Hi Julie Thank you for raising the issue of IBS which can be unpredictable and if it results in ABL, must be very distressing. It’s always best to start with lifestyle advise ensuring good hydration and having an understanding of any foods to avoid that might trigger IBS. Doing pelvic floor muscle e...

To get a better understanding of the time it takes for faeces to travel through your digestive system it might be worth carrying out a simple transit test yourself. This involves eating half a tin of sweet corn and waiting until you see it in your stool when you defecate. This test will determine if...

You are clearly a positive person and your determination to improve your health is commendable. Is the loperamide in liquid form? I would suggest you request this from your GP so that you can self titrate the dose depending on stool consistency. Some patients also benefit from focusing on optimal si...

Celiac disease can result in faecal leakage as it effects the digestive process due to changes in the enzymes in the gut. Anxiety can cause production of adrenaline which can also irritate the bowel. It seems that dispite your best efforts, you are struggling to manage the ABL especially with outing...

Hi Kaz Many thanks for your feedback regarding this forum. I’m sure your comments will also be appreciated by other users of the forum. Bowel issues are such a private matter and in my clinical practice I have patients who struggle to discuss their symptoms due to the embarrassment of the topic. Reg...

Hi Sarah Following pregnancy and birth can damage the pelvic floor muscle and so this is likely to impact on an existing ABL. Treatment is available from your local community NHS bladder and bowel service. It can be accessed via GP referral or NHS choices. Then, a specialist nurse or physio can asse...

Hi Jenny Prior to returning to work I suggest you request an appointment with the occupational health team as part of a return to work plan. This should be arranged via your employer. The occupational health team will assess your symptoms and the impact on the work environment and then organise any ...

Hi Sally Some medications have the side effect of changing the consistency of stool, and medications such as laxatives can improve gut motility and this in turn can improve/ prevent symptoms of constipation. Another medication (Imodium) can improve the consistency of the stool if it is too loose. Wh...

Hi Felicity Diet and fluids play a major part in our gut health, the consistency of the stool, and the time it takes for stool to transit through the large intestine. In order to obtain optimal gut health I suggest to start with lifestyle changes of diet and fluids. Stay hydrated whilst restricting ...

Hi Pippa The only way to be sure that ABL symptoms are not due to any other cause is to discuss with your GP. You might be offered blood tests and your GP might suggest referral to your local community NHS bladder and bowel service. This service will offer you a holistic assessment to reach an accur...