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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Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Mar 5, 2023

@rashida
It is a prescription.

lwbarker | @lwbarker | Mar 5, 2023

In reply to @astaingegerdm "@rashida It is a prescription." + (show)

Ingrid, interesting that you mentioned being Swedish and that these issues are common there. Lots of Norwegian dna in my family. I do believe in ethnic health issues, but didnt know this might be one.

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Mar 5, 2023

In reply to @lwbarker "Ingrid, interesting that you mentioned being Swedish and that these issues are common there. Lots of..." + (show)

@lwbarker
Scandinavian countries also have a larger number of people with celiac disease.
My 2 daughters inherited one of those genes!

davedf | @davedf | Mar 6, 2023

I too have had daily diarrhea after breakfast and incontinence several times a week. Tried many drugs and SIBO diet and fiber.
Bentyl and similar drugs have too many side effects.
I finally found that taking lomotil 30 minutes before eating breakfast has been 95% effective! The key was taking the meds beforehand - before the gut got activated.

lwbarker | @lwbarker | Mar 6, 2023

In reply to @davedf "I too have had daily diarrhea after breakfast and incontinence several times a week. Tried many..." + (show)

Thanks for the suggestion. Someone suggested Bentyl before bed because of some side effects.

davedf | @davedf | Mar 6, 2023

Interesting. I wonder if it would keep the gut calm until after breakfast.

lwbarker | @lwbarker | Mar 6, 2023

In reply to @davedf "Interesting. I wonder if it would keep the gut calm until after breakfast." + (show)

I must say I haven’t tried it at night. I think about trying about it if, for instance, I have a very early airline flight.

davedf | @davedf | Mar 6, 2023

In reply to @lwbarker "I must say I haven’t tried it at night. I think about trying about it if,..." + (show)

True.
I figured that if Lomotil works, it seems it would has less complexity as opposed to Bentyl.

molly7234 | @molly7234 | Mar 9, 2023

I’m wondering if Bentyl then causes constipation

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Mar 10, 2023

I really have not had any significant side effects except for a dry mouth.
It helps decrease acid production too.
At times I take it with meals to make sure digestion isn’t ”spastic”.