Is there a doctor on board? Please help with my very embarrassing faecal incontinence problem

[swingsandroundabouts]

OK, here goes. This is a bit horrible, and very embarrassing, but I really need advice.

Since having my lo I have very occasional episodes of faecal incontinence. (it's been checked and they can't find anything significant but have recommended a c-section next time to be safe)

Anyway, it happened the day before yesterday, in the middle of a motorway traffic jam (nightmare) so it was a while before I could sort myself out. The problem is I think some went up my vagina (I've had slightly funny bits of discharge on and off since). Not great at the best of times but we are ttc and so it's possible I'm just pregnant (bit too early to test but perfectly possible - will know in a few days.)

So now I'm panicking - I know vagina is self-cleaning etc but this can't be good. What should I do? The really stupid thing is I was at the doctor today about something else and ended up being too embarrassed to ask feel stupid about that now it's after hours and I'm getting really worried. Can see myself heading for a sleepless night.

OK i've plucked up a lot of courage to post this, hope someone can help. Thank you.

I cannot help but well done for being brave and posting, I hope to bump you up to the top where a qualified person will come along.

Good luck xxxx

How awful for you.

Please don't worry about it though. Its unlikely that any significant germs will have spread to your vagina. As long as you have had a good clean since and have a reasonable standard of hygeine usually, thing should be fine. I have never heard of someone getting a significant vaginal infection from faeces!

If you have persistent discharge, then see your GP about arranging for some swabs to set your mind at rest. Good luck TTC.

Sorry to hear about this.

You need this thread. You don't have to wade through all of it, just post at the end.

Thank you for a very reassuring post. You sound like you know what you're talking about - are you a doctor? I guess it makes sense as the vagina is in pretty close proximity to all that anyway, but I was beginning to imagine contamination into the cervix and womb etc. But since reading your post the pains I had begun to imagine seem to have disappeared.

Thanks BlueBumedFly too for supportive bumping!

Thanks ThingOne - God, there's a lot of this sort of thing about isn't there. I will have a read of that thread. I had massive bladder problems too - a catheter for 6 weeks - and I reckon the bowel thing is probably exacerbated by breast feeding - cos that relaxes the muscles - I'm hoping things improve when i wean.

Anyway, feel better for all your messages. Good old Mumsnet x

Bless you. I had a bit of this after giving birth too, nobody warns you, do they?

Best of luck xxx

No, that one certainly isn't in the books!

Most welcome Swings, I really hope you are OK and have some sleep tonight. The body is an amazing thing so I really hope your pregnancy is good.

I posted on any prolapse thread but think this sounds more like my kind of place.....had a baby 3 1/2 years ago, experienced 3rd degree tear...birth was v fast and pushed because MW told me to...didn't feel the need to and think my daughter would've climbed out all by herself tbh but that's another issue and would love to read my notes. Anyway, I had surgery following her birth and then later on surgery to put my bladder back where it should be and to stop leaks, this is all fine (ish) but my major problem is what appears to be IBS coupled with reduced strength in my sphincter...Joy. I had blood tests to try to find out why I was experiencing sporadic episodes of diarrhoea these all came back fine so concluded it's "just" IBS.....this combined with ruined bottom control leaves me too scared to leave the house! Doc has prescribed me tablets to take "20 mins before a meal" - If I have to go out I don't eat until safely home! So basically living on a diet of IBS meds and Anti diarrhoea tablets and peppermint tea. Got an app with colorectal surgeon next month...Just wondering what to expect? Can s/he fix me? What does surgery involve and how long will I have to stay in for? I'm only 34 and this isn't my idea of living....

Monica1972 - the ladies on this thread have been through a lot and I think reading through it maybe able to offer support....Although my problems haven't got a direct cause like yours I have similar symptoms and its making me feel very down.... so hope we can support each other, anyway will stop hijacking this thread and meet you on the link I posted if you feel that is similar to what you are describing -