Bowel incontinence can come to rule a person’s life, influencing what they do and when, or if they go out at all. It can turn formerly social individuals into hermits. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Being Prepared for Incontinence
Peace of mind can come from having supplies on hand when you need them in case of an accident. Keeping an extra set of clothes on hand, along with wipes and protective undergarments, can allay fear. Wearing dark clothing on days you’re going out and locating restrooms ahead of time are confidence-building strategies, and it’s a good idea to embrace flexibility, since you may need to change plans without notice.

Bowel Management
Managing bowel incontinence can minimize episodes and give the affected person a sense of control. Plans are individualized, making use of lifestyle changes, medication and/or bowel retraining programs. Management and treatment can encompass any of the following, alone or in combination:

•    Dietary changes
•    Medication
•    Bowel retraining
•    Biofeedback
•    Muscle damage repair
•    Diversion/colostomy surgery

Diet Control
Oddly enough, diarrhea and constipation can both play a part in incontinence. Making good food choices can help an individual control how the bowel reacts. Snacks and meals that are too big or high in fat can cause diarrhea. Avoid fried foods, coffee, caffeine, alcohol, and foods or drinks that use sweeteners fructose or sorbitol. All of them can lead to cramps or loose stools.

If chronic constipation is a problem, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids and eat foods that are rich in fiber without leading to constipation, which is generally raw fruit and vegetables that aren’t overcooked.

Medication
Often, over-the-counter medicines can make a big difference in diarrhea and constipation, while regulating bowel movements. Commonly used drugs include loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) for diarrhea, or a mild laxative such as milk of magnesia to cure constipation. Fiber supplements and stool softeners can also be helpful.

Bowel Management or Retraining
Oftentimes, it’s helpful to develop a schedule for elimination that reduces or ends unwanted surprises. Changes in diet and drug therapy may be included as part of the management program, which will encourage a more dependable response when toilet facilities are available. Enemas and suppositories are helpful to achieve elimination on a regular basis.

Biofeedback Therapy for Incontinence Treatment
Sometimes, the body can utilize biofeedback to regain bowel control. Muscles and nerves are retrained using special sensors to cue the body in to changes that have been taking place unnoticed. Working with a therapist trained in the technique can turn abnormal patterns back to more normal ones.

Surgical Repair for Incontinence
People with intact nerves and damaged rectal muscles who have not responded to less invasive treatments may be candidates for anal sphincter surgery. Different and evolving techniques should be considered, depending on the level of damage. Be aware that current research shows that improvements tend to deteriorate over time.

Advanced incontinence treatments are constantly in development. Ask your doctor about nerve stimulation in the lower pelvic area, implants, and bulking material injections.

Diversion Surgery
Individuals with severe bowel incontinence who have had no luck with management or other treatment options may elect to have a colostomy. An opening to the colon is created in the abdominal area, where a disposable pouch collects stool. In difficult cases, a colostomy restores an individual’s control over bowel movements.

Bowel incontinence can have severe consequences on day-to-day living. The condition affects individuals of all ages and from all socio-economic levels. While millions suffer in silence, incontinence treatments available now could make a tremendous difference in their quality of life.