Bowel Incontinence

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I am 63 yo female new to this site. I have been struggling with constipation for a long time due to opioid and other medications. I have severe spinal osteoarthritis, post 2 surgeries, thoracic spinal cyst (Srynx) Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fybromylagia. I also had hemorrhoidectomy in 2007 which may contribute to my issues. Relestor approved by medicare at a cost of $600 per month, which I cannot afford. I take Linzess daily and 4-5 Senna Plus each night. In addition, Relestor,as I can get samples from GI. I reserve Relestor for times when I have gone about 10 days without BM. Recently I have experienced bouts of incontinence. I am now afraid to leave house without a diaper. I have the loudest, foulest and unexpected gas without warning. I have been impacted on multiple occasions. I drink a minimum of 64 oz water daily, sometimes more due to dry mouth from all the meds. I walk a minimum of 2 miles most days with my pup, sometimes 4, depending on temperature. I am at my suggested BMI, eat low carb diet with lots of fruit and vegetables. I am so frustrated!! I know there are many people that are so worse off. My husband of 41 years is loving and supportive. When I finally poop, I can sit on toilet for 10 plus flushes over several hours and multiple times over next day and a half. I end up canceling appointments, I can’t leave house when I’m finally getting relief. Family gets frustrated if I cancel. They don’t know why I haven’t had this fixed!! It is depressing as they are unable to understand what they are not going through. On the outside I look fine. My insides not so much. Any thoughts would be appreciated from those who experience this difficult situation.

 

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You should tell your family the truth

 

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I would suggest finding a specialist, these issues sound quite serious and don’t let any dr tell you it’s nothing and you just need to be patient!! You have something going on. Best way f luck to you

 

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My hubby,Parkinson person,was taking opioids for maybe 4 years--in May he cut loose with diarrhea so bad would not stop after 6 hours I took to hospital he was in there a week and nursing home 4 days all caused by hydro codon.I wonder if the pain meds are why you are constipated all the time?His GP Dr said he was pretty sure years of pain pills had backed him up bad and that is what the problem was.Having Parkinson it really messed him up--took over 2 months physical,occupational,speech therapy to get him back to his "normal"Please be very careful with pain medication. He has been off of them since May and does not notice a difference in pain? Hope you find an answer.

 

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I agree, I'd bet the meds are the prime issue. To offset that, try more fiber such capsules of Metamucil. It takes a couple of days or more for them to kick in, then watch out. But, once get your system near balance, perhaps you could settle into a capsule every other day or so. I'm guessing an irritated colon just naturally wants to impede anything moving through. Also, (no doctor here) you might try taking a tablespoon of the oil of your choice to soften stool, giving your system time to repair. Canola oil or olive oil would be mine. Best wishes.

 

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I,ve been diapered for several yrs urge incontinence but lately some bowel trouble also foul gas.I now can,t go anywhere without a very good diaper on.

 

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What would cause your gas to be so bad(smelling)? Is this a side affect of meds or could it be something going wrong internally? Just curious Incase I run into this in the future.

 

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That could be the reason.

 

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So what diaper-overnight garment would you guys recommend for my mother with fecal incontinence...small size works best? Thanks in advance.

Mark

 

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@sport I have also developed bowel problems recently. My doctor says that OAB and IBS often go together. Some veggies give me dreadful wind so I try to stay clear of them, Phil

 

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Although not to the extent you describe I have been constipated lifelong. I took opioids for years and they made it much worse. However some are worse than others. I found Trammadol to have the fewest side effects.

Fruits are great, but don't forget prunes and my favorite beans. Gassy, but they usually help.

Try not to let the constipation go on too long. Your colon's primary purpose is to remove water from stool. The longer it sits there the more water is removed until you end up with a brick blocking you up. I used to normally go two or three days between bowel movements, now if I skip a day it's time for a laxative. Finally on that score I find that bisacodyl sodium suppositories work wonders. Many laxatives don't work for me or take days to work. bisacodyl sodium works in 10 minutes to an hour in most cases.

Good luck.

 

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@Squander my doctor has said that I should use bisacodyl tablets on a regular basis, but I find it difficult to get the timing right. The package says it takes 6-12 hours to work, but I find it longer than that. I think you are probably right about the suppositories, but they are expensive here, Phil