DEAR READER:
Fecal incontinence can result from a variety of causes. The more common reasons are damage to the anal sphincter, nerve damage, pelvic floor dysfunction, diarrhea and constipation. It can be caused by childbirth, stroke, injury, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, radiation, inflammatory bowel disease, and other conditions.

Food affects the consistency of stool and controls how quickly it passes through the digestive system. Therefore, if your evacuations are watery, you might try eating foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and grains. Stool that is well formed may be high in fiber, contributing to your incontinence. Diarrhea is often caused by alcohol consumption, dairy products, fruits, fatty foods, and sweeteners.

Begin by making a list of the foods you eat and when the incontinence occurs. This may take several weeks to accomplish. A review of your records will tell you what to avoid and what you can eat without side effects. Do not eat and drink at the same time. Space the two functions by a half-hour or so. By diligently avoiding trouble foods and sticking with those you can consume without consequence, you may be able to conquer the problem.

I am a 74-year-old female in good health. Over the last few months my bowel movements have become consistently hard, small lumps. I mentioned this to my doctor during a routine check up and told him that I had been using stool softeners and Metamucil with little effect. I was told to take large doses of Metamucil (which I had been doing since the onset). I also tried your colon cocktail. I have not seen any improvement and know I shouldn’t have to strain as I do. Should I be concerned? This has never happened to me before and came on quite suddenly. I don’t drink a lot of water but no less than I have always done.

DEAR READER:
I urge you to see a gastroenterologist. Sudden changes to bowel movements (such as consistency, frequency, or color) that are not related to changes in diet or lifestyle need to be addressed. The specialist will examine you and likely order blood work, occult blood fecal tests (to determine if there is blood in your stools) and a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to visualize the colon itself. It is important that this is done quickly to determine if the cause is something benign such as polyps or more sinister.

He or she will likely ask you if you have made any dietary modifications, started new medications or are currently taking anything that may now be causing side effects. If the cause is benign such as irritable bowel syndrome, or no cause is determined, your doctor may recommend increasing your fiber intake, occasional laxative use and increasing your fluid intake.

I also urge you not to strain because you may be causing damage to your colon. Straining can lead to hemorrhoids, anal fissures and other uncomfortable conditions.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Constipation and Diarrhea”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.