Need Help Finding a Dr

[Pierreb]

Hi.

My mom has fecal incontinence. We have been to several Dr’s and they can’t seem to figure it out. They don’t seem to see anything wrong that would explain it.

It’s starting to impact her ability to lead a normal life as she’s always afraid of an accident. Aside from this she’s 80 and in otherwise good health.

We are trying to find the best Dr we can find that specializes in this.

We are in the suburbs of Chicago. Both university of Chicago and North Western are near us.

Any Recommendations or ideas for finding a Dr?

Thanks!!!

[USAanon]

Have you tried a physical therapist who specializes in incontinence? I my experience, they are respectful and understanding. I have fecal incontinence too.

[Pierreb in reply to USAanon]

Hi! Thank you for the message. We have not seen a physical Therapist. That is helpful. We will look into it. I had no idea that was an option. Great to know!!

[incon1982 Administrator]

Have you been seeing gastroenterologists? Just wondering where to try and start finding you some help in that area.

[Pierreb in reply to incon1982]

Hi. Thank you for the message. She has been seeing a gastroenterologists. I know very little about this condition. Thank you for your time.

[2muchpoop in reply to Pierreb]

you know little?!? I would guess not many GIs know more. 🤫

[USAanon]

It’s called pelvic floor therapy I think. Knowing the jargon helps. Best wishes for your mom. My PT person also recommended wearing depends with regular underwear over them for additional coverage.

[incon1982 Administrator]

That is typically the right specialist to see in order to figure this out. That definitely was the right thing to try first.Because you are in such a good area for finding specialists, you might also consider trying to locate a Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (WOC) (contact wocn.org for assistance locating someone in your area) that is certified in Continence Care. They can be of great benefit. Also, a PT who has credentialing in pelvic floor dysfunctions might be able to help. There are a few clinics in the Chicago area specializing in this. They are usually associated with a a hospital and they work on all types of incontinence and other pelvic floor issues with patients. Here are a few links to get you started:

uchicagomedicine.org/condit...

nm.org/conditions-and-care-...

I hope this helps.