Bowel incontinence

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!

@maisy3 I prefer the old days too. Now, virtually all of the doctors work for the hospitals and I find there is less connection. I had a condition where I was inpatient a number of times and my PCP never once came to the hospital, they leave that to the hospitalists. These days being a physician is like a 9-5 job with no overtime or having to work on off-hours as people in regular 9-5 jobs because off hours a different doctor handles things.
I know many people do see nurse practitioners and NPs can have their own practice (Physician assistants cannot) but I still insist on seeing the doctor most of the time.
JK

Hello everyone,
I'm 67, first had a bowel leak about seven years ago. My doctor thinks it may be result of a D & C for a uterine fibroid. I start thinking I'm OK now, but then I leak a lot and I'm flummoxed. Now on Linzess but it's either too strong (145 mcg) or not strong enough (72 mcg). I do enemas but then they cause me to leak some more. Just took a couple of buses to an event and had to stop in a bathroom, threw out my underwear (I was wearing a pad) because it was so messy. I have been working with a GI doctor's PA and have gone through several pelvic floor therapists. Basically I have constipation and the leaks are overflow, but it's hard to balance everything out. I think the constipation is from taking so many meds for other conditions. I need to get the exact amounts of Linzess (or stop it), psillium, bisacodyl, and maybe Miralax, but I haven't found the right comb. UGHHH.

Have you tried a pelvic physical therapist?

oh was going to answer question posed at top of page but see its 4 years old? am i best to get time/date for discussion? thanks - (have same problem as top post - no easy answer from me/rules my life.

You are not alone. I'm 71 and I have been dealing with fecal incontinence for years. It's absolutely horrible and I can't seem to find the balance of diarrhea and constipation either. But I found it's best to try to keep the stools hard. Physical Therapy didn't work for me. Let me know if you find something that does…

A good pelvic floor therapist. It takes awhile but they really do help.

Both spouse and I have same issue as originally posted. It is life changing. So you drive 4 hours to see a specialist, half way there, fecal incontinence... what do you do? Diapers do not soak up bowel movements, especially when soft an mush (sorry) and where do to stop side of highway to take off clothing and wash your body.. ? Answer: you don't... you just cannot travel, period. Yes take Imodium and too much its rabbit pellets and they pop out! Dont take enough and its 8 visits a day to bathroom and between us one roll of toilet paper... plus the cramps... so yes not life-threatening and we both have other illnesses, but this is such an icky problem and then we are even worried abut what we eat so hardly any fruit or veg... there is no "cure" wont even take out our colons are nothing wrong with them... radiation damage to pelvis. At least this day and age things like this can be discussed openly , thanks!