Bowel Problems - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

parisiancat · 08-22-2007, 02:55 AM

Hi all,

I wish I didn't have to post this but here goes....

I've been having bowel issues recently - a sudden urgent need to go to the toilet. Usually stimulated by walking. Which of course, means that I'm not usually at home when it happens. When I go out, I'm constantly planning where I'll be and where I can use a loo if I suddenly need to.

It isn't everyday but has been happening quite regularly recently.

I've had one episode of bowel incontinece.

It's made me nervous of going out. Especially anywhere new.

I just wondered if anyone has similar problems and any advice on managing it.

Tx
Cat

MSNik · 08-22-2007, 06:08 AM

Hi cat! Horrible, isnt it? As an outside sales rep, Im never home when either bowel or urinary incontinence happen...Ive learned to try to use every avaialable bathroom that I know to be clean while I can. For instance, whether or not I have to go, I try to go, before I leave the house. Then, when at my office, before hiting the road, I try again! I have so many accounts, some of which are clean, some filthy....Ive learned which ones to stop at, when I feel that its possible.

How do you know? You dont. What can you do? First of all, there are meds available which you can talk to your doc about. I havent started using them myself, but do sometimes wonder if I shouldnt be. I find that this happens in cycles. It happens for a few days, then stops. Weeks go by, where things are normal and then it acts up again. Im wondering if it has anything to do with my monthly menstrual period?

I also use mini pads, or liners quite a bit. Better safe then sorry! I of course have learned to carry clean underwear in a bag in my trunk, just in case...so far, never had to use them, but I feel better knowing they are there. I also carry those little wipes which clean you...in my purse....to stay clean feeling even when I dont need them. I think that they help to keep leakage under control.

One last piece of advice. Try to watch what you eat and see if it makes a difference. For isntance, I know, if I eat chinese food....im doomed. Im going to get bathroom issues one way or another. SO I try to only eat chinese food on a friday night, when I know Ill be home all night and most of the weekend. Other foods are things like saurkraut or onions...things which soften the stools usually are things to avoid. You can get a list of these things from your doctor, or just start researching it on your own...

This is a horrble topic to have to discuss, but thanks for bringing it up. Youre not alone in dealing with this and Im sure many others are afraid to mention it. I think you need to NOT worry about it happening again. Tell yourself it was a one shot deal, something you ate...and go on like always! If you find that its really a problem, investigate starting meds....until it really is an issue, just know it happens to all of us at one point or another. Nothing to be ashamed of, just a muscle spam which you cant control....ok?
Hugs,
NIkki

alleemae · 08-22-2007, 01:34 PM

I know! I have that problem sometimes. I try to eat a lot of fiber to keep regular and that probably has something to do with it too. I make sure I eat way before I go out to give myself plenty of time to have a BM. Like I'll eat as soon as I get up, [I]then [I]get dressed, etc. I have also used suppositories(only in emergencies) if it feels like I have to go, but not coming out. Also keep a mental log of how often you have a BM. I know i go @ every other day.
Lots of luck,

Laura

parisiancat · 08-23-2007, 02:34 AM

Thank you both so much for replying. It makes such a difference to know that other people go through the same thing.

Thanks for the practical suggestions. I already have a little 'emergency' pack that I carry in my purse, with wipes etc. I can see now that it's just another symptom that can be managed. I'm feeling much better today. It seems to come in cycles for me too.

Nikki, I did wonder if my diet was exacerbating it. I've started a food diary so hopefully I'll be able to work out what to avoid. And I'll do some more research now that you've put me on track.

Thanks again for the support. I was panicing a bit yesterday. Things are calmer and clearer today.

Cat xxx

AllyG · 08-31-2007, 06:29 AM

Thank you so much for posting this message.

I've had this problem for a few years now - its not regular, it seems to happen periodically but its horrible. I've been to embarrassed to mention it to my doctor or MS team.

I dont know if the meds in Ireland differ to the States but what do people take for this?

I have been so upset about this in the past, I'm only 30 & it shouldnt happen. I notice it happens more often if I drink beer - I avoid it now, or eat certain foods. This has helped but is there something more reliable I could do?

Thanks again for discussing this - thats why this board is soooo helpful.