Bowel Incontinence

[alliesmommy]

Was recently dx with MS 2 weeks ago, although I truly suspect I have had it for several years looking back at all the sx I have had.

I've been reading alot about the varied sx and one in particular talks about bowel issues, but mostly about constipation. I don't have the constipation, I have more bowel incontinence where when I have to go, I have to go.

I know its kind of an embarrasing issue, but just wondering if anyone else suffers from the same?

[1936siol]

Bowel incontinence

Bladder incontinence is definitely a problem for many. Bowel incontinence is not as common and you do need to know your system pretty good to avoid accidents. A gastro Doctor can usually be helpful with the problem. It is always a help to know where the nearest washroom is when you go out.

Lois

[aprij0908001]

Yes, I go back & forth between constipation & urgency.

[tommylee]

Never been constipated in my life.
I have had the runs for so long(10-15 years) the idea sounds pretty good.

It seems to help if I stay gluten and lactose free.

People don't talk about it much but I think it is a common problem.

[CasinoKathy]

Not any more!! My pcp told me to take 4 fiber capsules a day. Now- you have to make sure you get the right ones, not the ones to MAKE you go! He told me that he once had an elderly woman patient that bought the wrong ones. YIKES!!

I buy mine from Walgreens drugstore. What a life saver!! I do still watch greasy foods, and when I am going to go somewhere I use Imodin ID pills - just in case. On my casino bus trips, I usually don't eat till I get there (just in case) If I ever HAVE to go, I would have a major problem. Although- now it is usually firm, not runny- Man, it's kinda gross talking about these things, but who ever said MS was kind to us??!!!!!!!!!!!!! Casino

[Toomnyhats]

Yes, I have had some problems. But I never know what is poor diet/lack of exercise or MS.

I think it is a combination of all but at this point probably more diet/exercise.

[alliesmommy]

Thank you to all

Thank you to all that posted. I agree it is an embarrasing issue, but I really needed to know if I was the only one that is going thru it.

Toomnyhats: I thought it was diet/exercise so I did both, and nothing changed, in fact it was worse, thats why I kinda thought it might be an MS thing.

CasinoKathy: Thanks for the tip! At this point I will try anything and everything!!

1936siol: I've had my share of accidents and I'm only 48! My DH, god bless him, just shakes his head and tells me it's ok... god I love that man.

[Bob698]

Yes, I have had some problems. But I never know what is poor diet/lack of exercise or MS.

I think it is a combination of all but at this point probably more diet/exercise.

While better diet/more exercise is a good thing, don't forget all the meds we take.
My hassle has been constipation While I'm not exactly the suppliments poster boy, I did try taking a pro-biotic pill for the last month and its been mostly effective.
When I first started, it didn't seem effective until I realized I was swallowing the pro-biotic bacteria just before I'd take my Amantadine. So, there's the bacteria getting settled in and getting ready to go to work when the anti-bacterial pill shows up. For the nubies, Amantadine is one of those meds that has a secondary benefit (in this case treating the effects of fatigue) for MS patients.
My Neuro got a laugh out of that, but I wanted to tell her I was looking for a better balance and I'm still looking for the right time to take the two pills.

[Toomnyhats]

While better diet/more exercise is a good thing, don't forget all the meds we take.

For me personally this isn't the case (at this time) -- the only med I take is B.

HOWEVER, the list of vitamins/herbs I take daily is long!

Magnesium helps with water absorption to keep things moving but I've gotten the most help from my daily oatmeal (more "accidents" before adding oatmeal to my diet). Plus I think the 2 together have helped me maintain control - magnesium helps with muscle spasms & oatmeal adds bulk. Probiotics would probably help even more.

[mtnwillow]

Does anyone else have a colostomy due to incontinence?

[gomer]

I had a real problem with that for decades. I was seeing my doc at a diabetes clinic and had to make a QUICK trip. She gave me Imodium for it. Back then Imodium was Rx only, now its OTC.

When I switched to the VA for my health care in the mid 80s, they gave me Tylinol-3 (w/codine) instead.

Like everything else they blamed it on my diabetes. I don't have nearly as much a problem with it these days, but I always have some tylinol-3 handy for long trips. I cut the pills into 1/4s these days.

Gomer What a fecal topic..........yuck!

[maximumlite]

I've had the runs my whole life and used to drive my doc crazy that I'm on pain meds that constipate a normal person and I was taking a couple Imodiums a day, I'd eat and have to be near a bathroom soon. Than a year ago I got plugged bad, thought they were going to have to go in and get it out but lots of fiber and Miralax and since that day no more runs, steady constipation, but saving money on Imodium, I'd like to know if that was MS related.

[akafearless]

IBS

I've had irritable bowel syndrome since I was 19. Been taking bran with a bran cereal for years, it adds bulk. I know where ALL the bathrooms are. For the past few years I've rarely had to make those URGENT bathroom stops. Now, I have to take Miralax to be able to go. I think my issue improved when my MS started.

[mtnwillow]

Many MS patients have a history of IBS or even Crohn's Disease. I guess we are susceptible to all the auto immune diseases.
For most of my life, bathroom availability was pertinent at all times. I could not take long walks or eat while mall shopping. Now wheather it's the meds or the MS I rarely "go" unless I take a laxative. Fiber turns to concret in my gut.

[Thankful2B]

I have always had problems with constipation. Only recently, I experienced the opposite. For me, it started with painful rectal spasms followed by - hurry and get to a bathroom. That lasted about 4 days, then back to "normal".