How do I embarrass thee? Let me count the ways.

[twopack]

I have seen just about every embarrassing result of MS discussed on this forum but I've had one I can't find in the archives at all.  It's the involuntary passage of noisy gas without warning.  TYJ that this doesn't happen a lot, it's most often just a short squeak and there isn't any odor.  Really, it's true.  For these episodes, my **** don't stink.  Still, I'd like to put an end to it if that's possible.  I'll give a little more detail in an effort to inspire solution ideas.  If you don't want to risk TMI, please stop here.

OK, I have battled IBS for years.  I used to get random bouts of severe pain and bloating.  For the most part I have a routine now that has those episodes under control.  The flaxseed I use may cause some extra gas but I don't usually eat the high gas producing foods and drink nothing carbonated.  We all have gas production as part of digestion.  I don't think I have more than average and I don't think volume is a factor in the involuntary release.  I do attempt to get rid of it all in private--believe me, I do!

I don't have full sensation all the time in the rectal or anal areas.  It took me a long time to figure out why I was sometimes surprised by what I saw in the toilet.  I used to have "a feel" for the size and consistency of what was passing.  Now-a-days I sometimes don't even know if I have passed anything.  This is definitely a TMI place, but I DID find a most interesting topic I related too about this aspect.

I can sometimes anticipate and prevent the squeak if I'm going to lift something, go down steps, laugh or some such thing.  Many times it takes me by surprise because I just start to get lazy and don't remember to tighten muscles to guard against stress gas incontinence (SGI).

I don't know what to say when it happens around other people, if anything.  Maybe they think my tenny shoe squeaked on the floor or it was a burp-hiccup?  If I offer an "Excuse me" will I just draw attention?  If I remain silent (or more accurately, become silent) will they think it was their imagination?  or think me rude?  The hubby is so slick (or thinks he is -haha).  His claim to fame is the good old SBD.  He just moves away as silently as his offense.  I'm left wondering if my co-workers have secret nicknames for me.

I kind of hope you don't have to tell me this is a problem for you too because......  Well, because I don't wish it on anyone else.  Then again, if we all had the problem then we could form a band and turn a problem into employment.  (Hey, you nailed me.  I cope with embarrassment by trying to cover it with humor.)

I do hope though that someone out there has some ideas so I didn't just reveal for nothing.  

Mary,
who is beginning to wonder if there is any such thing as an underwear muffler????  and if I'll still be invited to forum lunches??

(private conversation with myself: Just hit the 'post question' button girl and be done with it.)

[essdipity]

Mary, I'm sorry if you felt that some answers here were not supportive. One of my own was lighthearted, certainly. I guess we sometimes need to recognize the human condition and simply sigh.

We all have gas problems from time to time, but yours are interfering with your life and your dignity. I hope you do find a solution. You don't mention (I don't think), whether you have tried the preventive products. That might be the simplest way. Little gas equals little staccato.

ess

[twopack]

I suppose if I could get rid of gas altogether that would be the ultimate solution.  Volume is only an occasional problem.  It's the staccato part that needs fixing but thanks for the thoughts.  You are right that getting older tends to make most things worse.  Don't the doctors just love to remind us of that.  I wonder how so many people bear being 70, 80 and 90 years old?

Mary

[MsWobbles]

Hey, I am empathize with you, having that issue myself (only mine are not usually staccato).  I noticed you're in your late 50s.  I'm in my early 60s and have noticed a significant increase in that type of problem progressing into the "golden years".  It is a problem that comes with aging.  I read about it some where - or maybe one of my MDs explained  to me - that older bodies stop producing a certain biochemical that helps inhibit flatus.  That is why, as we age, we have more such unexpected outbursts. My MD gave me the name of something we can buy over the counter that will provide the ingredient that our bodies no longer make and get us more back to normal in F-control, but I can't remember the name.  Ask your MD about it - will probably know what it is.  I don't know if Gas-X would help or not.  Maybe Beano.  

WAF

[twopack]

Thanks Ren, I realize that now.  I hope I didn't turn around and hurt others in relieving my own vent.  I'm not as good as I was once was about ignoring or shaking off my hypersensitivities.  (I hear ya singing again Toby!)

Mary

[twopack]

I'd get thee to the gynee and check things out.  I believe the queef is only associated with sound effects during and soon after intercourse.  There are medical reasons for this to happen at other times.  Air can get in there from gas releasing organisms.  A simple Rx could be all that's needed.  It's also possible to form a fistula between organs or cavities in the body.  If all else is AOK, pelvic floor weakness may be the downfall for us both.  No haha here.

So you don't feel so alone in this problem, I'm going to introduce you to a whole slew of women who discussed your problem right here on a medhelp forum.  Just make sure you read down past the hoots and gaffes to the serious responses.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Womens-Health/Air-Gas-bubbles-in-the-vagina/show/28002

Good luck in finding a solution.  It would make all this so worth it!
Mary

[rendean]

Please don't ever feel that ANY subject is off limits here. And, as for the light hearted joking, I think it is an uncomfortable situation that many can relate to but are embarrassed and use humor to cover that up.

I'm glad you shared your story and please know that we meant no harm but just didn't know how to answer a question many of us have wondered about. You had the fortitude to come forth and ask. Kudos to you!

Warmly,
Ren

[twopack]

Thank you all for your responses.  I'm sorry it took me so long to come back here.  This has been such a true area of embarrassment for me that I was regretting the question as soon as I posted it.  Just wasn't feeling the love or support.  Figured I had put my secret self out on the net for nothing.  I guess my sensitivity took the light hearted joking as a sign that my problem hadn't been taken seriously.

I'm not even sure now what I wanted.  As I said, I KNOW everyone forms gas.  Everyone releases it.  Most get to choose the timing and don't have to listen to their body make a surprise public announcement.  I don't think I have more than my share of fermentation.  I don't think another drug in my system is the answer for me.  I wish I was young and confident enough to just let 'er rip.  Or maybe not.  

I didn't mean to imply that my problem would likely appear on any list of likely MS manifestations.  I do think it is related to the lack of sensation and my brain's knowledge of what is going on down south.  IBS may be able to take production rights.  But when I read that so many people on this forum have numbness in the perineal/perianal regions and have management problems with bowel, bladder and sexual functions -- well, I just didn't think everyone would have an illusive thing like gas so under control.

Thanks for your suggestion Laura.  I had actually heard about the filter before.  Your description made me laugh.  These products seem to come from the Asian cultures.  I'm not sure if it's a bigger concern there because of the 'saving face' aspect of their society or a reflection of their diet.  Perhaps it's selfish of me to be thinking only of myself when this could actually be harming others.  Oh my!  I'm assuming this would work like any protective pad?  You put up with the discomforts of wearing it everyday and nothing happens -- until the very day you discard it?  Grrrrr

Anyway, I had planned to just let this little ditty scroll onto page 2..3..4..5..89...458...  Then it kept rising to the top.  I read it again.  Just another lifestyle adjustment I guess.  I'm going to try to take Alex's advise and be kinder to myself.  And my forum family too.

Thanks all,
Mary

[Eyesnlegs]

I was interested as according to my physio it is not even possible for it to happen when you are just walking around  - she was very clear about that and looked at me as if I was making it up!

I like the name for it - but if others suffer this too then it's good to know I am not alone - I mean how can you imagine that!!! - there is no control at all over this. I knew it could happen during love making but when you are just walking around? for heavens sake is there no end to the embaressment that can be caused here blush, blush, blush

sigh

[essdipity]

Well, I guess all of us still have a little kid in us who can find humor in bathroom kinds of stuff. That's really okay, helps to lighten things up. If you're in the mood to read about what a wife's put up with from her husband, try

http://hubpages.com/hub/Top-10-Really-Embarassing-Places-to-Pass-Gas

And Pat, I believe an episode of vaginal flatulence is called a queef. Never used that word before and I have no idea whether it will be censored, but so be it. You are not alone.

ess

[Eyesnlegs]

Interested in others opinions here please

bump

[Eyesnlegs]

You have made my day bringing this up, I asked my doctor about this even before I was dx - but then my dx took years.

I often have no sensation and will go to the loo to find I had not been expecting what was there. However, there are other issues here, as I also had a problem with wind from the vagina - now that is embaressing - no not happening when you guys are imagining it did - so stop the tittering now.  

Mine was just totally out of the blue when walking along and was much worse when I was menstruating. It doesn't happen quite as often now I am through the menopause. This perplexed my physio as she said there should be nowhere in there that can create wind!! and what was I doing - sucking it in - that even made me laugh imagining this cavern where wind was created!

Now I am dx it seems that not only do I have some lack of sensation, exacerbated by constipation but also the weak muscles that MS can cause (again this can be exacerbated by childbirth, hormones, etc) can add to it. So the answer to this is not as clear cut as you think.

My physio has now told me that I may have had some weak muscles down there from childbirth but the muscle weakness is greatly exacerbated by the MS and the fact that I have loss of sensation too.

This lot is so complicated but thank you so much for bringing it up - by the way my 5 year old granddaughter always says that us girls don't pass wind we just have 'bottom powder puffs'. I like that description much better.

Be Well
Pat

[Valerie64]

I've found since my last wobbly leg episode at Xmas when everything went numb from my toes to the small of my back, that I don't have as much control as I used to, I have to be careful now (even though the numbness has gradually gone) as I can't guarantee I won't follow through if i parp (urgh my face is flaming as I type this)

definitely not alone...

Val x

PS; my computer is poorly so I've borrowed my daughter's laptop but she wants it back lol

[Adnvwsti]

Thanks so much, twopack.  Wow, I thought I was the only one, hiding here in my shameful little misery.  I particularly appreciated your confession that you often do not have sensation in that area.  I have reached a place where I often do not know that I need to have a bowel movement until stomach cramps wake me in the night.  I know that a lot of this is associated with my chronic issue of constipation, but when it wakes me at night, the constipation will pass and the diarrhea that holds me in place will continue for an hour.  Bleeding, burning.  I'm not sure how much of this is related to MS.  I may also have an ulcer.  The doctors have suspected that for some time and without my description as I've written it here.  So you've given me renewed courage!  I shall go to my doctor and tell her all about it.  Well, maybe I'll just copy what I wrote here and let her read all about it......yeah.  LOL:)  jo

[cainer]

i wondered to about ibs  at times it is miserable  - the gas- vapors  lol    i raley  had any-  never  - till a couple yr  ago.

  you  have bad  cramps too??  i take  laxetives to   or  get  in trouble with  it.     yeh     i  call it-
  my  bottom   burps!!    i  dont toot  lol   grandkids  think  i  am  crazy!!   lol!
   tick

[Ufrustrated2]

is IBS "common" with MSers? i have it or whatever it really is. has caused me all kinds of problems.

and i didn't have it until after the spinal infection->myriad of symptoms->ms

my neuro won't even discuss IBS or any symptom really, but he is a control freak and doesn't discuss anything nor can he make a diagnosis so why should i ask him anything but the time of day, though the VA in DC may not allow him to even give that.

so, i come to this group. between ibs and the psych issues with MS over the years, i eat alone as often as possible and never go on dates that include eating.

ya think this s*** hasn't affected my social life? LOL

[NiCeeGlover]

I know this is real to you and I feel bad for you.

I have to admit I laughed hard about it though! LOL

If I start doing this.... I'll want to hide!

In my family my guys are asked to say excuse me or go some where else to do it!

I can imagin the fun they will have with me if I start " Fluffing " in front of them!!

Lord help me! I'll never live it down!

The teasing in this house would be never ending!

If one of my guys ":Fluff " or have the "Vapors "

they point at JoJo our boxer and say " DOG!!!!???? LOL

Help me not to " Fluff " or have the " Vapors " Lord!!!!

NiCee

[meg321]

Good topic..and you did a good job too.

I thought everyone farted..its like breathing.  But it can be very embarrassing.  A lot of times I just fart "air" no smell at all, so its seems like it is just air escaping.  I have constipation issues also, but have actually I have been able to manage better now, with only stool softeners.

The fart filter underwear are not cheap, I will stick with the average techniques of dealing with it.

hugs and farts,
meg

[Lulu54]

You ask about a muffler?  Well actually there is such an item - it is a charcoal pack that you wear in your underwear and the charcoal absorbs the odors, too.

Now I don't have experience with  product first hand,  but if you google *f art Filter* you will come up with over a half-million hits.  Be forewarned though - you will probably pee your pants from laughing at some of the descriptions, like *now you can fart without hurting others."

Obviously this is a big problem if you can hurt others.  

I attribute my problem with gas, and I do have lots of it as well, to the chronic constipation that my MS and my drugs have inflicted on my system.

-Lulu

[cainer]

LOL!!   Not funny   well sort of  - glad u  brought this up!1  i  have a water fall inside sometimes!!
yeh  its  very  miserable at times  i  thought  well ms  messes with everything  so   it  too-  but some  dont think so- i  havent said anything  to dr
  cause  it is embarrassing!!     i  eat  fober  lots of  water hence  water fall
      i  dont  no    the  been-no   well  didnt  work!1   i dont no any suggestions  sometimes  feel  like  dying  its miserable!!   tick

[HVAC]

Mary,
  I have a leaking problem. I have to keep the baby wipes around because I just plain leak all the time. I am a fastidious person and when it started I was highly upset.

Now I look at my old dog who I spent last week cleaning his butt because he was sick. I love my dog and I do not hate him because of his problem. I was not ashamed of cleaning my friend who died of AIDs 20 years ago or my father with Cancer.

It just is what it is. If I can be kind to others why can I not be kind to myself?

Be kind to yourself Mary,

Alex

[essdipity]

I've never read that this is a part of MS, embarrassing though it can be. If you have IBS, that is likely the culprit.

Have you tried Beano, or a similar gas preventative? I understand they're pretty good. The only times I've had gas problems is at Pilates class, when I've wanted to sink through the floor. Since I can't do Pilates anymore, that sort of takes care of that :-{   I think a pre-emptive strike like Beano might work, though.

I've read that normal adults, both male and female f@rt about 14 times a day, and give off an amazing volume. So you're really not alone.

Miss Manners says not to apologize or make any references to it at all, on the grounds that some bodily functions don't officially exist, a tacit agreement in society. That might be better than prolonging the embarrassment by discussing. If it's your family, though, well, for better or worse. Just tell your DH it's the downside of your otherwise charming package!

ess

[supermum_ms]

Oh Mary, what a dilemma, my dd does that all the time, she's young and yes dare i say it blond so she gets away with a girly giggle lol.

Not having the same problem really, i do have something similar though, my stomach makes pop sounds, why is the million dollar question. I'm use to my stomach sounding like a toilet, lots of running water sounds and gurgling but the pops sound like something else entirely.

Next time you squeak, and someone is close enough to hear, why dont you say i need to eat something my stomach is making strange noises again, you just might get away with it.

Other than that i'm clueless sorry.

Cheers......JJ