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I Sometimes Find Myself In An Embarrassing Situation Where I
Question: I sometimes find myself in an embarrassing situation where I my get a sudden urge to have a bowel movement unexpectedly. It seems as though I can have a difficult time controlling the urge until I am able to locate a restroom. This can be very unpredictable and come one quite suddenly. I am otherwise a very healthy 69 year old male with very few medical issues. Is this just a case of poor muscle tone. What if anything would help me to gain better control and confidence with an active lifestyle?
Brief Answer:
First, let's be sure that poor muscle tone is the cause.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for asking,
I've gone through your details, Sir,
The very likely explanation could be as you know yourself is fecal incontinence which in your case could be a result of the aging process.
As age increase, muscular tone and nerve control decrease causing bowel incontinence.
But as this is not always there in your case(only sometimes) to reach a proper diagnosis two tests should be done-
1) A colonoscopy to look for the tone of intestinal muscles via high definition camera.
2) MRI abdomen to look for the condition of nerves.
Very likely one of them would be mildly affected as a result of the normal aging process.
Are you diabetic?
Again, many thanks for submitting your inquiry and please let me know how things turn out.
First, let's be sure that poor muscle tone is the cause.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for asking,
I've gone through your details, Sir,
The very likely explanation could be as you know yourself is fecal incontinence which in your case could be a result of the aging process.
As age increase, muscular tone and nerve control decrease causing bowel incontinence.
But as this is not always there in your case(only sometimes) to reach a proper diagnosis two tests should be done-
1) A colonoscopy to look for the tone of intestinal muscles via high definition camera.
2) MRI abdomen to look for the condition of nerves.
Very likely one of them would be mildly affected as a result of the normal aging process.
Are you diabetic?
Again, many thanks for submitting your inquiry and please let me know how things turn out.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
No. I am not diabetic and aging may be a factor but not primary. My last colonoscopy showed no sign of a medical complication or disease process. This condition or tendency is not new as might be expected with the aging process. I have had similar episodes at times over the years as far back as my twenties. It does not limit my activities much, but can be very troublesome at certain times. I suppose it is a genetic predisposition of sorts. Are you aware of any medication that could be beneficial to take perhaps for prophylaxis when I am out and about where facilities are limited or unavailable?
Brief Answer:
Functional disorder very likely(No pathology but the symptom is there)
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
See the physiology behind defecation is spasmodic contraction and relaxation of rectum causing stored stool to enter anus hence any medication that would control these contractions and relaxations would help you to get a proper time to find a washroom and defecate.
Unfortunately, none of them are available over the counter.
You need a prescription to buy Dicyclomine 10mg.
Keep it with you because as you said earlier it occurs without warning.
Dicyclomine could be helpful.
As colonoscopy done earlier was normal chances of it being related to muscle or nerve damage is less.
So considering this as a functional symptom (no pathology) Dicyclomine or any other anticholinergics drug could be tried.
For prophylaxis take it at least half an hour before going out. You could get a prescription from your family doctor.
Hope I answered your query well,
Thank you!
Functional disorder very likely(No pathology but the symptom is there)
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
See the physiology behind defecation is spasmodic contraction and relaxation of rectum causing stored stool to enter anus hence any medication that would control these contractions and relaxations would help you to get a proper time to find a washroom and defecate.
Unfortunately, none of them are available over the counter.
You need a prescription to buy Dicyclomine 10mg.
Keep it with you because as you said earlier it occurs without warning.
Dicyclomine could be helpful.
As colonoscopy done earlier was normal chances of it being related to muscle or nerve damage is less.
So considering this as a functional symptom (no pathology) Dicyclomine or any other anticholinergics drug could be tried.
For prophylaxis take it at least half an hour before going out. You could get a prescription from your family doctor.
Hope I answered your query well,
Thank you!
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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