Worsening fecal incontinence

[MountainLake622]

I've managed heavy urinary incontinence pretty well with for several years now with medication and diapers.

However, over the last year or so I have had more and more issues with fecal incontinence. I have urgency issues similar to my urinary incontinence where I just can't get to the bathroom in time. Normal bowel movements, not diarrhea.

The second thing is even with normal bowel movements (on the toilet) I have sometimes significant liquidy discharge in the back of my diaper by the end of the day. I don't know if I just notice it because I'm wearing an absorbant diaper or if it's something else. Maybe the diaper just wicks fluids and this is normal? I used to have similar problems when I wore white underwear.

Anyway, I have both my regular and urology annual visits coming up but I just wanted to put this out there to see if others have had similar or suggestions.

Also, is this something my urologist will likely be able to address or should I expect to be referred to a gastrointestinal doc.

Thanks all!

 

[ThatFLGuy]

I have an extensive history of the last few years with bowel incontinence.

First, yes get a gastroenterology appointment. (Ask about an Anorectal manometry test, that will tell the doctor what your rectal muscles are doing or not doing. It is not a bad test and done right in the office)

Your primary care doctor might recommend seeing a colorectal surgeon. They can check a few things for you.

Your issue sounds a bit like mine. I have pelvic floor instability that has gotten worse.

Rectal spasm, bowel accidents..ECT.

Also just seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist is a good idea.

Hope this helps a bit. I am on here all the time. Feel free to reach out.

 

[Eden98]

Hi, your situation is very, very similar to mine. Also the discharge, i call it fecal leaking, is something i am familiar with. My overall muscle strength is declining and while I have trouble all over my body it is worse in my pelvic area. I have seen a neurologist but did not get a satisfying answer yet.
What makes it difficult for me, and I am curious if you feel the same, is that understanding my physical shortcomings implies that I should know or feel how a healthy body, a healthy bowel urge, should feel, and I don't. I guess because the decline of my muscle strength, my sense or awareness for natural urges is so gradual.

 

[MountainLake622]

Hi, your situation is very, very similar to mine. Also the discharge, i call it fecal leaking, is something i am familiar with. My overall muscle strength is declining and while I have trouble all over my body it is worse in my pelvic area. I have seen a neurologist but did not get a satisfying answer yet.
What makes it difficult for me, and I am curious if you feel the same, is that understanding my physical shortcomings implies that I should know or feel how a healthy body, a healthy bowel urge, should feel, and I don't. I guess because the decline of my muscle strength, my sense or awareness for natural urges is so gradual.

Thank you so much. It took me a long time to get used to my urinary incontinence. I've finally gotten in a groove with what I need to get through the day. And now this is a whole new monkey wrench esp when it comes to clean up.

I've always been embarrassed by the fecal leakage, it's usually liquid or mucusy.

I guess my concern with both the urinary and bowel issues, is, it feels more and more like it's Not an urgency situation but just happening without warning.

And I get what you are saying, it gets hard to know or remember what normal is or is supposed to feel like.

I already use max absorbancy plastic backed diapers for my urinary incontinence. Any types u find better for bowel and urinary incon both?

 

[MountainLake622]

I have an extensive history of the last few years with bowel incontinence.

First, yes get a gastroenterology appointment. (Ask about an Anorectal manometry test, that will tell the doctor what your rectal muscles are doing or not doing. It is not a bad test and done right in the office)

Your primary care doctor might recommend seeing a colorectal surgeon. They can check a few things for you.

Your issue sounds a bit like mine. I have pelvic floor instability that has gotten worse.

Rectal spasm, bowel accidents..ECT.

Also just seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist is a good idea.

Hope this helps a bit. I am on here all the time. Feel free to reach out.

Thank you so much. Very helpful. I'm trying to get in with a gastro now and not wait til my other appointments. And I appreciate it, I will reach out as I'm having a hard time managing especially the clean up.

 

[Eden98]

I feel the same way. It took me a very long time to accept my urinary incontinence. After years of trying every possible treatment for bladder issues, bowel incontinence was the next throwback. It is shameful and depressing.

I also use plastic backed diapers of the highest absorbency level. In my opinion it keeps odor locked in best. Though even leaking is quite noticeable. If my stool is liquid I have no chance to make it to the loo on time, but usually even then the diaper can handle it without leaking.

 

[John davis]

A small discharge in the rear of plastic-backed diapers may not create significant odor.

Real plastic pants (vinyl) can help contain fecal odor. Note that they can reduce fecal odor and slow down the rate with which it escapes your diaper. However, they will delay, not stop, fecal odor. That usually will give you time to extricate yourself from a social situation. The odor that remains probably will be attributed to someone having farted.

PUL diaper covers are breathable and therefore will transmit more fecal odor.

--John