Bowel or fecal incontinence and how to manage it

I am desperate so I will try to get an appt. with family dr. I find they are not very helpful with most things so I just try to treat myself. With this bowel incontinence I must find something that will help me but not be harmful or interact with my meds that I take for psoriatic arthritis. I just turned 86 and am feeling it now.

Hi Maisy, welcome. I can imagine that bowel incontinence is distressing. Do you know what the underlying cause is?

I don't know what you mean to add text to my reply. Please explain.

Hi Maisy, Do you know what the underlying cause is of your bowel incontinence?

Hello @maisy3,

I read your post about bowel incontinence. When you see your doctor or talk with him/her you might consider asking for a referral to a pelvic floor therapist. They are very good at treating both urine and bowel incontinence.

Did your symptoms of incontinence begin after starting a new medication?

Thanks I will remember to ask about that

Hi @maisy3, who is your response directed at? Who asked you for more text?

It just stated that in red. I don't get it. Doesn't make sense.

Hi @maisy3 As suggested, a pelvic floor specialist (urogynecologist) would probably be able to help you, or depending on some factors be able to direct you to a doctor who can. There is speciality physical therapy for both urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence.

Also, when I had some problems with getting a diagnosis from a family doctor I was advised by two other doctors that as you get older your PCP should be a doctor of internal medicine, they are generally better diagnosticians. Family doctors are great in the capacity of treating the whole family - children and parents - but as we age we need more specialized treatment. I did switch and am glad that I did.
JK

Actually I see a nurse practitioner. I have never seen the MD although the primary care facility put me with him just so the insurance card would state that I have one. The Dr. I went to retired some time ago and I was seeing the physician's assistant who I really liked. Then she left. So many changes. The NPR I see now is pretty good so far. It seems they are using these nurses more and more these days. I see one at the arthritis center I go to every three months. The MD sees you once or twice then you have to do virtual visits or see the NPR. Since I have to get blood drawn regularly, obviously I need an in-person visit. Modern health care leaves a lot to be desired. I prefer the "good old days." Doctor visits were so uncomplicated back then. They would even make house calls. Imagine that!