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What Causes Fecal Incontinence?

Posted on Mon, 26 May 2014

Question: okay for many years I have been plagued by a over active intestinal tract. The strong urge to Defecate comes on very quickly and suddenly. You cannot hold it in It is explosive and comes in threes with a five minute interval between them. Stools are yellow in color. No pain, just feels as if my rectum is full and gaseus. Once I feel the symptom I have maybe 10 minutes to find a bathroom.
I take metformin, Flomax and Licinop. Marijuana and beer eliminate the problem.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Causes to over-active intestinal function....

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

The problems you are having with over active intestinal tract might be related to:
- diet changes you make to keep your blood sugar under control
- malabsorption
- Metformin use
- Possible IBS

I suggest to consult with a GI specialist in order to run further tests and find out the cause to your problems:
- abdominal ultrasound
- malabsorption tests
- liver/pancreas function tests
- colonoscopy
- stool examination for ova/parasites

If everything is ok, then, I advise to discuss with your doctor to take off metformin for some time to see if the symptoms you are having are due to metformin use.

If still no improvement, then, it is due to IBS (irritable bowel disease) and should start proper treatment for that. However, first, should rule out all other organic problems.

Meanwhile, I advise to:
- eat often and small portions
- avoid too sugary/fatty foods
- avoid carbonated drinks
- have more physical activity
- try to control stress
- take OTC Oral-rehydration-salt and drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids
- take simethicone to reduce gas

Hope it answered to your queries! Do write me back if you want to ask anything!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (14 hours later)

what do you think of the fact that if I smoke marijuana and never had the symptoms , that this might be stress related? in fact if I was experiencing the symptoms and smoked that they go away.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (2 days later)

Brief Answer:
Marijuana not a solution to your problems...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Thank you for following up.

Smoking marijuana is slowing down the intestinal activity. Furthermore, it can also give a relaxing sensation through its action in central nervous system. This explains why you do not feel such problems while having marijuana.

From what you are reporting, I can understand that your problems are related to IBS. Once you get your stress under control, your intestinal problems will be resolved too.

At the end, marijuana is not the answer to your problems. Instead, there will come a moment when it will make the things worst.

Wish you health!
Dr.Klerida

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar