mar 22 9:09am
In reply to @faye0707 "Thanks. I will definitely check into that. Did you have chronic diarrhea also?" + (show)
@faye0707

Thanks. I will definitely check into that. Did you have chronic diarrhea also?

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Yes every day. I have to take 4 Imodium to leave the house.

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1 reply
kb2014 | @kb2014 | Mar 22 2:13pm
In reply to @faye0707 "Yes every day. I have to take 4 Imodium to leave the house." + (show)
@faye0707

Yes every day. I have to take 4 Imodium to leave the house.

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I am sorry sorry and I understand. I go to the bathroom a lot. I am just getting into this possible diagnosis for myself. I have an upcoming appt with my primary and also will schedule with a GI specialist. I am learning about dietary issues and medication related to IBS. I will try Peppermint oil or tea too.

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