How do I remedy fecal incontinence?

December 30, 2005 12:06 AM

I was wondering if any MeFites have experienced fecal incontinence.

I'm 40, and I'm concerned that I may be having fecal incontinence. In the past couple of weeks I have noticed staining in my underware a couple hours after a bowel movement. The staining appears colorless and is mostly odorless, and does not contain any solids. Yes, I'm going to see a doctor about this.

posted by anonymous to health & fitness (7 comments total)

The doctor is definitely the place to go. I don't think anyone here can give you much advice as you haven't indicated your gender (which I believe can make a big difference in these things) and other relevant facts.

But I get the feeling you might be more concerned about the potential for embarrassment and social awkwardness. There's something particularly troubling about incontinence of any kind. If someone pukes all over the place, it's generally accepted as a legitimate illness (or over indulgence). Losing control of your elimination functions, however, brings on all sorts of stigma.

So, for moral support, I offer the following: Has anyone experienced it? Of course. Though it's an extremely unpleasant thing to talk about it happens to a lot of people. I had some very serious intestinal issues a while back and while I was recovering from a week in the hospital I had some unpleasant control problems. I was always rushing into restaurants and stores and begging to use the washroom. More than once, I simply didn't make it.

Anyway, it sounds like what you're dealing with is far less serious. Definitely talk to your doctor about what's going on and prepare yourself for some unpleasant tests. Hopefully, all is well and you've nothing to worry about.
posted by aladfar at 12:44 AM on December 30, 2005

If it's colorless and ordorless, I doubt it's fecal incontinence. I know you can't respond, but I wonder if it's more of a mucous. Hang in there, the doctor is the appropriate way to go. Like Aladfar said, be prepared for some unpleasant tests. Hopefully you'll have an answer/piece of mind soon.
posted by 6:1 at 2:43 AM on December 30, 2005

I'm going to second 6:1's remark about doubting it's fecal, because feces is resoundingly colored and odorous.

In my experience, (my grandmother has had her large intestine removed, my father must get scoped at least yearly, and I've got chronic bowel troubles) it may be as simple as something new you've begun to eat that has been filtered in a way you hadn't expected. Consider a blood test for allergies?
posted by vanoakenfold at 4:35 AM on December 30, 2005

Have you had any problems with constipation? I have no personal experience, but I remember reading that soiling can actually be a symptom of constipation: small amounts of liquid leak around a very solid bowel movement stuck in the rectum.
posted by needs more cowbell at 7:27 AM on December 30, 2005

This is most likely something you've considered, but have you eaten anything with a low-calorie fat substitute in it?

Olestra is the notorious ingredient that gave us "fat free" fried foods (most commonly snack chips), but it has the famous side-effect of possible "anal leakage."
posted by o2b at 9:06 AM on December 30, 2005

It may be discharge from a pilonidal cyst. If so, said discharge would not be coming from your rectum, but most likely from around your tailbone (the very top of your butt, where it meets your back). It would most likely be colorless and odorless discharge, as you describe.

If you do have it, do not become too upset. It is an extremely common condition (and was used famously by Rush Limbaugh to avoid Vietnam). I had to deal with one, and if it turns out to be that, feel free to throw me a line (e-mail address in profile).
posted by WCityMike at 9:39 AM on December 30, 2005

It does sound like mucous. Mucous would most likely be present because the lining of the bowels became irritated. It'd probably be worth a trip to the dr to find out if they can determine why the bowel is acting up (assuming its mucous).
posted by forforf at 6:38 PM on December 30, 2005