1. < Digestive Health

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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baz | @baz | Mar 18, 2023
In reply to @wreath "I’m right there with you. Just one more thing that seems to occur in women more..." + (show)
@wreath

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.

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Thanks. One day at a time. Any recommendations on dealing would be appreciated. 😉

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gaileygirl | @gaileygirl | Mar 18, 2023

I have a lot of mucous whenever I feel like I have to pass gas, or when I have a bm. Does anyone else have this problem?

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1 reply
Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Mar 19, 2023
In reply to @gaileygirl "I have a lot of mucous whenever I feel like I have to pass gas, or..." + (show)
@gaileygirl

I have a lot of mucous whenever I feel like I have to pass gas, or when I have a bm. Does anyone else have this problem?

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@gaileygirl
It’s fairly common to pass mucous with bowel movements and gas -especially with IBS. The large intestine has mucous glands.
However, if it really becomes excessive or has blood in it one should talk to a doctor.

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vickin | @vickin | Mar 20, 2023

I have ulcerative colitis and the “urgency to go” is almost a daily problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated

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1 reply
rocknrobbn | @rocknrobbn | Mar 20, 2023
In reply to @lwbarker "Sounds like we have a similar regimen…peppermint tea in the morning ( although I think about..." + (show)
@lwbarker

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.

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It is such a horrific problem! Life altering.
I also use the Bentyl regularly when hypermotility of my colon starts because I know it is going to be one of those days. Like you, if I have an outing or travel I take anti-diarrheal and Bentyl.

I carry clean underwear, pads, Cottonelles and clean baggies in my purse at all times. And wear a pad most days, just in case.

hugs

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2 replies
lwbarker | @lwbarker | Mar 20, 2023
In reply to @rocknrobbn "It is such a horrific problem! Life altering. I also use the Bentyl regularly when hypermotility..." + (show)
@rocknrobbn

It is such a horrific problem! Life altering.
I also use the Bentyl regularly when hypermotility of my colon starts because I know it is going to be one of those days. Like you, if I have an outing or travel I take anti-diarrheal and Bentyl.

I carry clean underwear, pads, Cottonelles and clean baggies in my purse at all times. And wear a pad most days, just in case.

hugs

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That is my current routine too. I’m 77, so I also know that more changes are forthcoming up the road, so I want to continue to research, ask, listen and invite suggestions. We’re all different, but it helps to know what works for others. Thanks for your response!

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timnd75 | @timnd75 | Mar 20, 2023

Try a BOOST to get your pelvic floor muscles working better. They’re on eBay or Amazon

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Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Mar 20, 2023
In reply to @vickin "I have ulcerative colitis and the “urgency to go” is almost a daily problem. Any suggestions..." + (show)
@vickin

I have ulcerative colitis and the “urgency to go” is almost a daily problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated

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@vickin
I’m sorry to hear that you have ulcerative colitis. How many years have you had it?
Do you take any medication to control it?
Have you discussed this urgency with your doctor?
As you may have read many with urgency take meds such as dicyclomine and Imodium. Ask your doctor about this if you haven’t done so already.
Are there certain foods, spices that you think may trigger the urgency?

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deblf | @deblf | Mar 21, 2023
In reply to @rocknrobbn "It is such a horrific problem! Life altering. I also use the Bentyl regularly when hypermotility..." + (show)
@rocknrobbn

It is such a horrific problem! Life altering.
I also use the Bentyl regularly when hypermotility of my colon starts because I know it is going to be one of those days. Like you, if I have an outing or travel I take anti-diarrheal and Bentyl.

I carry clean underwear, pads, Cottonelles and clean baggies in my purse at all times. And wear a pad most days, just in case.

hugs

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Thank goodness that others suffering from this are willing to share their experience. I was beginning to think my bowel incontinence problem was rare as no one I knew seemed to have it. I’m 69 & feeling quite housebound, hesitant to go out, hate having appointments, etc. it’s comforting to know others share in this frustrating problem.

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2 replies
lwbarker | @lwbarker | Mar 21, 2023
In reply to @deblf "Thank goodness that others suffering from this are willing to share their experience. I was beginning..." + (show)
@deblf

Thank goodness that others suffering from this are willing to share their experience. I was beginning to think my bowel incontinence problem was rare as no one I knew seemed to have it. I’m 69 & feeling quite housebound, hesitant to go out, hate having appointments, etc. it’s comforting to know others share in this frustrating problem.

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Yes it is! Lots of encouragement and good suggestions from others with similar symptoms here. Everyone is different, so trial and success is the way to go and of course medical counseling. Please update about what works for you. We can all benefit.

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