AN EMBARASSING QUESTION - BOWELS....

My husband suffers with moderate/servere COPD and has done for a number of years. As time has progressed he seems to be suffering with bowel problems - specifically he will suddenly need to go and is very concerned that as this is getting worse, it could lead to a very embarassing incident. I wondered if it could be the onset of IBS? And also wondered if it was common to COPD sufferers or a side effect from the drugs (spiriva, symicort, ventolin and antibiotics and steroids when needed). Thanks

[Hidden]

It could be related to something in his diet. Far better to consult your GP. He should be able to answer all your questions. And check your medication info. That might not be helpful because they list all the side effects under the sun.

[Hidden]

Please if you can get your husband to ask his GP, if its something more serious than IBS he needs to get it seen to soonest. Anti biotics can sometimes play havoc with the bowel your GP can prescribe something like colofac. Get professional advice soonest.

[libbygood]

I get IBS, steroids seem to aggravate it. It does mention this in the leaflet. I take peppermint oil tablets on prescription which seems to stop the stomach cramps.

Lib x

[Jo_BLFHelpline British Lung Foundation]

Hi TADAW

Antibiotics can certainly cause problems, do the problems only start when he is on medication? Or has he noticed any triggers?

We would suggest discussing this with his GP to be checked out.

Let us know how he gets on!

Best Wishes

Jo

[Hidden in reply to Jo_BLFHelpline]

Hi Jo, He has just finished his antibiotics - and it must be pretty bad to mention it! We will just monitor it over the next months and if there is no improvement he is going to the Doc - whether he wants to or not! TAD x

[Hidden]

This happens to me occasionally - usually if I've been exerting myself and feel a bit breathless.

Marie x

[robevanz]

I worry about this also. I've been told that when my oxygen saturation drops on exertion (60ish) it can mean I lose control of my bladder and bowels, it's not at all pleasant to feel you are going to suffer the embarrassment and your husband has my sympathies. As a precaution, when especially short of breath, I use an incontinence pad for my own peace of mind, so far it's been OK as I have managed to hold on.

[Hidden]

Hi Tadaw

I find 'the need to go' increases as my sob increases and pulse rate rises . I have had a few near misses when working hard on the treadmill - thankfully I have it in the bedroom, right next to the bathroom so it's a short sprint to the loo. I have also had a few scares when trying to do hills / stairs when out and about. Basically if my pulse rate rises high enough, my stomach 'goes' and it's a case of hanging on for dear life until I reach a loo. It can also happen if someone or something stresses me out - my breathing goes haywire too and I find it hard to calm things down again.

Just before Xmas I was only a few minutes from home when there was a sudden cloudburst and against my better judgement I tried to rush it as I was getting soaked. I felt my stomach 'go' as my breathing got to gasping point, and I was in such a desperate state that I had to walk really slow, taking minute steps - a shuffle almost - as I knew I was 'on the brink' and gritting my teeth to hold on. I was sobbing by the time I reached my front door. I will never rush again!

I believe the incredibly fit Paula Radcliffe suffered this very problem in public, towards the end of a marathon, as do other runners from time to time. I guess it is the same problem - the huge increase in pulse /heart rate. Our problem is that with severe/ v.severe copd, or low 02 levels our pulse / heart rate can shoot up in next to no time in an attempt to get blood oxygen to all our cells faster, so just some sudden brisk movement can give us the equivalent 'Paula Radcliffe effect'. I would imagine many on this site know exactly what hubby is experiencing! P.

[libbygood]

i get the wanting to do a wee feeling sometimes after I've walked up stairs especially if i rush, I assume it's lack of oxygen.

Lib x

[Hidden in reply to libbygood]

yep - that too

[Hidden in reply to libbygood]

Me too!

[jojam in reply to libbygood]

Me too

[morso1 in reply to jojam]

Me too

[Puffthemagicdragon]

I think that as the oxygen blood level drops the brain shuts down what it considers less important functions, This is helpful in one way as I know when my sats have dropped.I've nearly been caught out myself a few times.

[KatieTrin in reply to Puffthemagicdragon]

Never thought of that, bet you're right there! X kate

[KatieTrin]

Yes to all of that me too I just pop a tena lady in my Knicks when I go out, just in case, ut as the question was on bowel matters, if I have a good day for a change, and am busy, my bowels go several times one after the other!!! Let's just be 'open' about this eh? Lol xxxxx actually got a prob myself by I will repost that, take care everyone in this horrid weather! Xxxx

[Hidden]

Me too TADAW, whenever I am shorter of breath than usual (very severe stage). It can have an effect on bladder and bowels and the shorter of breath I am, the higher my pulse rate soars, the more urgent my rush to access the loo. It is indeed, as Parvati said, the 'Paula Radcliffe effect'. So you see, we do have something in common with great athletes!

[Hidden]

Seems a lot of us have this potentially awful problem, I have it in both directions! Mine is nothing to do with low O2 levels tho, a difficult childbirth did it for me (don't suppose that applies to your husband tadaw!) Also years of steroids, continual abs etc hasn't helped on the bowel front & continual coughing weakens the bladder muscle.

I never go anywhere without knowing where the loo is, and if I'm very careful about when/where I am when I eat or have a hot drink. The most worrying place is a train with no loo.

Obviously your husband should get this investigated as a matter of urgency, but meanwhile I've found this website really helpful, bladderandbowelfoundation.org/

I believe St Georges Hospital in Wandsworth has a very good name for its continence clinic, in fact I'm going to ask for a referral there. It's just a question of psyching myself up to go and see the gp . . .

ff x

[Puffthemagicdragon]

If I visit a town I haven't been tobefore I always check where the loos are. The last thing I need is to be caught out " pushing the clothe " as they say !

[moneal]

It seems a common problem, after some helpful advice during my last stay in hospital I learnt that half my problem was me panicking, In the past I have got home desperate for a wee, I would rush to the toilet and end up gasping for air and having to use the neb to get it back under control. (the breathing not the wee). The helpful advice was look at the cause of the panic, in my case if I rushed to the toilet before I calmed the breathing I knew I was going to be in trouble. So on the way in to the house I stop lean on something and try to control the breathing, not easy when you need to go, but once the sob is controlled he toilet holds no fear.

Another tip she gave me, carry a wee bottle in the car, knowing it's there helps and then before the call of nature gets too much find a quiet spot and use it. Once you get over the initial embarrassment it becomes easy. Better that gasping for air in a shop toilet.

[Hidden in reply to moneal]

Hi moneal, I know exactly what you are saying,as I have had a couple of accidents when panicking.Some good tips here including the bottle. I bought an Oxymeter on the internet for about £30, now I can keep a check on my heart rate and oxygen levels.

[Hidden]

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH - It seemed such a silly thing to ask a question about but you have been so kind with your answers. He has just finished a course of antibiotics and steroids so that could be why it seems worse. I will certainly monitor it and will be talking to the Doc. (He did do the postal bowel cancer check and was OK) It has given me a better insight. I will certainly take on board your advise and pass it on. Take care and stay warm in this awful weather. TAD xx

[moneal]

Just a quick thought, antibiotics can have quite dramatic effects on the bowels, I suffer with some they give me. Mix them with steroids and I would have a cocktail mix that would make me very loose.

Hope that is all it

[Hidden]

Hi Tadaw I am relieved that your husband has had the postal bowel cancer check up!. I have had IBS for approx 40 years. 2008 misdiagnosed with asthma until Aug 2010 months of anti-biotics and 24/7 coughing played merry hell with all muscles inc. bladder and bowel. Now with correct diagnosis of bronchiectasis and the coughing and infections better controlled both are a lot better, but my GP says antibiotics will wind up the colon and, if you have IBS, it will take longer to wind down. I have not the stamina for yoga now, but, it has given me the tools to breathe properly and not panic which seems to help with stress (my GP says I am borderline asthmatic? which I do not agree with). When I am on anti-bios I take my IBS meds to slow colon down. I hope things improve KatieJJ

[cofdrop-UK]

Hi Tadaw

Thank you for asking this question. As well as helping you and your dh it has certainly helped me - I thought I was alone in having to know where all the loos were. Childbearing stuff and constant lifelong coughing caused prolapse - which has now been sorted. However still cough of course and still have the same probs as many others and IBS.

I hope your dh gets sorted out very soon.

Love C xxx

[AbbyRudi]

My husband has a problem with his bowels periodically, especially with certain antibiotics. I've started giving him capsules of probiotics with prebiotics and he hasn't had any trouble for many months now. His diet is pretty poor and of course antibiotics can kill good gut bacteria, so they may be helping.

[Hidden in reply to AbbyRudi]

I found that works for me too.Plus when on AB's I eat live yogurt with fresh fruit as well.

[Hidden]

Thanks for asking this question because when I first got my COPD diagnosis and had an exacerbation I was shocked to find I later had problems first thing in the morning when getting ready for the journey to work.

My employers were very helpful and allowed me to come in later and work flexible hours.

[derrylynne]

I used to get the same problem and did for many years. And was always worried an accident would happen. And plan where toilets were whenever I was out. i don't get it much at all now. Very rare. I am sure it was a response to my being short of oxygen with low oxygen sats. More so as since I have used oxygen my problems in that department have been solved. The only other change I have made is a handful of nuts a day. As these contain essentials that the body need.

[derrylynne]

Must add I always thought I was alone with this problem, even though at the time I thought it was a low oxygen problem. Many of you describe to a T how it was. Parvati for instance I can really relate to. As said nowadays i seem to be cured of this problem. I still look out to make sure there is a loo near, habits are slow to lose. The fact this has become very much less of a problem since using ambulatory oxygen to me says I was right. It is great to share these problems. Even if they are 'delicate' issues. Many thanks for raising it Tad

[oxytic]

had that problem and suffer it for years no hospital was able to find reason! but of late a dietition.helped.said to take "pro'biotic yoghurt.and that dont the trick for me ........ worth a try good luck best wishes

[oxytic]

also suffered enphysema for 15 years now and was hell having the bowel problem and was also affecting the same with bladder.No easy thing to live with. I synthesize with all of you who suffer this...It has made me a lonely man, dont go out too much .but I'm far from being the worst off when I look at the troubled world we live in bless you all

[Hidden]

I am certainly going to start with the live yoghurt and probiotics - it can't harm. My husband was really shocked that so many people suffer with this! It has really helped me to know he is not on his own! Thank you all. TAD xx

[oxytic]

oops that is sympathise in oxytic 24th jan 2013