Incontinence

[Jessa89]

Hello,

I don't really know if I am asking this in the right place... this is something which I guess could be IBS but could also not be.

After the birth of my first daughter I had some problems with bladder control. Needing to go very urgently, sometimes leaking, etc. I did a bladder retraining programme and it improved somewhat, but got worse again during my second pregnancy.

After the birth of my twins (second pregnancy) I was not particularly well. I had a lot of upset stomachs: diarrhoea, wind, indigestion. It was quite debilitating but over 6 months of so that has got better.

What hasn't got better is that...basically, I can't control my bowels normally any more. And I'm so embarrassed. Even saying it on an online forum embarrasses me!

I get an awful urgent need to go IMMEDIATELY and unless I can literally get to a toilet within a minute, it just comes out. I can't hold it in.

Sometimes it's diarrhoea-y but most often not. Usually it happens a couple of times a day.

I have been using pads but they don't really do the job. I'm just so scared it won't get better. I feel disgusting. I don't know if this is IBS or if it is something else. I'm too scared to go to the doctor and... just don't know what to do. But I NEED to get better before I am back off mat leave!

If anyone has advice, I would be so grateful!

[Jessa89]

Sorry, that was long!

I should have mentioned maybe that the problem is worse when I have a tummy upset. Usually I'll get through a day with only two ot three x and one or 2 x accident (on a good day, where toilets are at hand, I can get away with none!). But yesterday I had a bad stomach and needed to go to the toilet every hour or so.

The stomach problems tend to start with indigestion and a lot of bloating and gurgly trapped wind - then crampy pains and needing to go lots.

[dg8867]

Hello and sorry you are having those troubles. I too went thru same thing as you except the pregnancies as I'm a man lol. My issues came to be from a culmination of 3 things. 1st was I was found to have a c-diff infection, this kills off most of the good gut bacteria and causes the diarea,gas and pain. 2nd was it also made me constipated as well causing diverticuli(pockets in the colon which collects and holds food particles causing a toxic situation in the colon from rotting food). think of a clogged drain pipe with the constipation. You don't pass the hard stuff and all the liquidy stuff flushes past it causing an urgency to go and showing diarea. 3rdly was the constipation also gave me bad internal hemmroids making it hard to even hold it in due to the lack of muscle contration in the area. I would go see a gastro and be checked for these things as anyone of them can give you that bad sensation and lack of control. I hope this helps you good luck...

[Cat33]

Oh Jessa my heart goes out to you it must be awful but please please see your doctor this isn't something you have to put up with

Don't be scared please make that appointment today you have nothing to lose except this horrible problem

Good luck x

[auntyjean]

There is help out there but you have to ask for it. Your doctor can refer you to a continence clinic. Ask yourself what's worse - going to the doctor or living as you are. I hope you get help soon.

[Hidden]

healthunlocked.com/bladderh... there are a few groups on here plus Would help if lock your posts so not going net wide!

When posting everyone or community option you want community

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

Hi there,

Sorry to hear you are struggling.

We understand it may be embarrassing but we recommend speaking to your GP. It's important to get a correct diagnosis.

If you are diagnosed with IBS please don't worry. We are here to help and support theibsnetwork.org

[bookeater]

Do not link urinary incontinence to IBS you need to get that sorted out separately.

There are exercises for your pelvic floor and a number of medications that may help. They have specialist gyny physiotherapists who can help.

I had a low dose antibiotic for 6 months after a difficult birth with my son (24 years ago) they had to send me for a bladder camera and found the lining of the bladder was inflamed. If it's available see a woman GP or if you have a family planning clinic you can ask there.

[Linley]

Bless you that is upsetting for you. Like most replies your GP is the 1st port of call, he/she are used to problems like this. Let us know how you get on.