www.incontinentsupport.org

HI all,

Around 18 months or so ago I was diagnosed as having an Overactive Bladder. After many tests and discussions with the consultants etc, I ended up deciding the best way to deal with this is to use adult nappies (Botox and SNS wasn't an appealing option to me). I'm pretty much dealing with it ok now and have kind of resigned myself to leading an incontinent life.

However, over the last week or so, I've had 2 instances of bowel incontinence, which I've never had before. Both times I was in the middle of something and then I suddenly got a cramping and then a bowel release. I was just wondering if this progression from bladder to now bladder and bowel is 'normal' or 'to be expected' or if I should be worried and go to the GP? Other times in the last week I've been able to open my bowels on the toilet as per normal.

Thanks
Drew

This is what happened to me, but for two different and unrelated reasons. So, yes indeed, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician to have this explored. It could be minor, or it could be something quite serious, and anything in between. Good luck and report back when you can.

No, this isn't normal; it's either an infection or a sign of an underlying problem that may or may not be related to the OAB. If it persists see your GP and ask for a referral.

I have been bladder incontinent for almost 10 years now and I have noticed some general weakening of the bowels over the past few years. In my case, it's only really been an issue if the stool is mostly loose and that is when I struggle . Mine is believed to be from a general over all weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. I have done some physical therapy for my PFM and that has helped with my retention issues and bladder pain.

Bowel and Bladder incontinence often have related causes i.e nerve damage etc but they are not always connected. having bladder incontinence does not mean you will have bowel incontinence, however like others have said having weak pelvic floor muscle may have some correlated relationship, You should speak with the doctor I would not consider them linked right away however they may have a linked medical cause. remember both are symptoms of medical issues whether known or unknown.

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Its been 5 years for me since my first urologist diagnosis of and OAB and 2 from my second urologist appointment when he said my OAB may have caused my bladder to stretch and become over sized. I mentioned my occasional unexpected bowel issue to both him and my family dr and neither seemed surprised that it was happening. No further testing was recommended other then the cancer stool smear test that cam back ok. My guess was its a normal progression some some times when you deal with a bladder issue.

Next time I see my Doctor I will being it up again as my bowel issues seem to be getting more frequent.

I can deal with a bladder issue but not sure if I can handle being dual IC, you should see your Doctor and let him know of your new bowel issues that are starting to happen

Thanks all, I'll have a chat with the doc.

I wouldn't consider myself bowel incontinent; I try very hard to maintain control. But that said I do have bowel accidents a few times a month. If I'm sick with like a cold or fever it is a daily event until I get better. Like Robert, when I mentioned it to my Urologist he wasn't surprised, even commenting he doesn't know of many long term briefs users who don't also mess at least occasionally. They suspect it is because the control centers are close in the brain, so giving up control of urinany control also makes it harder to control the bowels when urgency hits.
This was only after like 7 years in diapers for total urinary incontinence so I would definitely be more aggressive if I were you looking for a cause since it has only been 18 months for you.

something i would ask them is could the bladder be pressing on the bowels to cause this i have heard other people say this happens