This month we are going to be talking about a topic NO BODY wants to talk about….. Fecal incontinence (FI), aka accidental bowel leakage or bowel incontinence. Anyone who has ever been sick with a 24-hour stomach bug knows how awful it is to have to run to the bathroom, praying you make it on time. So, imagine living with this fear, every day.

There are many causes for FI, but also MANY SelfCare Solutions as well. There is Always hope!

Who lives with FI? Most often adults who:

  • are older than age 65
  • are not physically active
  • have certain chronic diseases, medical conditions, or health problems
  • have had your gallbladder removed
  • are a current smoker
  • diarrhea
  • poor overall health

What causes FI? Health Issues Associated:

  • chronic diseases and disorders such as: Irritable bowel syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, diseases that affect the nerves of your anus, pelvic floor, or rectum, inflammatory bowel disease
  • damage to or weakness of the muscles of your anus, pelvic floor, or rectum (surgeries such as C-sections, episiotomies, hemorrhoidectomy, cancer treatments, spinal surgery)
  • damage to the nerves in your anus, pelvic floor, or rectum (surgeries such as C-sections, episiotomies, hemorrhoidectomy, cancer treatments, spinal surgery)
  • urinary incontinence
  • proctitis

 

Follow along this month while we talk about various SelfCare Solutions to reduce FI symptoms!

Information retrieved from: resource: Fecal Incontinence:niddk.nih.gov.