Fecal Incontinence

[dancergirl572004]

This is very weird for me too talk about this online, but I really need help/a different perspective. Over the last year or so, I have began having fecal leakage. It started out where it would just happen if I had diarrhea, but now it happens no matter the consistency. I'm OK if I'm sitting down all day (though sometimes not even then), but it's a very big problem when I have to walk for long periods of time. I always have to wear pads because there is never a point when I don't leak some. I've also stopped wearing light colored pants because of it. Whenever I go out, I get anxious because I don't know how much is going to leak and I don't want to smell bad to the people standing near me. It's gotten to where I hesitate to go places where I will have to walk for a long time.

My doctor wants me to see an endocrinologist because he states high thyroid levels can cause loose stools and can contribute to the leakage. He wants to rule this out before seeing if it's crohn's related. Meanwhile, I'm still sitting here constantly embarrassed about it.

I've always been shy and a little self-concious, but this is really having a negative effect of me. I'm a single 28 years old woman who would like to be more social and to one day get married and have kids, but I can't bring myself to date because how do you explain that this someone? When do you explain this to a live interest? If you go on a date and you start leaking and smelling bad, that's not going to lead to other dates. I can't even imagine the effect it would have on a sex life because I can't even get far enough into a relationship to even think about that. I honestly haven't even had the courage to tell my family about it.

I guess what I'm looking for is someone that has experienced this and has found a way too stop it. I just want to know if there is a chance to stop it. I knew when I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease 14 years ago that it would compellingly change my life, but I still work to have add much of a "normal" life as I can. I would appreciate any advice anyone can offer.

 

[UnXmas]

I used to have faecal incontinence before I got an ileostomy. An ileostomy ended so many of my problems.

Have you seen a colorectal specialist? If you're incontinent of stool even when it's solid it may be because of nerve problems, possibly in the spine, or nerve or muscle problems in the rectum. If you have no awareness that you need to have a bowel movement until it happens, that can also mean a nerve problem. Fairly simple problems such as rectal prolapse can also cause incontinence. There are several tests that can be done to find the cause. I saw a colorectal surgeon who knew what tests to do. I just did a quick google of some of the tests and found this page: http://www.bowel-control.co.uk/diagnosis/tests/index.htm
The section on "Testing muscles, sensation and nerves" especially may be relevant.

I don't know about thyroid problems, and I don't know whether Crohn's could be causing this problem for you. Diarrhoea from Crohn's or any other cause obviously can make the problem worse. But it's also possible to have more than one medical condition going on.

Incontinence was not the only reason I got an ileostomy. Some people wouldn't consider a stoma as a solution; some may even see a stoma as worse. But it has fixed it for me.

 

[Muppetgirl]

On the thyroid side...Sorry I'm not sure from your post whether you have already been diagnosed as hyperthyroid? If so are you on antithyroid meds or beta blockers for it? If so what did your last bloods show? It shouldn't be left unchecked as can lead to thyroid storm (a medical emergency).

If you haven't been diagnosed with it then any doctor can run bloods to check your TSH and T4/T3 levels prior to seeing an endocrinologist. When I was hyperthyroid I had frequency, urgency and loose stools. Didn't have incontinence but we are all different.

There are quite a few things it could be as has already been said. Worth ruling out fistula too. Whatever the cause it's obviously worsened for you. I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time. I hope they can offer some treatment options soon.

 

[Lady Organic]

as mentionned above, has your doctor looked at your anus to check for a possible fistula? Im hoping you get a solution for this problem soon.
best wishes

 

[grayk]

I can completely relate to everything you mentioned. I am 22 years old and feel like my social life has taken a drastic turn because I get so nervous when I have to be on my feet for long periods of time. I always have pads with me and constantly fear someone noticing that I have fecal incontinence.

I have been seeing a colorectal surgeon for this. Initially, my doctor wanted to test my muscles in my rectum, but after I told her about my stricturing in that area she decided that was not going to work.

I have a number of fistulas, but nothing bothers me as much as my incontinence. I am currently on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), where I try to maintain a liquid diet. This helps, but I still have leakage when I do a lot of walking.

I just wanted to share to let you know that I completely understand how you're feeling. I hope you find something to help!