Caught short - TMI, sorry.

[DanteThunderstone]

Background: I'm mid 40s, peri, pelvic floor in okayish condition for having given birth more than once. Generally I have no digestive problems. I like talking walks and 49 times out of 50 will have no problems. However occasionally i get a sudden urge to poo that leaves me about 10 or 15 minutes before I have to go. Obviously this is fine if I'm near home or a toilet but twice now I haven't been. The first time I was able to squat in a secluded bit of woods but last night I was frantically trying to get home through a residential area and I didn't quite make it in time. I find it mortifying having to clean myself up afterwards as though I'm a toddler. Is there any thing I can do to help? I don't want to give up my daily walk. I also don't want to stay within ten minutes of home. Should I take an immodium before every time I walk? Or would that lead to constipation? Would a high fibre diet help? Surely I don't need to wear a continence product at my age? Sorry for TMI and inherent lack of dignity in my post. Also am not poo troll, just embarrassed middle aged woman. Any advice?

I don't have any real suggestions, but have you talked your Dr about this to see if there is anything they can do or prescribe to help the situation?

Also if it was happening to me I think I'd wear the always pants or tena lady pants for walks, they fit like regular underwear but if you can't get to a toilet in time you have the added comfort of knowing it's going to keep it contained and not come though your clothing

I would see your GP about this, it's not normal to poo yourself when walking and if you really can't hold it then something else could be going on.

See your gp

I'm surprised you're not on at the GP rather than pondering a life in nappies.

I agree see your GP. There could be many different things at play here, and it needs investigation.

I have a condition that reduces my bladder and bowel control, and I walk a lot. I have to be careful never to walk right after a big meal until I've been to the loo.

Does this happen with any regularity ? Is is within a certain amount of time of eating or having coffee ?
Are you on any medication that can cause you to poo, like iron ?
The women’s physio might be able to help, she asked me about my bowels when I saw her and I was having urgency at the time but I know it was caused by iron.

My consultant said it was ok to take one immodium a day to stain exactly this situation.

Having battled with IBS issues for years, there's not often a lot the GP will do. Definitely speak to them, but be prepared for a fobbing off and 'you'll have to find a way to deal with it yourself attitude' once all the basic tests have been conducted.

Fwiw I have this issue a lot but mine is centred around anxiety. When I panic I need the loo (classic fight or flight) and this has now developed into a fear or being too far from the loo. Rural walks are absolutely out of the question for me. It can become very controlling over your life so best to find ways to manage it (either with Imodium or special pants) than give in to it.

I do hope the GP can help you but unless there is something obvious that stands out and can be fixed or medicated, I've always found bowel issues are woefully skipped over.

I have similar problems, it's so annoying! GPs won't do anything.

I have worked out my triggers. Eating/drinking, within 5-10 mins I am ready to go. Walking/exercise too. Certain food types are better than others. I will not leave the house without "going", and will avoid caffeine and other trigger foods (mainly spices and oily or greasy food) when I'm out or about. Especially before a walk!

I actually did a private stool sample (I used health path, others are available!). It was very expensive and not amazing results, but, I did find out that despite eating a very healthy diet (plant based 80% of the time, no meat, lots of veggies etc, hardly any alcohol) I have a very unhealthy gut (low diversity). They recommended me some fibre which I now take religiously (I buy wheatbran which is cheap and high fibre, it's a waste product not a processed, marketing thing!). I also spend a lot on probiotics (I use Garden of Health as I've found them best for my stomach) and really try to focus on my gut health. This has also paid dividends for my skin.

I'd say start learning about the gut and pre and probiotics and see if you can make some lifestyle changes to improve your regularity slowly but surely, as well as learning your trigger foods.

Carry one of these -you can use as a disposable ‘potty’ and then discreetly dispose of. I bought them as was on a boat with no facilities😁

Runners trots? I don't know if it applies to walking though. But runners trots are really common. I don't know about not being to hold it though, I never asked (it's my friend who told me about it, I don't run!). Sorry, no actual advice!

Thanks everyone.