Really embarrassing poo question

[Donetrying1]

l can't believe l'm typing this but l am! Full disclosure, l have a GP appointment next Thursday so l'm doing the right thing but just wondered if anyone at all had ever had problems getting themselves clean after a bowel movement??
l open my bowels, use either wet wipes or that Wype gel and 'think' l'm clean. I then go for a wee a little while later and it's like l've never wiped at all! I then have to go through the whole palaver and this can happen 2 or 3 times. It never used to happen so something has changed, although no clue what! I'm in my early 60's sometime constipated so l take Movicol which makes it softer, otherwise l'm at a loss to explain it, hence the GP appointment. Just wondering if anyone else has had the same? Sorry if this is TMI! But thanks anyone in advance!

Yes, your suspicions are correct.🙂

@Ihateboris that sounds awful I'm so sorry. The NHS do offer surgery for rectocles, long wait I expect so the sooner you get on the list the better.

For wiping for people who leak I'd recommend using toilet paper moistened with lotion from a pump dispenser bottle.
I'm lucky because we have dermol in the house, prescribed for partners excema but I'm sure there are other options.

You could use baby lotion - after all, it's what we used on babies' bottoms.

Precisely! I often spend ages pushing my anus back in, wiping etc, and then I can have some leakage afterwards. I hate having to go to the toilet when out and about.

Thank you. I would be very interested to hear from anyone who has had surgery for rectocele?

Mine was seen on a colonoscopy and the consultant said that for formal diagnosis there is quite a complicated process which puts people off, namely having to poo on camera or something and when most people hear that they're happy to understand that they 'probably' have this and therefore live with it. I dont know what the surgery is, I didnt want to hear even more

So I have one, only 'probably' have one, I realise now what the issue is, having to lean back on the toilet rather than lean forward like you're supposed to. Magnesium and this different position has helped enormously.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17415-rectocele

@soupyspoon "lean back " Yes, that's what I have to do !!
So glad it's not just me.
Which means I'm only really comfortable doing this at home and a small selection of known venues.
I thought leaning forward was for weeing though.

Oh wow, I'll try the leaning back when going to the toilet! I've taken Coton-A for a few years which keeps me regular without the urgency to go as is the case with many laxatives.

I used to have this problem all the time until I started on a regime of fibre. Yes, we all know we should consume plenty of fruit and veg but I have had to put extra effort in. Bran flakes, psyllium husks, on top of the fruit/veg. Since then, clean as a whistle 😉.

Does the magnesium help with constipation?
I'm not constipated.
Actually think it would be better if I were more inclined that way .

Just hop in the shower after you poo op

Look away now if feeling delicate but ..
Looking at that diagram indicating position of a rectocele I'm wondering if one were to sort of pull the exit position slightly towards the front it might assist the delivery and achieve full evacuation.

No, the optimum position for normal people is to lean foward and be quite hunched down, so some people use a foot stool to have their knees higher. But that wouldnt do it for me. The consultant was laughing about that with me

#team leaning forward

I hear good things about bum guns - they do a much better job, and are better for the planet.

This sounds like a problem called “overflow”
when you have chronic constipation you get leakage of liquid stool
up the movicol and get a good clear out that will help then dial the dose back to achieve better control
piles can also cause this a smaller degree
see a doc without embarrassment it’s common
in view of your age also request a stool FIT test - just to be extra cautions

There is a device called a Qufora that you can get o. Prescription from the pelvic floor physio it clears out what gets stuck if you suffer with a rectocele. It’s amazing. Rectocele is not always caused by a fast birth the weight of carrying a baby and menopause aging can also be the cause.

This sounds like a bowel prolapse. The dr will do an internal exam and take it from there. Feels embarrassing but they're really good. I had this after a rough delivery. Needs surgery, but they go through other options first. They do pt with you which is embarrassing but hysterical. Lay it all on the table for the dr, they've heard it all honestly. Hope this helps and good luck xx

I'm so glad to find it's not just me. I've got diagnosed IBS and diverticulitis. I spend longer getting clean than I do actually 'going'. I'm in my late 60s and assume this is me now. I just hope the rest of the household don't hear me cursing and muttering in my frustration! And I have a massive stockpile of toilet roll. You are not alone.

I have IBS so always have very soft poos and wiping can be a sore affair. I have found putting a small amount of an aqueous cream (which is very cheap for a huge tub) around the area before going to the loo and then when wiping you wipe most of it away with the cream. I do still get a small amount coming out afterwards and will try the fibre supplements suggested in this thread to see if that helps.

Are the suggestions for fibre to assist with combating constipation ?
Or have I misunderstood?
Asking because I'm not constipated but have a number of the other issues on here.
Leaking. Incomplete evacuation. Etc

an aqueous cream (which is very cheap for a huge tub) around the area before going to the loo and then when wiping you wipe most of it away with the cream.
This sounds like an excellent idea @longtompot thanks for suggesting.

I remember years ago, Dr Miriam Stoppard recommend just using water to wipe. Poo wipes and gels could irritate and wipes - however 'flushable' bung up the sewers. I've had bowel problems for over 20 years. I have IBS, diverticulitis and my bowel has prolapsed into my vagina. It really does get me down sometimes. Oh, and haemorrhoids too. This not being able to get completely clean is fairly recent. In fact my OH has said he has the same problem. I'm nearly 70 and he's 75. Is this our life now?! I was absolutely distraught when I found bum prints on my bedsheets! Bugger getting old!!