T2 diabetes and faecal incontinence

[carophie04]

For the past three months I have been having very disturbing faecal incontinence and have read that this is sometimes due to inability of muscles in the area to "hold on" to bowel contents in diabetics. It is making me really depressed and miserable as nothing I do seems to help and I am being reduced to staying indoors near a toilet most of the day now. Anyone else had a problem like this and been able to solve it perhaps they could tell me what else to try.

 

[Squire Fulwood]

Are you taking Metformin. Lots of people have some kind of trouble with the non SR version.

 

[catherinecherub]

It could be a reaction to the Metformin @carophie04.
Have you had any investigations for bowel conditions?
Crohn's. Ulcerative Colitis, IBS?

 

[dutchess]

go to the doctor and get it sorted out don't be embarrassed

 

[mrsafeway]

The first port of call is you Doctor to make sure it is nothing more serious.

I had similar problems,and the Doctor kept treating me for IBS. I had an independant blood glucose test done which gave a result of 8.2. When I went to the surgery for a routine health check I discussed my independant blood glucose results with the nurse and she arranged for a HBA1C (49) test to be done. I then discussed the results with the Doctor who arranged for an oral glucose test to be done. During the 2 Hours wait I had an urgent need to g to the toilet. The resultant Oral glucose test revealed I have type 2 diabetes. I have since reduced my weight from 16 st 10 lbs to 13 st 7 lbs, this took 12 months since then the problem only reoccurs if I over do the carbs. I also take 2 Kirkland Anti Diarrheal tablets, as recommended by my Doctor for IBS and occasionally an Ibuprofen 200mg tablet on a daily basis. I have also attended a 6 week Xpert diabetes course which helps diabetics to live with diabetes. If this is available in your area I would recommend it.

I have found the key is to control your carb in take.

 

[donnellysdogs]

Please go to GP and ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist.

I've had bowel problems (opposite to you) and some tests are not nice but are necessary....

I paid to see my gastro chap privately as my probs kept landing me in A&Eand I couldn't wait 18 weeks on the waiting list. It cost £160. The consultant was fantastic and I spokenwith him and was examined up the bum for an hour before he then put me back on the NHS list to have the full tests done. I had them done within 6 weeks.
This gastro chap did tell me he was seeing a lot more diabetics in his clinics..but he didn't blame diabetes for bowel problems of diabetics but the foods that people eat nowadays.....

Some diarrheoa tablets should NOT be taken long term and the same applies to laxatives.

If your stomach or bowel is causing you to stay in and you seem to have lost sensation possibly in your anal passage then this needs attention...

I was also advised recently that ibupofren should not be taken daily without a tablet to protect your stomach such as omeprazole.... They are anti inflammatories and aren't really likely to help a loose bowel to tighten up if there are problems inside. Ibupfren should also be tsken with food so please be careful when using them.

 

[BooJewels]

The OP's profile does say that she's on Metformin and I certainly became housebound with rapid and unpredictable diarrhoea with it (and that was the SR version).

I was working in the garden with my husband one lovely Sunday and said "oops, I need the loo" - and when I didn't make it up the stairs, I never took another tablet from that moment on. I was back to normal within a handful of days.

So hopefully, that's all that's causing it - and it can be easily fixed - fingers crossed!

 

[ladybird64]

I really would echo the advice about seeing a doctor. I don't know of the anal muscles being affected by diabetes, can't see any reason why they should be, so you do need to get this checked out sooner rather than later. I'm sure you know that any significant change in bowel habit should always be checked out, just to be on the safe side.

Hope it goes well.

 

[Jacquotte]

For the past three months I have been having very disturbing faecal incontinence and have read that this is sometimes due to inability of muscles in the area to "hold on" to bowel contents in diabetics. It is making me really depressed and miserable as nothing I do seems to help and I am being reduced to staying indoors near a toilet most of the day now. Anyone else had a problem like this and been able to solve it perhaps they could tell me what else to try.

You poor thing - and my goodness do I sympathise as I, too, have this problem. With me though, I put it down to my wheat intolerance after much experimentation with my diet. Also, as someone else mentioned, too much lactose. I was also diagnosed with diabetes recently but had this problem prior to my diagnosis. I can fully empathise with your depression as everything has to be put on hold - I also daren't leave the house when I'm having this problem which lasts a good 2 or 3 days if I've accidentally eaten wheat. When you feel able, it is well worth going to your doctor and getting some advice, perhaps having an allergy test. In the meantime, perhaps you could try omitting wheat from your diet and see if that helps.

 

[donnellysdogs]

You poor thing - and my goodness do I sympathise as I, too, have this problem. With me though, I put it down to my wheat intolerance after much experimentation with my diet. Also, as someone else mentioned, too much lactose. I was also diagnosed with diabetes recently but had this problem prior to my diagnosis. I can fully empathise with your depression as everything has to be put on hold - I also daren't leave the house when I'm having this problem which lasts a good 2 or 3 days if I've accidentally eaten wheat. When you feel able, it is well worth going to your doctor and getting some advice, perhaps having an allergy test. In the meantime, perhaps you could try omitting wheat from your diet and see if that helps.

I would suggest looking at low fodmap foods... Onion in particular can cause probs. I also have lactose and gluten intolerances and there is a huge amount of info on low fodmap foods. Another forum member here told me to look at low fodmap and its the best thing thats happened to me with my stomach....

I think poster needs GP and or gastro consultant if meds aren't the cause.

 

[Vic16]

The OP's profile does say that she's on Metformin and I certainly became housebound with rapid and unpredictable diarrhoea with it (and that was the SR version).

I was working in the garden with my husband one lovely Sunday and said "oops, I need the loo" - and when I didn't make it up the stairs, I never took another tablet from that moment on. I was back to normal within a handful of days.

So hopefully, that's all that's causing it - and it can be easily fixed - fingers crossed!

It is the same sort of thing in people with type 2 diabetes who have osteoarthritis. Serious engagement in exercise is not always possible. So blood glucose control is not always as one would like it to be. Swimming or Aqua Aerobics helps but when the weather is not very inviting to venture out then it is a bit difficult. Indoor exercises help to a limited extent and owning an exercise machine may not be possible because you need somewhere to fit it in the house or flat.

 

[dukidoll]

Hi Carophie04, Ihave been Type 2 for 7 years ,taking Metformin SR and sitagliptin plus simvastatin for cholesterol. In October my GP changed my statin to Atorvastatin and Ithen started having bowel changed ,and faecal incontinence/left side ache. I also started LCHF diet in August,losing 10 kilos in 4 months to my delight,so wondered if it was the statin.I went for a colonoscopy yesterday and everything was normal,so my advise to you is ,if only for peace of mind,go and see your GP. My next step is to go back to GPand change my statin back. Good luck

 

[Jean from Stoke on Trent]

For the past three months I have been having very disturbing faecal incontinence and have read that this is sometimes due to inability of muscles in the area to "hold on" to bowel contents in diabetics. It is making me really depressed and miserable as nothing I do seems to help and I am being reduced to staying indoors near a toilet most of the day now. Anyone else had a problem like this and been able to solve it perhaps they could tell me what else to try.

Hi, I have similar problems to you also related to metformin and lack of a gall bladder. I take the slow release metformin and have visited a hospital consultant in the gastroenterology dept who prescribed cholesestrymine which helped but I have seepage from the back passage and an urgency to use the toilet so was sent for further investigation. I have now been told I have a weak pelvic floor and will under go treatment to help me improve the muscles. Perhaps you could ask your dr to be referred for investigation be persistent and positive. Good luck

 

[coxymk2]

I was on metformin for three months my GP said I may have some problems with my bowels while my body got used to it. Having constant stomach ache and never sure when I needed to go got very problematic so was glad to get off it. I lost 2 1/2 stone while on it and my doctor said I should have gone back to see him earlier. I am 6ft 1 in and had dropped down to 10 stone.

 

[basketcase1002]

For the past three months I have been having very disturbing faecal incontinence and have read that this is sometimes due to inability of muscles in the area to "hold on" to bowel contents in diabetics. It is making me really depressed and miserable as nothing I do seems to help and I am being reduced to staying indoors near a toilet most of the day now. Anyone else had a problem like this and been able to solve it perhaps they could tell me what else to try.

I am on the metformin sr tablets but also have had a haemorrhoid operation making my muscles weak. I was housebound as I couldn't risk going anywhere. I went to my doctor who gave me a powder to totally clear me out then gave me orange fybogel which I thought wouldn't be any good but it worked as it bulks up the stool so you can hold onto it. I very occasionally do get the runs now but I watch what food caused it and then don't eat that food if I know I'm going out!

 

[Christine99]

For the past three months I have been having very disturbing faecal incontinence and have read that this is sometimes due to inability of muscles in the area to "hold on" to bowel contents in diabetics. It is making me really depressed and miserable as nothing I do seems to help and I am being reduced to staying indoors near a toilet most of the day now. Anyone else had a problem like this and been able to solve it perhaps they could tell me what else to try.

Hi, I too have suffered from this. Absolutely horrific. I have stopped taking Metformin and have had no problems since. I told my GP and he said ok.

 

[Christine99]

Hi, I too have suffered from this. Absolutely horrific. I have stopped taking Metformin and have had no problems since. I told my GP and he said ok.

I am also on insulin now...has anyone else put on loads of weight since starting insulin, as I have and now have sciatica!

 

[Tillysmam]

I used to have many episodes of diarrhoea before changing Metformin to SR version. I also found that any increases in Glickazide

 

[Tillysmam]

Oops, pressed the wrong bit!
Changes in Gliclazide made diarrhoea worse. I became faecally incontinent and was referred to consultant. We decided it was my fatty diet - I was avoiding carbs and having lots of meat. Things improved but only change of Metformin really helped. Started Lyxumia which has caused a few episodes.
I had often been questioned about anti-diarrheal repeat prescription, but only when I saw dietician and cried was change suggested.
I don't know but assume any part of the body can be affected by neuropathy (nerve damage I mean) but it seems unlikely to start in anus. Could be the fabled menopause effect but I've never read any reports of other than urinary incontinence. Anyway, see your GP and good luck!

 

[Christine99]

I used to have many episodes of diarrhoea before changing Metformin to SR version. I also found that any increases in Glickazide

I was on SR Metformin for a long time, it did not agree with me. I take Glicazide one twice a day, inject exenatide twice a day (sorry for spelling of medication) and insulin twice a day. I feel I am self medicating and need help so after a long wait have an appointment with a diabetic specialist clinic this Monday after I phoned for help. I was started off with 6 units of insulin, I am now on 30 units in the morning and 12 before bedtime. My readings vary and I have also cut down on carbs