Sphincter exercises

Yes, there are exercises. Can you set up appointments with a physical therapist to help you? There are therapists who are specially trained in pelvic floor dysfunctions. They use biofeedback techniques. I went to one who was very knowledgeable and helpful. Also, in the meantime, try to go to the bathroom at the same time each day. And as soon as you feel that you are going to need the bathroom, do not delay in heading for it! I know how stressful and embarrassing this problem can be.

Welcome to Connect, @neh213 As @jackiem95 said, there are exercises. I had pelvic floor PT and since I was having a lot of diarrhea that leaked at times I was given exercises to help with that too. The exercises are basically that when you do kegels you also tighten your anal sphincter. If you go to a Pelvic Floor physical therapist they will help you with that, and teach you how to do them correctly.

I discovered that I am lactose intolerant and that was causing the diarrhea/loose stools. When I eliminated dairy the problem went away.
JK

Thank you . I will give this a try and if it doesnt help I will go to a specialist.

@neh213. You might try a urogynecologist, it seems they deal with fecal incontinence as well as urinary incontinence. I presume proctologists also must deal with this but I think they may be more apt to suggest surgery, which for me would be an absolute last resort option. I could be wrong on that though, maybe they too would you refer to a specialized physical therapist.
JK

I just had my second visit to the Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, they not only do the bio feedback, but a lot of other valuable info. Such as using a stool when on the toilet to put you in a natural position for a BM. Also a massage treatment you can do yourself when your constipated to help move the stool along. I was given lists of foods with amounts of fiber per serving, and how to slowly increase it. They will answer many questions you may have. It’s all information that everyone should have for a healthy digestive system. They stress not straining to have a BM as it can cause other complications, I’m sure I’ll learn a lot more.

@emyliander There is a stool made especially for that! It’s called “squatty potty”. It tucks in to the toilet. I saw it a few years ago on Shark Tank. I just googled it and amazon, sells it along with a number of other retailers.
JK

The squatty potty is nice and aesthetically pleasing, however; if one is cheap (like me) you can achieve the same affect with a step stool. I have a couple of foldable ones that I can tuck behind the toilet when not using. I'm also pretty flexible and actually can even 'squat' right on the toilet seat, pulling my feet up onto the toilet. This puts pressure on my abdomen which sometimes helps things come out. I've been testing for pelvic floor dysfunction and apparently don't have a problem down there, however still find these things helpful.

I also did see a physical therapist for many months, and she was wonderful, did a lot of massage and myofascial release, which always made me feel better, but hasn't fixed anything long term. Since I stopped, however, I am not very good about doing other "homework". I think having the structure of the therapy helped, and it also was dedicated time to just lie down and relax.. something I've learned I am very bad at!

I was really impressed with how much the physical therapist knew. She gave me more diet advice than the dietician I saw. Her approach was a "bowel management program" - incorporating diet, routine, as well as the positioning, just like they do with spinal cord injured patients. They are able to "train" their bowels to evacuate. It is a lot more than most people think of with "physical therapy", I don't think the docs even are aware of all that they do. I think it could be used a lot more for people with chronic GI problems. She also functioned as a "therapist" also, really. There is something to be said for just having a person put their hands on you, listen to you, and care for you, and having someone follow you on a regular basis.

I know the Mayo clinic has a 2 weeks intensive pelvic floor therapy program that is supposed to be very good. I don't qualify because I don't have that diagnosis, but it sounds great for those that do.

I knew about the squatty potty, my son and wife have one. I elected to get a folding step stool as elle1233 mentioned. We’ll see how it works. I’ve got to go and add up my fiber intake for today 🤔

I just want to echo the many comments on the benefits of seeing a physical therapist for this. I went to Mayo Scottsdale for this and I learned a lot. One really good tip was to eat your salad after your entree. Another possibility is that you might look at FODMAP diet, which must be medically supervised. I went to Mayo Scottsdale for this too. I avoid certain foods and have an alternate, tasty way to use garlic.

I also am on the Low FODMAP Diet. Interesting that your dietician recommended eating salad after entree. I’ve not heard of that. Do you know what the reason is? Also, can you share your alternate way of using garlic? I use garlic infused olive oil which works well for me but if there is something else, would love to know! I really miss eating fresh garlic and onions!