Post Whipple Surgery incontinence - Underwear?

Hi @judithbramson12, You will notice that we added a little to the title of your discussion to hopefully bring in members with experience similar to yours. While you wait for members to join in the discussion, I thought you might like to read what others have share in these related discussions.

--- Fecal incontinence: What helps?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/fecal-incontinence-1/
--- Bowel incontinence: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/bowel-incontinence/.

@emyliander started the second discussion listed and may have some suggestions to share.

@judithbramson12 : First, I beg you not to disparage your concerns ("drivel") -- they're valid! And being unkind to ourselves is bad for our immune system and therefore our recovery.

I've not yet had surgery and therefore I don't know exactly what you're experiencing, but I'm wondering whether period underwear -- designed to hold a fair amount of liquid -- might help. They're expensive, but people swear by them. I think they're unlikely to help if fecal incontinence is an issue, but I could be wrong.

(Apologies if I've misunderstood; I'm not sure from your post which type of "surprise" you're encountering.)

The NYT's Wirecutter dept. posted an article titled "The Best Period Underwear." Good Housekeeping posted a similar one, and I'm sure you could find other such articles -- but I swear by Wirecutter for other stuff, so pls read it 1st.

Wishing you all the best.

Thank you for the kind words. What I’m experiencing is a drop of poop now and then of which I’m not aware. Also, I’ve got it in hand with disposable panties with layers so I don’t have to change the pants, just dispose of the layer which is flushable. I call it drivel as I miss my Victoria Secret underwear and don’t trust it to end unless I go at least a week with no “surprises.” The surprise being that drop I didn’t know was coming. I don’t know if my surprise is incontinence or part of my digestive system adjusting to all that is missing. I’ve never had an accident that broke through my disposable panties, so I’m confident if I have to go out and always have spares if needed. Never have needed them. Except for this inconvenience, I feel terrific and can do anything I did previously. Plus, having a diagnosis of cancer free goes a long way. I knew it would be a long recovery period as he took out a lot of my digestive system. Good luck with your upcoming surgery. Thank you again for attempting to understand what I am experiencing .💖

Are you taking Imodium AD? You will find that it’s a game changer. I go on planes, out to eat, to the beach, long walks with our dogs in the woods, went the the Derby. Yes sometimes you have to wear like the Depends or there’s an Always brand that works. Especially when flying just in case. 😉 When you are going out make sure you have had your Imodium AD. I take it 2-3 times a day per Drs orders. I understand completely how you feel. I go ride my horse all the time also. We jump fences lol that can get things moving around. I can’t stay at home either. I’ve been watching what I eat making sure I eat small meals every 2-3 hours. Stay away from foods that cause gas like broccoli beans etc. that will slow things down. I had the whipple 9 months ago. Not sure when you had it? It will get better! Takes some time. Good luck! Don’t give up!

It's been 8 months. Thank you for the informative reply. I thought Immodium was only taken if one had diarrhea. Taking it 2 to 3 times a day seems the opposite of what my understanding was. I will speak to my doctor and try it on my own for the hell of it. I'll start with twice a day. I have the disposable panties, so I always feel safe from accidents but not safe from "surprises." I eat the same as you. My issue is I'm small, 4'11", and missing 13 lbs. If the Immodium can help with that, I'll be forever grateful. I'm not giving up; thanks for the encouragement. Cancer free and held back by my bowels! I'm going for my pill right now. Many kudos if this helps!!! I'm 81 in picture, now84 and want to dance again. International Standard Foxtrot at solo competition. I want my life back!! Immodium, here I come! It's all been one experiment after another until I find the food that works, the best time to begin the day, etc. This will be my latest!

Guess the picture didn't work.

P.S. to my reply to you. If you take 2/3 Imodium each day. When are you able to move your bowels as Imodium is meant for diarrhea or so I thought. How do you space the doses? I really appreciate this information as I started to take it after I read your reply. I’ll still check with my doctor as our cases could be completely different. I don’t want to be constipated.

Thanks again.

I go every morning whether I want to or not lol. I take one in the morning one at noon and one at night time.
I go periodically during the day sometimes but mostly in the morning. Never fails. But I am fine during the day no issues unless I drink too many fluids eat gasy foods or eat sugary foods. So if you are planning a trip out make sure you drink 30 minutes after your meals or 30 minutes before and you won’t have any episodes. If you are going out to eat I wouldn’t drink very much just sips or skip drinks during your meal.

Thank you so much. Now I have a plan. I’ll let you know how it goes. I’m going out tomorrow with my daughter for a few hours, so your info is handy. This will be my first outing that isn’t doctor related. About time!

I found an interesting article about overuse/abuse of Imodium here: https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/over-the-counter-drugs/loperamide-addiction-abuse/

Some Fecal Incontinence treatment options are concisely discussed here: https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/fecal-incontinence/consumer

I'm not a doctor, so take all this as a layman's speculation, but there seems to be some overlap between the symptoms of diarrhea and steatorrhea, but differences being excess fluid in stool with the former, and excess "grease" (undigested fat) in the latter. Of course, it's entirely possible to suffer from both at the same time.

If the leakage tends to be more orange in color, it would suggest steatorrhea and a possible issue with your enzymes.

According to the first link, Imodium (Loperamide) "works by slowing down the flow of fluids and electrolytes into the bowel, effectively decreasing both the movement of the bowel and the frequency of bowel movements."

I take enzymes (Creon) with every meal, and don't have a frequent need for Imodium, but do take it sometimes as a preventative before special occasions and find it to work well. Even if my stool is the greasy, steatorrhea stuff, it's less urgent and less accident-prone with Imodium onboard than without.