HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

How Can Bowel Incontinence Be Treated?

default
Posted on Tue, 30 May 2017
Question: I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 1991. I was put on Amytriptoline 50 mg daily. Then in 2012 I started having diarrhea - losing my bowels uncontrollably. Recently they have turned to watery, yellow and sometimes orange with gurgling in my gut. I have no warning of movement. It leaks out, so I have to wear a pad. I go 15-20 times a day. I am very exhausted with this problem which 4 different doctors have failed to find the problem.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Some tests recommended and treatment options discussed below

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at healthcaremagic.

I carefully read your question and understand the struggles you are going through.
You are having loose stools and loss of control of the bowel movements; loose stools might bring some loss of bowel control but these two can also have separate causes and there are specific tests that can be done to find the reason for each of them.
You already mentioned that you have had medical consultation before and i would imagine you have already had some tests done for this. Because i don't see them mentioned i would like to ask if you have ever had the current tests:
stool for ova and parasite (you need 3 normal results to be 90% sure there is no parasite in the stools), stool antigen for giardia, stool microscopy for WBC, stool culture, stool test for fat presence, colonoscopy, tests for gluten intolerance.
These would be good tests to search for the reason of the diarrhea.

There are a few tests for the bowel control problem like: anal manometry to check the tightness of the anal sphincter, anal EMG which can also check the function of the nerve feeding the muscles around there, abdominal MRI, etc.
Diabetes might effect the nerves in all the body so if not checked your sugar levels in the last 2 years is a good idea to have a check for this also.

So to conclude i would say:
1. there are tests to be done to find the cause of diarrhea and the cause of the malfunctions of the anal sphincter (loss of bowel control)
2. after the cause is identified than the treatment should be directed towards the diagnosis found
3. Meanwhile make sure you do have fiber in diet with food and also you can take some extra fiber- this will help the stools form better
4. there are pelvic exercises to help strengthen the pelvic muscles and gain better sphincter control
5. there are also medications to help with loose stools but these can be prescribed only after the tests are done and certain medical conditions are ruled out
6. there are also surgical procedures that might help with the anal sphincter if it is not well functioning (a surgeon should weight pros and cons of this)

I hope this is helpful and answers to some of the questions you have but please if anymore clarification is needed feel free to write back with the questions you might have on this.

I wish you quick improvement

Kind regards,

Antoneta Zotaj, MD
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4435 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
How Can Bowel Incontinence Be Treated?

Brief Answer: Some tests recommended and treatment options discussed below Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for asking at healthcaremagic. I carefully read your question and understand the struggles you are going through. You are having loose stools and loss of control of the bowel movements; loose stools might bring some loss of bowel control but these two can also have separate causes and there are specific tests that can be done to find the reason for each of them. You already mentioned that you have had medical consultation before and i would imagine you have already had some tests done for this. Because i don't see them mentioned i would like to ask if you have ever had the current tests: stool for ova and parasite (you need 3 normal results to be 90% sure there is no parasite in the stools), stool antigen for giardia, stool microscopy for WBC, stool culture, stool test for fat presence, colonoscopy, tests for gluten intolerance. These would be good tests to search for the reason of the diarrhea. There are a few tests for the bowel control problem like: anal manometry to check the tightness of the anal sphincter, anal EMG which can also check the function of the nerve feeding the muscles around there, abdominal MRI, etc. Diabetes might effect the nerves in all the body so if not checked your sugar levels in the last 2 years is a good idea to have a check for this also. So to conclude i would say: 1. there are tests to be done to find the cause of diarrhea and the cause of the malfunctions of the anal sphincter (loss of bowel control) 2. after the cause is identified than the treatment should be directed towards the diagnosis found 3. Meanwhile make sure you do have fiber in diet with food and also you can take some extra fiber- this will help the stools form better 4. there are pelvic exercises to help strengthen the pelvic muscles and gain better sphincter control 5. there are also medications to help with loose stools but these can be prescribed only after the tests are done and certain medical conditions are ruled out 6. there are also surgical procedures that might help with the anal sphincter if it is not well functioning (a surgeon should weight pros and cons of this) I hope this is helpful and answers to some of the questions you have but please if anymore clarification is needed feel free to write back with the questions you might have on this. I wish you quick improvement Kind regards, Antoneta Zotaj, MD