The Horror of Bowel Incontinence

I have seen plenty of postings about urinary incontinence and leakage, but nothing about bowel incontinence.  I am one month out from RPP with nerves spared.  I have had three incidences of bowel incontinence, which have been progressively worse each time.

With the first two incidents the stool has been loose, but not diarrhea; although the last one was more so diarrhea.  In each incident there was very little, if any, prior warning.  It was simply that I felt the normal urge that I had to go to the bathroom, but suddenly I was just filling my pants, and try as I may, it simply would not stop.  The first and second time I was already standing when it happened, and the third time occurred just as I stood up.

My doctor says he feels these were just isolated incidences where I was "caught short," and hopefully it won't happen again.  He said (in his Irish accent) that I "shouldn't fart because it is a risk you cannot afford".  Unfortunately this is another condition I am experiencing, uncontrollable gas.

I read that a recent study had shown this was an issue that occurs more frequently than previously thought, as many men fail to report this to the doctor, even if it is significant.  Well, I reported it because it is something I don't know how to deal with.  Although I have had gas a few times in front of others, only the second incontinence was in public, which was unbelievably humiliating.  I never dreamed I would be carrying a diaper bag when I go out in public, especially for myself.  I'm wearing the full adult diapers and carrying extra supplies and clothes with me when I go out, just in case.  This whole thing has really bummed me out.

Anyone with similar experiences not too ashamed to post here?  How have you handled it, or any suggestions?

And by the way, I'm off all stool softeners and taking Immodium as needed. 

GMH - although we don't have issues in that area, we can only imagine the humiliation. One word of advice . . . mainly because you are still so soon after surgery is . . if this should occur again it would be well worth your while to insist that your doctor investigate further to be sure there was no bowel trauma during surgery . . . .if you had no issues prior to surgery, something must be causing this.

Good wishes go your way.

;o) Linda & Bob

Use of antibiotics kills off bacteria in the body, including good bacteria which is essential to maintain proper balance.

This can lead to disturbances and if not rectified more serious long term issues as the body is prone to problems like crohns disease.

You should obtain supplements to restore friendly gut bacteria and balance, gradually introduce a high fibre diet.

In sounds as if your problem is intermittent, which might be set off by a disturbance or something ingested: avoid foods that often cause upsets like dairy products, cream, full cream milk, fatty foods  and processed foods that contain it like many soups, pasta sauces etc.

In the meantime charcoal tablets or capsules can help with temporary problems.