Bowel urgency: Any suggestions?

Posted by lwbarker @lwbarker, Mar 3, 2023

I am 77 and have had bowel urgency for about 12 years. Mostly in the mornings, sometimes loose, sometimes firm, usually two to three BMs. Have had embarrassing incidents of no control when away from home. Recently GI doc recommended fiber supplement, pelvic floor strengthening and Bentyl (dicyclomine) daily. Fiber seems to help consistency. I take Bentyl if going out in the morning. I watch what I eat and drink. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!

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bani | @bani | Mar 4, 2023

My doctor has also recommended Bentyl, but he says it is for gas. What is Bentyl supposed to do in your case? I also take a fiber supplement. Thanks.

ripley | @ripley | Mar 4, 2023

My GI Dr said Dicyclomine helps by slowing the digestive system. The website Drugs.com says it "decreases gastric secretions and the movement of the gastrointestinal tract". For more info, search under "Dicyclomine 7 Things you Should Know" at Drugs.com.

lwbarker | @lwbarker | Mar 4, 2023

In reply to @ripley "My GI Dr said Dicyclomine helps by slowing the digestive system. The website Drugs.com says it..." + (show)

Yes, thanks. I also read that it relaxes the gastric muscles so as to prevent intestinal “spasms,” which cause the urgency. It does work, I just resist being on a medication constantly that is also anticholinergic. There is research about those, including diphenhydramine, that suggests they can cause cognitive issues. My doc says not to worry.

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Mar 4, 2023

@lwbarker
I have taken Bentyl(Dicyclomine) for decades for IBS, GERD, bile duct problems, autoimmune colitis and celiac artery stenosis. Definitely my go to drug.
It is anticholinergic and I get dry mouth.
I think you got good recommendations- pelvic floor strengthening is very important in helping you hold it in until you reach a toilet.
On and off I also have same problem, mostly if I have a recurrence of the colitis.
Therefore, I always have to know where the toilets are when I’m out. I also often wear an incontinence pad.
You can also try taking Imodium before leaving home.

lwbarker | @lwbarker | Mar 4, 2023

In reply to @astaingegerdm "@lwbarker I have taken Bentyl(Dicyclomine) for decades for IBS, GERD, bile duct problems, autoimmune colitis and..." + (show)

Thank you for all that! And that’s pretty much what I have come to as well. Very comforting to know someone else has my same routine. Ive had diverticulitis and stay off gluten…my brother has celiac and likely mother too. And I do take an Imodium also if my morning elimination is iffy. Do you take Bentyl daily or depending on your activity plan?

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Mar 4, 2023

In reply to @lwbarker "Thank you for all that! And that’s pretty much what I have come to as well...." + (show)

@lwbarker
Lately I have been taking Bentyl daily , sometimes more than once. It depends on the mood of my insides!
A while ago there was a shortage of Bentyl- some production issue. Lots of people were really worried. That’s how common this drug is.

lwbarker | @lwbarker | Mar 4, 2023

In reply to @astaingegerdm "@lwbarker Lately I have been taking Bentyl daily , sometimes more than once. It depends on..." + (show)

Yikes…hope it stays available.

lwbarker | @lwbarker | Mar 4, 2023

Do you take 10 mg or more per dose?

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Mar 4, 2023

@lwbarker
One 10 mg capsule