Bowel incontinence

[hotcrossbunnies12]

Help! I’ve had bowel issues since my second child 3 years ago and I’ve stupidly ignored it but it’s inevitably got much worse.

I’ve always suffered from constipation so I’m unsure if it’s related. I’ve gradually got to the point where I now have a few seconds warning that I need a bowel movement or I have no control. Sometimes it’s just mucus that comes out but it feels like it would be a normal bowel movement. I have excessive mucus, even if I have flatulence it is often mucus too. Sometimes the mucus is blood streaked. I am still suffering from constipation and often feel like I’ve not finished.

im absolutely terrified of going to the doctors for fear of a colonoscopy, can anyone suggest anything I can try at home?

just to add that I have 2 children and I’m 31. Wondering if it’s perhaps prolapse related?

I have had bowel issues for many years. It sounds like you are impacted, maybe you have piles too - I had piles after DD2. You could try Ispaghula Husk sachets, strangely they help with constipation and/or diarrhoea. There is no ‘drug’ in these they just act to help movement through the bowels. I take 2 sachets each evening (spaced a few hours apart) but you would start with just one sachet. Don’t delay going to the GP, if there is anything that needs treatment it won’t go away by ignoring it.

i’m so sorry you are dealing with this but you are absolutely mad to have not seen a doctor. There are much, much worse things than a colonoscopy. and i am someone who avoids doctors as much as i can.

i think i had some bowel issues from a slight rectal prolapse. my symptoms were loose stools consistently (no pain) during my 2nd pregnancy and haemorrhoids. they improved over time and im doing pilates to help. i haven’t been to a doctor. the difference is that you have mucus and blood and feelings of fullness. what if you have cancer? is your blood red or brown? brown is worse i think it means it’s internal (rather than from a burst pile).

you could also try an elimination diet. cutting out dairy solved my constipation but it’s a very individual thing.

As kindly as possible @hotcrossbunnies12 get thee to the doctor. A colonoscopy is fine, ask for picolax and sedation and start the white diet a day earlier than recommended. If you had a difficult birth, you may have a weakened anal sphincter, there are exercises. Make sure you are referred to a good gastroenterologist/bowel man.

Thank you everyone. I know I’ve been stupid ignoring it but it’s just gradually gotten worse over time, starting with little things that you can ignore but now the incontinence has started it’s a big issue. I’m finding myself panicking about leaving the house or been in meetings worrying about what to do if I need the toilet urgently. I will arrange a GP appointment: does anyone know if there are any other tests the GP would do?

I think I’ve definitely had a pile at some point. As far as I can tell the blood is red rather than brown. No weight loss.

Thanks to everyone who responded, just to let you know that the doctors gave me a telephone appointment for the 22nd May to discuss my issues.

that's 6 weeks away, madness!

22nd of may! What the hell

obv get it checked out at your GP appointment.

the mucous is something i get with IBS. i think the body makes it to slide stuff along. are you eating enough fruit and veg? eat more and the mucous will stop. the bright red blood rather than brown is probably a pile. once you increase the fruit and veg that should stop too.

OP a colonoscopy is honestly not that bad. I've had 3 with sedation, no pain and no embarrassment. Think of it like this- you're very worried now. You will only have to get over one colonoscopy and you'll know what's going on and then you won't be worrying what's wrong and you can just get on with whatever treatment you need.

That is a crazy long delay, @hotcrossbunnies12, but well done for making the appointment!

I hope it might reassure you that I enjoyed my colonoscopy! I had sedation, then watched with slightly stoned fascination (and giggles) at my own insides on a big TV screen. Slept the sedative off in a recovery room, went home happy with a 10-year guarantee against bowel cancer.

Re your concerns about being out and in meetings, I'm going to recommend either disposable incontinence pants or snug-fitting neoprene shorts. Any leakage will be contained. Carry a pack of baby wipes in your bag, a fresh pair of disposables/shorts and a plastic bag for the used one.

Incontinence (both ends) is one of those things that's really common but nobody talks about. You're far from alone

Just to add - if your bum's sore, you can use Anusol cream. Not the ointment, the cream - it's gentle. It comes with a nozzle to apply it inside your bum but, if you don't fancy that, it also helps to just smooth it on.