Incontinence

[punterstein]

Uncomfortable question, but is anyone suffering from bowel incontinence and if so, what are you doing for it or how are you coping with it? Thanks.

[MrBigCat]

hi punterstein , bowel incontinence is the worse. It's not talked about much and it's humiliating. It happens to me about 3-4 times a year, it just happens out of the blue. I'm a vegetarian so I try to eat less fiber. Some of the suggestions are to sit on the toilet everyday at the same time for about 10-15 minutes. Also Kegel exercises are supposed to help.

I'm pretty much home bound so it's only happened at home so I can clean up. For the emotional part I just hug myself and say kind and comforting words.

Wishing you the best.

[agate]

punterstein , bowel incontinence is one more way MS manages to wreck things for us. It is one reason I haven't minded so much that I'm stuck at home most of the time. If I were out among people living a normal life, I'd be in for some very embarrassing moments. I'm thankful for soap and water and spend quite a bit of time rinsing out clothes. Luckily I've never had an episode that anyone else has been aware of but I try to be very careful.

[Sggmcswain]

Use an anti-diiarrhea med, you can purchase at Walmart, inexpensive. Purchase some extra undergarments and throw away used. (You will feel better). As for the "happening" try not to get too upset, if you feel like it, talk with your doctor. Not comfortable for either but understood. By the way, the prescription medicine gets old fast.

[punterstein]

Thank you for your suggestions. It is REALLY embarrassing and though no one has ever noticed, I know it and have to make a bee line to the nearest rest room. I think I use more baby wipes than anything else. I can tell when it's going to happen but if I''m not right next to a bathroom all bets are off. Carrying an extra pair of undies is a great suggestion Sggmcswain. I'm glad someone understands the problem even though I wish none of us had it.

[rjoneslaw in reply to punterstein]

Have you tried to get supplies from your insurance company, ie depends and pads or liners. I had that issue at the being of my remission. I would use depends and place a pad inside. If I had an accident I could pull the pad out carefully and if I had an anything larger I could switch out everything. It saved my underwear.

[Hidden]

I know I've inquired and there are lists of pharmacies that can deliver right to your home. I was in the pharmacy the other day asking cause I still have to call so I had to ask what brands and sizes and things some of those sm m are gigantic. Just asking a couple questions about something by I'm embarrassed about is progress. But still need to set it all up. I asked my Dr he said you call the pharmacy (the few that mail them and bill Medicaid) first and then they contact Dr.

[ssdw1958 in reply to Hidden]

I can’t remember the name of the company but I did see a company that you can order by phone or internet the products your talking about. I have never done it but they do say when they deliver you can’t see the name of the products. I bet if you google it your could find it.

Good luck.

I have blatter issues and I know how embarrassing that can be.

[punterstein]

Thanks. I will explore my options

[cljones]

@punterstein I have problems on occasion. I try to eat raw fruits or vegetables everyday, then I can go every morning before I leave the house. I also try to sit for 15 min until I can go just to be on the safe side. Fortunately it has only happened a couple of times when I was out but I just went straight home. Most of the time it has happened at home. I have more trouble with my bladder.I wear a pad for that and it helps.

[punterstein]

Thanks, cljones. Yes, I have bladder issues as well but there are so many products out there for bladder leakage but none for bowels which makes it even harder to admit you have a problem because if a lot of people needed it (like the bladder) they would have made something to wear. It's a good thing I'm a homebody as that's where I spend most of my time and it keeps me close to the bathroom.

[mrsmike9]

I've not had that problem until recently. I only work part time and my desk is RIGHT in front of the bathroom. Any teeny hint and I'm in there! I have had a blowout in a store once. When I got in the stall, I must have gone through a mountain of TP to clean up and wipe as much out of my underwear as I could. Then I took off my underpants and rolled them up in more TP and put them in my purse and went "commando" out to my husband and we finished up (quickly) and went home. That was one time I wished I had a bidet!

[punterstein]

We should probably buy stock in toilet paper companies and I'm so with you on the bidet. But as I know I will never have one, baby wipes are the next best thing!!

[kate1101]

Oh Honey, I have so many horror stories! I still work full time at a small funeral home where I keep baby wipes and an extra pair of black slacks and underwear. I also wear Discreet pads all of the time for bladder leakage, which is the best pad for the bowel accidents. I take meds for the bladder leakage, but still wear the pads due to bowel issue. This pad has a tiny elastic lip on the sides, which can catch the spillage where the other pads just let it roll on out! (voice of experience) My first accident occurred at my son's house on Thanksgiving Day; I had to borrow my daughter-in-law's robe while I washed my clothes! I was so embarrassed! I have had blowouts in stores while shopping with my daughter; thank God for cell phones! It took me a while to find out what would work for me, I also carry a change of underwear and extra pads under the front seat of my car, in a small makeup bag. I have to be very careful what I eat in public, no Chinese food, no salad bars, stay away from fatty foods, lean meats-usually fish or chicken and usually steamed veggies are safe. Welcome to me MS world--you are not alone, but you are alive!

[punterstein]

Well, I have to say, you have had it all. I will have to check out the Discreet pads - I usually wear a sanitary napkin for bladder leakage but they do absolutely nothing for bowel issues. Keeping a clean pair of undies and extra pads is a great idea and as you said, you learn pretty quickly what foods you can't eat. People think I'm picky but I don't care. If I'm invited somewhere and the dinner is something I can't eat, I bring my own. Take me as I am and that includes MS and all it's issues!! I'm so glad we have this forum where people actually understand what we go through. Can you imagine me bringing up "bowel" issues when I'm at a family gathering? Talk about about a great way to clear the room out. Thanks again.