Bowel Control

What are some tips on bowel control?

I have had the embarrassing symptom of losing control of my bowels. I
sometimes have diahrea and sometimes constipation... so when I went to my all
knowing (note sarcasm) Neuro for my yearly appt. He said that it felt it was
more Irratiable Bowel Syndrome not bowel incontinnence? Huh? I thought IBS was
painful. That is not what is going on. He said for me to work with my Psych
on controlling the IBS - whatever?

I have IBS and it is most definitely painful (like I'm doubled in half
sometimes with the pain). I'm not sure what he means by "working with your
Psych" to control it - I would get at least a second, if not third, opinion

Probably her neuro doc felt she was going in her pant's or whatever..on
purpose?!!! So see a psych.. You need to see a gastroentologist (sp?) I
think to be positively diagnosed either way (IBS or MS bowel problem) I
think. Maybe see your primary care physician? Gosh it sucks having to
know all these 'doctor' titles! I miss the 70's where you just 'went to the
doctor'!!!

I was told by my neuro that bowel and bladder control come from messages
sent from the area of the brain around the brain stem. thus if this area is
effected by lessions, then the correct messages don't get through. then the
problem of controling bowel and bladder are diminished. I have this
problem, I do not feel the need to urinate and yet I know my bladder is
full, hence I then self catheter at these times. also with the bowels, I
either cannot go or have the other problem. I can be out walking and
suddenly I have to go, their is no control, it's a case of when you got to
go, you got to go.

i have bowel incontinence and I manage it 2 ways. 1 cur out caffeine so you
don't have emergences which can be very embarrassing! and 2. take some fiber
laxative to bulk up your stool.
Erica MM

Another thought is timing. Apparently in elderly homes here where the
patient is unable to get out of bed, it isnt unusual to see the patient
given a strong coffee or tea because it makes bowel movements easier and
come sooner. So, if you are going out in four hours, it may pay to haev the
strong coffee or tea now and clear the way, so to speak. Depends on control
ability each individual has of course.