I feel so terrible for my mother, who fancies herself glamorous and fashionable. A few years ago she dealt with a few episodes of FI and was told by her primary care doc that it was a weak sphincter probably caused by age and radiation to her pelvis for cancer when she was 60. This past year, it has gotten worse. She is humiliated and rarely leaves the house. She has made appts with a GI doc, but cancels because she's embarrassed (which I told her is ridiculous since GI docs have seen it all). She's not demented, but is definitely depressed after a year that included a mastectomy and now this. I'm hoping she will get to the dr (yes, I offered to go with her, but she doesn't accept help readily). I'm wondering if anyone has had a parent receive successful treatment for this problem, aside from wearing diapers. I know there are injectable substances and surgeries. Any hope would be much appreciated!
This may be off point, but I have always wondered if a certain component of this problem is anxiety based. Most of the women that my mom knows with it, including her are high anxiety, worriers and nervous types. Her problem gets worse during times of thunder storms (she has phobia) illnesses in family members or some crisis. I have begged her to go on an anti anxiety med to see if it helps. So far, no luck. Has anyone else noticed this?
Diarrhea is not normal. I would take her to see a registered dietician. Perhaps there's something in her diet that she can no longer tolerate. Dairy is often the biggest culprit. Intolerance to diary can happen suddenly and at any age.
See All Answers