Faecal incontinence, pad advice

Oldnproud

Thanks Mt61. I will contact her surgery. I am wondering why they haven't suggested this already - but maybe they have, and relative has turned it down for some reason. I'll see what they say.

Your local council can provide a dedicated refuse bin for used incontinence products.

I would ask the nurse to do a rectal examination to try and ascertain if she is impacted with overflow. Does your relative have a good appetite and eat a diet with plenty of fibre? Does she drink sufficient water?

charley68

Your relative needs to see her GP again. Faecal incontinence needs to be investigated properly.
There may be faecal overflow - due to a blockage further up the bowel, possibly due to chronic constipation as a differential diagnosis. They need to be examined.
Please encourage this course of action, before taking any over the counter medication.

I looked after my elderly neighbour during lockdown, he had this problem, and became terribly embarrassed by it all. I took him to the GP; he was constipated and had overflow; once the constipation was cleared, his regular normal bowel habit returned, and the leakage was resolved.

That is interesting, and might explain something else she said to me. Thank you.

Your relative needs to see her GP again. Faecal incontinence needs to be investigated properly.
There may be faecal overflow - due to a blockage further up the bowel, possibly due to chronic constipation as a differential diagnosis. They need to be examined.
Please encourage this course of action, before taking any over the counter medication.

I looked after my elderly neighbour during lockdown, he had this problem, and became terribly embarrassed by it all. I took him to the GP; he was constipated and had overflow; once the constipation was cleared, his regular normal bowel habit returned, and the leakage was resolved.

These suggestions and links are very helpful. Thank you so much, all of you.

ChatGPT said:

In the UK, anal plugs are a medically recognized option for managing faecal incontinence. These devices are typically available through prescription and are intended for short-term use to prevent accidental leakage. Here are some options:

🔹 1. Peristeen® Anal Plug

Manufacturer: Coloplast

Material: Medical-grade foam with a dissolvable film

Duration: Can be worn for up to 12 hours

Usage: Suitable for specific activities like exercise or travel

Availability: Prescription-only in the UK

Note: Includes a string for easy removal

🔹 2. Navina Insert

Manufacturer: Wellspect Healthcare

Material: Soft silicone with a liquid-filled core

Duration: Designed for continuous wear up to 24 hours

Usage: Offers a dual seal for secure positioning

Availability: Prescription-only in the UK

Note: Comes with an applicator and protective sleeve for hygiene
wellspect.co.uk

🔹 3. Renew Insert

Manufacturer: Renew Medical

Material: Supple silicone

Duration: Can be worn day and night until the next bowel movement

Usage: Provides discreet internal protection

Availability: Prescription-only in the UK

Note: Includes a disposable finger-tip inserter for ease of use
Clinisupplies

🩺 How to Obtain and Use Anal Plugs

Prescription Requirement: All the above devices require a prescription from a healthcare professional.

Consultation: It's advisable to consult with a continence nurse or specialist to determine the most suitable device and size for your needs.

Usage Guidance: Proper insertion and removal techniques should be demonstrated to ensure comfort and effectiveness.

For more detailed information or to initiate a prescription, you can contact your GP or a local continence advisor. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific condition and needs.

www.incontinencechoice.co.uk/molicare-premium-form-stool-1295ml-32-pack.html

This company is good for delivery and if you need to buy anything on subscription you will get a small discount.

I picked this out as it specified "stool".
I don't know how much leakage she is dealing with and I have no knowledge of this product.

The company is very helpful though.
Maybe give them a ring?
Good luck.

Taffy1234

Trouble with the pads is the smell.
Immodium and fybogel best medications to try. Recommended by my doctor for similar problems.
Double up on underwear and nighties as it is so depressing to be wearing anything stained. Throw away any clothes which are still stained after first wash. This problem very depressing. Invest in room perfumes,scented candles
, incense sticks any thing to make her feel more fragrant.
You can find ways to cope with the smells. Jo Malone down to cheap incense.
These are my basic coping strategies. There will be more I’m sure.

You have given me more to think about there, and some very useful suggestions. Thank you.

Trouble with the pads is the smell.
Immodium and fybogel best medications to try. Recommended by my doctor for similar problems.
Double up on underwear and nighties as it is so depressing to be wearing anything stained. Throw away any clothes which are still stained after first wash. This problem very depressing. Invest in room perfumes,scented candles
, incense sticks any thing to make her feel more fragrant.
You can find ways to cope with the smells. Jo Malone down to cheap incense.
These are my basic coping strategies. There will be more I’m sure.

NotSpaghetti

Maybe she is too embarrassed and is talking about "upset bowels" or similar?

You could be right NotSpaghetti, though I've been present at two or three medical apps. over the last six months, and she has been quite candid on those occasions.
That said, she has declined hugely in that time, both physically and mentally , so there is a lot of leeway for misunderstandings in both directions between her and the medical practitioners..

Maybe she is too embarrassed and is talking about "upset bowels" or similar?

Thanks Mt61. I will contact her surgery. I am wondering why they haven't suggested this already - but maybe they have, and relative has turned it down for some reason. I'll see what they say.

She Need referring to the incontinence nurse, by your GP.

aggie

She needs to go back to the Doctor ,there should be an incontinence nurse attached to the practice who can give proper advice .
There must be something causing this

Thanks aggie - I will be staying with her this coming week, so I will look into that while I am there.

She needs to go back to the Doctor ,there should be an incontinence nurse attached to the practice who can give proper advice .
There must be something causing this