Question: I have a problem with leaky stools. My stools are soft and I don't void completely, then when I walk or job, feces leaks out. I have to wear a maxipad as a sort of diaper. Intermittent problem for years; worse in past months. Me: female, 48, 5'4", 110lbs, don't smoke or drink, try to jog 30 minutes daily and do 32 pushups. Single. Never had children. No other health problems. Big factor: Diet. I am sure it needs work. Due to eating disorder hx (NO LAXATIVES OR PURGING EVER....only restricted eating), I have a very restricted diet. I pretty much live on steamed broccoli and cauliflower, raw almonds and sugar free candy, and sometimes flavored rice cakes. I overeat late at night and don't eat much during the day. I've noticed the problems's worse when I eat chocolate or soft candy like Nips or XXXXXXX But lately it's persisting no matter what I do. About a year ago I had a bout with stomach pain; endoscopy found only gastritis and a small hiatal hernia. I KNOW I don't drink nearly enough water. Help? What can I do to make this better? I know that I need to make drastic changes in my eating patterns but that's really going to be an impossible task. Are there small changes I can make? And why has this suddenly become a problem in the past few months? (ps the sugar free candy I eat is not the kind that causes excessive gas and bloating; I have learned which artificial sweetners do that and avoid them.)

What do you mean by "incontinence?"

How does loperamide work?

Are there any other medications that would be helpful? I understand there are certain kinds of laxatives that draw water into the colon....would that help?

Will drinking more water help?

Why did the problem suddenly come on in the past few months when I have had the same diet for years and years?