Conditions
Bowel Incontinence
It is said that bowel incontinence (sometimes called faecal or anal incontinence) is a sign or a symptom, not a diagnosis. It is the uncontrolled loss of solid or liquid stools, or wind (gas) with leakage, which occurs when the sphincter muscles and nerves in and around the rectum and anal canal are damaged (e.g. after childbirth or surgery), or become weaker (with age). Bowel incontinence affects 1% to 10% of adults and can seriously affect quality of life for most sufferers. Due to the nature of the condition it has largely been a hidden problem, with sufferers too embarrassed or ashamed to tell anyone about their symptoms. Bowel incontinence can affect anyone, but it is much more common in older people, particularly those with long-term health and mobility problems. There are a number of treatments for bowel incontinence (non-surgical and surgical) depending on the cause of the problem.
If you’re suffering from continence problems then you can watch a special webchat with Mr Andrew Clarke on Thursday 10th December at 2pm (GMT). Go to www.webchats.tv to submit your questions ahead of the live chat.
Comments and Questions
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Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.
I have severe wind which is uncontroleable. I have had many tests and they tell me all is normal and put it down to IBS. I am 43 and this started after chilbirth when I was 32. I dont eat at all during the day as it causes embaressement, no matter what I put inside me though certain foods make it worse. I had daily bowel movements before childbirth but not since and I now seem to have almost completely lost all sensations to pass a motion. When |I do though it does relieve the wind problem until I start eating again. This completely effects my quality of life, always working around this and having to think quick in order to escape! I do now suffer with severe anxiety and am desperate to sort this if it can be sorted, would a specialist be able to help? is there any operation?
I am a 62 year old female also experiencing similar problems following thorough wiping etc after a bowel movement. I went to a surgeon and underwent a barium meal and colonoscopy followed by a prolapsed bowel operation and there has been no change in my symptoms after all these procedures. The muscles around the anus could be stronger so I have been undergoing pelvic floor physiotherapy which have helped to a degree BUT I can still experience on a weekly basis soiling and mess in pants having no idea this is happening. I feel that there is nothing else I can do. I am active and am attending various fitness classes to generally improve muscle tone and control- anything that might help.
Since December i have had issues with my bowels. I have constant diarrhoea with bright red blood. There have been times when i have not reached the toilet in time. I have previously had ulcerated colitis but at this time its not active. I have been to the doctors and still waiting to be seen at the hospital. I have been given co-phenotrope 2.5/0.02mg helps slightly. What do u think is wrong ?
i am a 47 year old male i had a heamoroid ectomy about 8 years ago, since then every time i finnish wiping myself i still have poo their, this is constant throughout every day. my stools are not hard or too soft, i have a good diet and exercise on a reg, basis, please give me your advice.
Hi my sister had bowel cancer 3 years ago and had an anterior resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. she now suffers with bowel control, especially frequency and excessive wind which really upset her. The hospital say she is probably suffering from anterior resection syndrome but offer no solution, can you suggest any way she can improve her quality of life?
I am 52 and notice when I go to the toilet I can wipe and wipe and wipe myself but next time i go to the loo there is still some on the paper when wiping after a wee. This sometimes makes me sore help any suggestions
In response to the 30 year old man with wind, I had the same problem and went to a bowel and bladder clinic in my local area, mainly for bladder problems, but I was told to cut out wheat as I was going to the toilet a lot and had very bad wind. Since stopping eating wheat I have not had the problems, and when I do eat wheat, I am aware of the symptoms I am going to have so can make a decision on weather I want it or not. Why not go to your doctor and see what can be done to help you?
hi my son is 15 and has a colostomy due to being born with an inperforate anus, on your programme dated 26/2/10 you mentioned sacral nerve stimulation for someone with a bladder problem, i was wondering if this would be helpful to my son and if so where would i get more information. many thanks
hi there i am a 30 year old male I suffer from really bad wind which has anoffensive smell all the time. My partner is getting fed up of it as i cannot control it at all. Is here any explanation as to what may be causing my excessive wind? Along with this I am also suffering from being bloated alot.
My son has the same problem he is the same age but it has been going on a lot longer we have not life and i was on the web site to see if there were any solutions here. All my doctor and the hospital keep giving him are laxertives which to me is making the problem worse if you do find ant solution please write back on here thanks.
please i need help and if i can get a response through my e mail address i will be eternally gratefull. My 10 years old boy has been incontinent for a year and six months , he just poos and wees on himself we have sort medical help and they think there is nothing physically wrong with him ,please i dont know if all the necessary tests have been carried out, help me if there is any other way out please this is killing me, he is not coping with school and cant play with friends . please what can i do to help my son
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