Bowel urgency: Any suggestions?

I have had that at my early 20s colitis and just about 4 years got back very bad stressful but my GI could make a precise diagnosis until 1 year ago new specialist GI got one point after full colonoscopy Crohn’s disease and prescribed a medication that gave my life back no urgencies anymore I am having infusions every 6 weeks some side effects but better than stress over loosing control of my bowels .
You have to find you a good GI doctor otherwise you will be suffering like I was for years because my doctor didn’t do anything about it .
My new doctor is younger and very experienced he did what the other didn’t for many years even with my complains he just felt sorry for me and nothing done .
Change doctors asap .

Wow, I have these same bowel issues. But, mine only happens when I am fixing to go on a trip, or when I’m excited or anxious about something. Of course it’s a vicious cycle. My bowel issues cause the anxiety. I usually take an Imodium the night before an event. I also take dicyclomime as needed, but it makes me dizzy so I have to take a meclizime or antivert at the same time. I try not to let these issues keep me from enjoying life, but it sure makes things difficult. I have though about asking my Dr to give me a low dose valium to take as needed to calm my nerves. Has anyone tried that?

Thanks for the comment. Everyone’s experiences are helpful. Taking Imodium the night before an event is interesting. It was suggested to me to take a dicyclomine before sleep to counteract the drowsiness effect. I also have a mild dizzy/unbalanced reaction to dicyclomine (10 mg) in the mornings if I take it before a morning activity. I guess learning to manage the medication timing is key.

Thanks for your quick reply. This is something that just started with me a few years ago. I have had a couple of accidents which is very embarrassing. I now travel with extra clothes and cleaning supplies. I am determined not to let this issue control my life. I continue to do research and try different suggestions. That’s all anyone can do.

I do the same after several very unhappy events in the last 12 years. Yes, let’s keep trying and listening to suggestions and researching and sharing what works with others!

I have been diagnosed with IBS and have the same issue. And, it really is a vicious circle when I travel or get out of my usual routine. I take IBGard for IBS. I also take a low dose of Prozac for anxiety and hyoscyamine occasionally for flare ups. And, of course, I always have to watch what I eat, as certain foods always make my IBS worse.

Sounds like we have a similar regimen…peppermint tea in the morning ( although I think about trying the IB Guard), Imodium and Bentyl if I have a morning activity or travel, ativan as needed for anxiety. Different doctors, different suggestions…
I really wanted to go the non drug route, “natural” remedies, but also had too many uncontrollable bowel events. So I’ll do whatever I need to to avoid that!
Learning from each of you that I’m not a freak! Thanks for aharing.

Thanks for all of the suggestions and comments. I, too, have bowel urgency ( especially after coughing) and have been diagnosed with microscopic colitis. I am 70 and this has gotten much worse in the last 8 years. I do not eat any fried foods, rich desserts, and am careful about eating too much fruit. I use cholestyramine powder once a day and use Imodium if I have had a bowel incident. The Imodium is effective and the generic version is available at Walmart and I’d much cheaper. I am thinking I need to use it regularly for prevention instead of just after a problem.
Yes, I keep a change of underwear with me in my car. I know where bathrooms are located. I do not want this problem to control my life.

What a relief to see that I am not alone in this horrible condition. I’m so determined to not let it affect my life but it surely has. Thanks for the suggestions.

I’m right there with you. Just one more thing that seems to occur in women more than men. Eve really has causes us a lot of problems.