Caution: Sensitive GI subject matter

Hi all,
I have recently developed a disturbing new symptom - bowel incontinence.The urinary incontinence I have been dealing with off and on for years. I could use any and all advice on this subject that anyone has to offer. I did read the archived postings but most of those do not match my situation. I do not have constipation and therefore do not have overflow leakage. This is numbness of the anal area and no signal that I need to go.  I did some research and found the suggestion to add bulk to my diet to have firmer stools and therefore more effort needs to be expended as well as bowel training, i.e. having a bowel movement the same time everyday.

I need help ASAP as I do work full time and currently have requested to work remotely until I get a handle on this. I also have an appt. with a new neuro next week. The new neuro was recommended by local neuro. Think there is any need to call the local neuro? I had not planned on it but the thought just popped into my head.

Thanks,
Rendean

[Lulu54]

Hi Rendean,
I'm not sure which doctor would help you with bowel incontinence - the neuro definitely needs to know about it but they may refer you to a GI doctor..  If you haven't already had them, I'm sure they will perform a colonoscopy to make sure there isn't a different problem going on.  I'm so sorry that your symptoms keep piling up.

my best,
Lulu

[Lulu54]

Hi again,
I just checked one of my favorite resource - the MS Society of UK - they have lots of information on line - here is the link to their bowel incontinence information.  Maybe something here will be of help.

www.mssociety.org.uk/about_ms/symptoms/managing_the_bowel_in_ms/managing_inconti.html

[rendean]

Thank you for the advice and the link, I'll check it out. I appreciate your help.

Rendean

[Lulu54]

me again - be sure to notice that there is a 24 page booklet available in pdf on the right side of that page with lots more information.  they have tons of booklets available that way.

[hbananas]

The Transverse Myelitis association, www.myelitis.org has a link to a video of a nurse practitioner giving a speech about this very subject, so I hope you have a high-speed connection.  The bottom line (pun intended) of what's known as a "bowel program" is that you empty your colon at a controlled and set time of day at home.  Then there isn't anything to "fall out" when you're away from home.  She's very positive and informative.  Here is a link:  http://video * google * com/videoplay?docid=6899665198013870110
Replace the asterisks surrounded by spaces with periods and no spaces.  Good luck.