Losing control of your bowels can be distressing. It is a common problem but patients don’t always seek treatment due to embarrassment. It can negatively impact your day-to-day life. Finding treatment can help you do the things you love again. At ACE Clinic, we can help explore your best options with an understanding and professional approach.
What is Fecal Incontinence?
When you hold a stool or pass a bowel movement, it requires the synchronization of many different muscle groups and nerves. Fecal incontinence can happen when this process doesn’t work as it needs to. This can result in a loss of control of your bowels. Fecal incontinence can range from occasional leakage to complete loss of control.
What are the Symptoms of Fecal Incontinence?
It’s common to sometimes lose control of your bowels if you have severe diarrhea. However, people with fecal incontinence can have more frequent accidents along with symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, or cramping. Episodes of fecal incontinence can range from stool leakage (either undetected or during certain activities), an inability to hold gas, or even being unable to reach the bathroom in time. In severe cases, you may completely lose control of your bowels.
What Causes Fecal Incontinence?
There are many different causes of fecal incontinence, but they generally come down to an inability to control the pelvic floor muscles. For example, the sphincter muscles may weaken as you get older or as a result of childbirth. Conditions like Crohn’s disease or anatomical problems with the rectum or anus can also cause incontinence.
What Are My Treatment Options for Fecal Incontinence?
Fecal incontinence is very treatable with the help of your colorectal expert.
Initial treatments are conservative and include medications and avoidance of certain foods (like caffeine, dairy, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, or greasy foods). Incorporating more fiber into your diet can help too.
Additionally, your doctor can recommend certain exercises that can help strengthen the anal muscles and train your body to recognize the urge to pass a bowel movement. If conservative management fails to improve the symptoms your colorectal surgeon can discuss further diagnostic modalities and surgical approaches to treatment of fecal incontinence.
Fecal Incontinence Outlook and Steps to Take
Although it can be embarrassing to seek treatment for fecal incontinence, our team at ACE Clinic is always here to help.
Schedule an Appointment
Fecal incontinence doesn’t have to negatively impact your daily life. To meet with our team and learn more about your options, we invite you to contact us by calling or filling out our online contact form.
Regain Bowel Control with Dr. Hakiman and Dr. Patel
How do u know if u have hemroids?
Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the lower rectum and anal canal. All humans are born with these blood vessels. They are part of the normal anatomy of the anal canal.nsome times the hemorrhoids become symptomatic. nThe most common symptoms of hemorrhoids are rectal bleeding, itching, and pain. You may be able to see or feel hemorrhoids around the outside of the anus, or they may be hidden from view, inside the rectum
What foods trigger hemorrhoids?
Generally foods that you eat does not contribute to hemorrhoidal symptoms, however if youre eating food that is low in fiber and leads to constipation, straining and pressure it can cause hemorrhoids to become symptomatic.
How do you hemorrhoids go away?
Mild hemorrhoidal symptoms can resolve with improving diet, avoiding constipation and straining and topical creams. more severe symptoms need assessment and treatment by your colorectal surgeon.
When should I worry about hemorrhoids?
If your symptoms dont go away with medical management or you have constant bleeding, the area needs to be examined by your doctor.
Can hemorrhoids be cured?
Hemorrhoids are common, occurring in both men and women. Although hemorrhoids do not usually cause serious health problems, they can be annoying and uncomfortable. Fortunately, treatments for hemorrhoids are available and can usually minimize the bothersome symptoms.
Are hemorrhoids hard?
Hemorrhoids are typically soft, however if you have a blood clot or a thrombosed external hemorrhoid it would feel like a hard lump near the anal opening.
Can a hemorrhoid fall off by itself?
No
Are hemorrhoids cancerous?
No, Hemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels in the anal canal.
What make hemorrhoids worse?
Straining constipation and hard bowel movements.
How do you get rid of hemorrhoids in 48 hours?
Thrombosed hemorrhoids can be treated effectively in the office.
What should you not do when you have hemorrhoids?
Avoid straining, heavy lifting, constipation or pushing.
Can a hemorrhoid pop?
No
What are the first signs of bowel incontinence?
Fecal incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of gas or liquid stool, called minor incontinence, or the involuntary loss of solid stool, called major incontinence.
What foods can cause bowel incontinence?
Type of food that she has nothing to do with fecal incontinence.
Does bowel incontinence go away?
Sometimes conservative management and help alleviate the symptoms
What kind of doctor do you see for bowel incontinence?
Colorectal surgeon
How can I firm up my bowel movements?
Increasing fiber in her diet can help bulk up your stool which makes it easier to control.
How common is bowel leakage?
Surveys indicate that it affects between 2 and 7 percent of the general population, although the true incidence may be much higher since many people are hesitant to discuss this problem with a health care provider
Are there adult diapers for fecal incontinence?
Yes
How do I tighten my sphincter muscle?
Pelvic floor physical therapy and exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor and anal sphincter muscle, it might not be enough to alleviate fecal incontinence completely.
What are the symptoms of diverticular disease?
The symptoms of diverticular disease can include constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating
What is the main cause of diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis usually occurs when the diverticula tears, becomes inflamed, and in some cases, becomes infected. The diverticula are small, bulging pouches that form in the lining of the digestive system. When those pouches tear or become infected, it can lead to diverticulitis.
What foods trigger diverticulitis?
There are actually no foods that trigger diverticulitis. In the past, it was thought that nuts, seeds, and popcorn could trigger diverticulitis by lodging themselves into the diverticula but there is no evidence for that.
Can diverticulosis go away?
Diverticulosis is usually not symptomatic. However, if you develop diverticulitis, it can cause pain, fever or other complications. Uncomplicated diverticulitis usually resolves with a course of antibiotics and bowel rest. Repeated attacks of uncomplicated diverticulitis may require surgery. Complicated diverticulitis usually requires surgery to address abscess formation or fistula.
What is the best treatment for diverticulitis?
For uncomplicated diverticulitis, treatment can consist of antibiotics and a liquid diet for a few days. For complicated diverticulitis, intravenous antibiotics are usually necessary. If abscess or fistula is present then it will likely require surgery.
Can you prevent diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis can be prevented by eating plenty of fiber, drinking water, and exercising regularly.
What are the risk factors for diverticulitis?
Some of the risk factors for diverticulitis include age, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, a low fiber diet, and certain medications.
Does alcohol affect diverticulitis?
Drinking alcohol has been shown to increase the risk of diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding.
How do you treat an anal fissure?
Anal fissures can be treated at home by increasing how much fluid and fiber you’re ingesting. You can also soak in warm water for 10-20 minutes every day to help relax the sphincter and promote healing. If that doesn’t work, Rectiv, topical anesthetic creams, Botox injections, and blood pressure medicine can also help with symptoms and the healing process.
What is the main cause of fissure?
Some of the most common causes of anal fissures include passing large or hard stools, constipation, chronic diarrhea, anal intercourse, and childbirth.
Is fissure a serious problem?
While anal fissures don’t typically lead to serious issues, they can cause quite a bit of pain and discomfort for those who have them. Because of this, it’s better to get them treated and heal as soon as possible.
What is the difference between a hemorrhoid and fissure?
A hemorrhoid is when a vein in the anus becomes swollen while a fissure is a tear or crack in the anus. Both conditions can cause pain and bleeding, but they are two very different issues.
Can anal fissures heal on their own?
Anal fissures can heal on their own with proper self-care, but a doctor should still be consulted to ensure there are no complications and that you are taking proper care of the area. Additionally, a doctor can ensure no other conditions are causing the constipation or diarrhea that are leading to anal fissures.
How long does fissures take to heal?
Most anal fissures take between 2-4 weeks to fully heal, but, in some cases, they can take as long as six weeks. If you’re still dealing with an anal fissure after six weeks, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Are you awake during a colonoscopy?
Usually a colonoscopy is performed under anesthesia to keep you comfortable. You will likely not feel or remember the procedure when you wake up.
How long does a colonoscopy take?
A colonoscopy usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes. Once your procedure is complete you will be taken to the recovery area.
Can I go to work the day after a colonoscopy?
Yes
What happens during a colonoscopy?
You are initially admitted in the pre op area. You will then be moved to the procedure room for the colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is done with a thin, flexible tube that has a tiny camera on the end. The tube is gently inserted into the large intestine through the rectum and guided into the intestine to see its entire length. Your surgeon can observe the lining of your colon, looking for polyps or lesions, on a viewing screen in the room. Your physician generally makes observations all the way to the end of the large intestine and back through, checking for anything unusual. The entire procedure, in most cases, takes between 15 and 30 minutes.
Whats the average cost of a colonoscopy?
The cost of a colonoscopy can vary depending on your insurance. Most colonoscopy procedures are covered by insurance, however, you may qualify for a reduced price screening.
Is a colonoscopy painful?
Most patients do not experience pain. Some patients may feel some discomfort such as cramping.
Can you walk home after a colonoscopy?
No. You will need to arrange for a ride back home. It is not safe to drive or walk home after a colonoscopy.
Is a colonoscopy a serious procedure?
In general, colonoscopy is a safe procedure. As with any medical procedure, however, there are some risks associated with the procedure and with the sedation used. You should contact your doctor if you feel severe abdominal pain, dizziness, fever, chills or rectal bleeding after the colonoscopy. Perforation and bleeding are two of the major complications associated with colonoscopy. There also is a risk of having a reaction to a sedative given during the exam. In most cases, medications are available to counteract this reaction. Although complications after colonoscopy are rare, they can be serious and life threatening. It is important for you to be aware of early signs that something might be wrong.
At what age should I get a colonoscopy?
According to guidelines anyone over the age of 45 should undergo screening for colon cancer. This may vary if you have family history of colorectal cancer. The age may also vary depending on other factors such as inflammatory bowel disease or genetic disorders.
Drs. Hekmat Hakiman and Arpit Patel are leading colorectal surgeons in the greater Phoenix area. As part of our experienced team at ACE Clinic, they can provide exceptional care with a compassionate and friendly approach to colorectal health. Drs. Hakiman and Patel are dual board-certified in general surgery and colorectal surgery, and both completed their fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, TX before founding their physician-owned practice in Chandler, AZ. We hope you’ll feel exceptionally welcome during your time at Arizona Colorectal Experts and look forward to helping meet your health care needs.
