Dr. Alan Riley
 


Faecal Incontinence -
What Can You Do About It?

   
Consulting your Doctor

Your family doctor is there to help you. He/she knows about faecal incontinence and can advise you. Advances have been made in our understanding of the causes of faecal incontinence and treatments have been developed which can help a large number of sufferers regain bowel control. It is important not to let embarrassment or fear stop you seeking medical advice and benefiting from these advances. Apart from advising investigations and treatment if appropriate, the doctor or the practice nurse will be able to offer practical advice to make living with faecal incontinence more bearable.

Any person who experiences a change in their normal pattern of emptying their bowel which lasts longer than a week, or who notices bleeding or slime coming from the anus, should consult their doctor. These symptoms may signify diseases for which early diagnosis and treatment are required.

What you can do for yourself
or for someone you care for

As mentioned above, the first step is to discuss the problem with your doctor or the practice nurse.
 
If lack of mobility is at the root of the problem, then some rearrangement of the house may be considered although
this is not always possible. Local authority grants may be
available to help fund such alterations but the availability of
these will depend on personal circumstances and the local regulations. It is essential to ensure that there are no loose carpets or obstructions between the room which the person
usually occupies and the lavatory. Alternatively, a commode
may be helpful. Modern commodes are less obtrusive and more
sanitary than earlier models.
   
Pay particular attention to stool consistency. Faeces should be
the consistency of tooth paste. It is usually possible to achieve
this by adjusting the diet or the use of softening, bulking or constipating agents. Your doctor is the best person to advise
you.
   
If you become constipated and cannot solve the problem quickly, consult your doctor or practice nurse. Sometimes a course of enemas is required tore-establish your regular bowel activity.
   
Use appropriate incontinence-care products. You will have to consider disposable pads, garments and bed and chair
protectors.
   
Over the years a variety of different products has been
developed to make life more comfortable. People’s needs and
likes differ and it is important to select products that are best suited to your particular requirements. Advice can be obtained
by telephoning the help line – 01305 785108.
   
One of the most distressing problems of faecal incontinence is odour. This is embarrassing for the sufferer and unpleasant for those in attendance. It is often the embarrassment of the odour that leads the sufferer to a life of isolation. To keep odour to a minimum it is essential to pay utmost attention to personal
hygiene. Pads and garments should be changed frequently and the bottom washed. Highly perfumed soaps should be avoided
as they can cause irritation. Disposable wipes are available and are useful. Products, such as Nodor, are available to combat faecal odours.
Dr Alan Riley's
Guide to Faecal
Incontinence
In this section:
Other Articles by Dr Riley
Medical Consultant:
Exercises for Pelvic Floor Muscles
Dr Alan Riley's Guide to Incontinence
Constipation and Incontinence
 
Dr Riley - Contents...
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Any sudden change
in bowel habit should
prompt you to seek advice
from your doctor.
These guides are also available
as booklets FREE from Milton.
Call us FREE to order one
0800 0185108
You can E-mail us if you wish
to order FREE copies of these
booklets or if you need advice
It is important not
to let embarrassment
or fear stop you
seeking medical advice
from your doctor.
 
Dr Riley - Contents...
 
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