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Bowel or fecal incontinence and how to manage it
I am 73 yr old femal with diagnosed Celiac, Microscopic Colitis and IBS. i don’t have diarrhea, BM’s are either soft formed or constipated small hard stool, but either way I can be incontenant of small amount of stool. I wear a pad in close knit underwear with legs, so nothing can escape. Any advice from people with same problem would be comforting and useful. I would like to know how you handled it on social occasions.
Thank you, Emyliander
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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.
Must be soooooo frustrating! Best wishes to you.
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1 ReactionI had my large bowel removed 2 years ago. I have had diarrhea since. I have had fecal incontinence a few times. It happens when I am ill. Once I had a constant bowel movement contractions for several hours. I just stayed in my hotel room and read. It was borderline from discomfort to pain. There are several brands of diapers for these situations but I have found Knix brand panties to be useful. These panties come with several levels of padding from none (regular underwear) to 5 ( 5 tablespoons of liquid). They also have wonderful colors. Made me feel good about myself.
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2 Reactionsyou might want to consider pelvic floor therapy to strengthen the pelvic floor so you can hold your urine and stool better.
I have struggled with the emotional distress of bowel incontinence due to a combination of EPI, SIBO, the medication used to treat EPI, and possibly just simple IBS C/D alternating, so I can relate. Losing a relationship during this time was especially hard, and I understand it is a lot to ask a new partner to accept, and am just now venturing back into dating.
Before the health issues, I had an intense exercise routine, diet, and was in incredible shape. This has been humbling, to say the least. After several humiliating accidents in public (not limited to light leakage), and in a hotel, nonetheless, I became increasingly neurotic about staying home.
The LOWFOD map diet helped a great deal, and getting back into exercise has as well. I am trying to be more positive in my thinking, and that has helped my mood, but accidents still occur. I just try ot be prepared: Extra Depends, wipes, latex gloves, and bags to dispose of discreetly, and if traveling, I sleep on a pad to help avoid problems in hotels. Having a spare change of clothes is imperative.
Choosing to wear Depends made a difference, but it took a long time to accept it. However, as awkward as it was mentally, it was not nearly as awkward as avoiding contact with others, or worse, having an accident. As I am a very social person, I simply couldn't take it anymore.
I have had occasional bed wetting and saw several urologists about it. They said as long as it is only at night and a couple of times a month, it is not a significant worry, considering my other health issues and age. Easy for the doctor to say, but I guess in the big picture, they are correct. I am still alive, and my overall health is improving, so there is that. At this point, if there is an issue, I simply excuse myself and deal with it.
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2 ReactionsI had pelvic floor therapy years ago and found it pretty challenging and not helpful. It was embarrassing to say the least and to go through all the testing was . . . Yucky
I would do it if I had more confidence it would help - I’d love to hear others’ experiences!
There is someone on another thread looking for someone who has had their large colon removed - maybe you can connect!
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1 ReactionI have had microscopic colitis for About 10 years and have bowel incontinence. I’m opting to have my colon removed as soon as I can get an appointment with a surgeon. I am 70 years old and I just can’t take the cleanup anymore. Not when I am full of arthritis and it’s hard to move Quickly. I am very hesitant about going out especially for dinner even just to Friend’s house. I can be 5 feet away from the bathroom and not make it. That’s how little control I have. I am praying that this removal will allow me to eat more and enjoy life a little bit more as my diet is so limited. I did purchase some adult rubber pants from Amazon which I do wear when I’m going out. They’re not too bad. A little tight around the legs, but the adult depends are not dependable at all. Have you ever tried taking off a depends when it’s full!?! It’s terrible! it gets all over your legs, shoes if you haven’t had the mind to kick them off before you take them down. I can’t believe how far it spreads. Sorry to be so graphic but …..So I totally get it! I totally understand. You have my sympathy and my prayers. I’m not a candidate for a J pouch as my anus muscles are shot due to child birth.
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6 ReactionsI would love to hear how you made out. I live in Canada so I haven’t heard of it here, but I’m willing to travel if it’s not way above my budget. Thank you
One thing I forgot to mention in my earlier post: SIBO treatment was GREAT for about a month. I felt like I was 99% normal energy levels, IBS, sleep, you name it, and then it was back to having issues. Peppermint Oil (similar to IB Guard) helps, as does the generic version of Gas X with incontinence due to flatulence.