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Bowel or fecal incontinence and how to manage it

Digestive Health | Last Active: 16 hours ago | Replies (207)

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Profile picture for Cathy @njzmom

I have struggled with fecal incontinence for about 10 years now. I am in my mid 60’s. I have seen numerous drs, therapists, and dieticians. I had a neurostim put in in January. The only thing it has helped with is making me more aware of how close I must stay to the restroom. As soon as I think I’m “safe” to venture out, at least half the time I have a total “loss” episode.

I know things could be, and ARE, much worse for others, but this is not fun. For years my drs have told me so many people deal with this issue, but I HAVE NEVER MET ONE!!! I would love to connect with even one other person with whom I can share these struggles and maybe get some new suggestions!

Thanks to all of you out there. It’s nice to have people.🙂

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Replies to "I have struggled with fecal incontinence for about 10 years now. I am in my mid..."

Hi, @njzmom. I agree - fecal incontinence is not fun. I had it before in my bed, twice. It accompanied severe diarrhea as a medication side effect, and boy, was I feeling humiliated. For awhile, I used some bed pads from a local big box store, and that gave me the confidence to fall asleep, without terror that an incident would occur.

I moved your post here so that you could connect with others talking about fecal incontinence, such as @p95 @slangston @deblf @hopeful33250 @wizdum @emyliander and others:

- Bowel or fecal incontinence and how to manage it https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/bowel-incontinence/?pg=15

@sallyw133 also may have some thoughts for you about making it safe to venture out.

At this point, njzmom, do you venture out, or do you skip social occasions? Do you experience this issue during the night and during the daytime?

I am dealing with diarrhea and urinary in the presence of coughing. This is no joke. I have family with this issue. It has been 3 months now. I feel for you! I hope it gets better for us all.

I have had a jpouch since 1996, and in Nov 2023, I began having night time incontinence, it seemed to come on suddenly. I don't go to bed without a pad or some type of incontinence underwear, I always wake up too late, not usually a big amount, but can be numerous times/night. I take Imuran, Imodium 6-8 tabs/day, Cipro or Flagyl, and Metamucil daily to try to thicken or bulk up stool, but still is very loose (pudding like). I am going to Mayo next week for a scope of my pouch, a manometry procedure & a later a MR Proctogram imagery. I am hoping to get some answers and solutions. Best of luck with your issues.