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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shawnkthryn | @shawnkthryn | Dec 9 8:00am
In reply to @creondave "I meant to write a reply to you but posted it as a comment below, Sorry..." + (show)
@creondave

I meant to write a reply to you but posted it as a comment below, Sorry for the double post.

"I had to break down and go with Depends-type pull-ups, and it was tough emotionally, but I had no choice after several embarrassing accidents due to EPI, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. Pull-ups usually work well enough for me. Actual tape diapers are too uncomfortable on my small frame, as I have lost a lot of weight."

LOWFOD diet, Creon, and peppermint oil have brought me relief, but it is not a 100% cure for EPI or bowel urgency. I am just relieved that it is mostly under control.

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Depending on quantity, I use a pantiliner. Or w D- use a pad. Hope this helps

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2 replies
shawnkthryn | @shawnkthryn | Dec 9 8:02am
In reply to @shawnkthryn "Depending on quantity, I use a pantiliner. Or w D- use a pad. Hope this helps" + (show)
@shawnkthryn

Depending on quantity, I use a pantiliner. Or w D- use a pad. Hope this helps

Jump to this post

Entered in wrong place sorry.

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creondave | @creondave | Dec 9 4:25pm
In reply to @shawnkthryn "I was 85# now 80#'s & I was a certified nurses aide. Rest assured, no leaks...." + (show)
@shawnkthryn

I was 85# now 80#'s & I was a certified nurses aide. Rest assured, no leaks. But, if you're worried, a medical supply store supplies bed chucks. It's a blue light plastic square that goes neath you bottom. Cotton side up. You'll rest much better w knowing you can sleep w/o worrying abt an accident. I had an accident at hospital & I poured out on floor. Got yelled at. Threw up. & no one came to clean the tossed mess. I fell asleep w some still on my feet. Oakwood gone Beaumont now Corewell Hospital in Dbn MI horrible hygiene & care for patients. I wouldn't kennel my dog their

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Sorry to hear that they were so horrible. I had one such experience where they just chuckled at me. I wrote it off as the nurses just feeling so awkward with what was an embarrassing situation as "nervous laughter" but still was annoying.

I had the same thought with wearing protection; it is better not to have to stress out over worrying about accidents, as I was getting too neurotic to go far from home.

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creondave | @creondave | Dec 9 4:29pm
In reply to @shawnkthryn "Depending on quantity, I use a pantiliner. Or w D- use a pad. Hope this helps" + (show)
@shawnkthryn

Depending on quantity, I use a pantiliner. Or w D- use a pad. Hope this helps

Jump to this post

As a male, I have tried using an insert, but I was worried it would not be enough at the end of the day, so I usually rely on pull-ups. I am just grateful I don't have to rely on bulky diapers that are uncomfortable.

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1 reply
shawnkthryn | @shawnkthryn | Dec 9 8:16pm
In reply to @creondave "As a male, I have tried using an insert, but I was worried it would not..." + (show)
@creondave

As a male, I have tried using an insert, but I was worried it would not be enough at the end of the day, so I usually rely on pull-ups. I am just grateful I don't have to rely on bulky diapers that are uncomfortable.

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I second them emotions

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dia2ne | @dia2ne | Dec 10 11:04am
In reply to @creondave "I had to break down and go with Depends-type pull-ups, and it was tough emotionally, but..." + (show)
@creondave

I had to break down and go with Depends-type pull-ups, and it was tough emotionally, but I had no choice after several embarrassing accidents due to EPI, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. Pull-ups usually work well enough for me. Actual tape diapers are too uncomfortable on my small frame, as I have lost a lot of weight.

Jump to this post

I'm also on Creon due to EPI, (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency), as I assume you are due to your "creondave." Have you been tested to see if you are sensitive to wheat?

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creondave | @creondave | Dec 10 7:09pm

Thank you for thinking of that. Yes, I was tested two times. Did tons of testing for all sorts of things when the IBS-D type symptoms became apparent, followed up by even more testing. Initially, the Creon made a significant difference in bowel control, and over time, I had even stopped having most accidents. However, then I started to have constipation. That led me to the LOWFOD map diet, Miralax daily, and peppermint oil. Even though the urgency is intermittent, it is much better the last 10 weeks.

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1 reply
msvjv | @msvjv | Dec 11 7:45am
In reply to @creondave "Thank you for thinking of that. Yes, I was tested two times. Did tons of testing..." + (show)
@creondave

Thank you for thinking of that. Yes, I was tested two times. Did tons of testing for all sorts of things when the IBS-D type symptoms became apparent, followed up by even more testing. Initially, the Creon made a significant difference in bowel control, and over time, I had even stopped having most accidents. However, then I started to have constipation. That led me to the LOWFOD map diet, Miralax daily, and peppermint oil. Even though the urgency is intermittent, it is much better the last 10 weeks.

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Hi. What is the effect of peppermint oil, where do you buy it and how do you take it?

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1 reply
creondave | @creondave | Dec 11 6:15pm
In reply to @msvjv "Hi. What is the effect of peppermint oil, where do you buy it and how do..." + (show)
@msvjv

Hi. What is the effect of peppermint oil, where do you buy it and how do you take it?

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All the GI drs suggested it after I started talking about it, and I get the generic from CVS (in the USA) called Intestinal Defense. It reduces IBS symptoms and I take it 30 minutes before I eat. I can certainly notice a difference if I skip it for a day or two. There is a screenshot attached of the product. It is not a magic bullet, but it helps.

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1 reply
msvjv | @msvjv | Dec 11 7:37pm
In reply to @creondave "All the GI drs suggested it after I started talking about it, and I get the..." + (show)
@creondave

All the GI drs suggested it after I started talking about it, and I get the generic from CVS (in the USA) called Intestinal Defense. It reduces IBS symptoms and I take it 30 minutes before I eat. I can certainly notice a difference if I skip it for a day or two. There is a screenshot attached of the product. It is not a magic bullet, but it helps.

Jump to this post

Thank you. We don’t have a cvs in my town but I’ll look for an equivalent.

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