Constipation and poor bowel control can be experienced by people of all ages. All Ages Bowel and Bladder Services can provide you with effective treatment and advice to improve your bowel health.
Constipation
Constipation or difficulty passing hard stool or infrequent bowel motions (less than three times a week) is very common, particularly in older people or people with a disability. You can feel bloated, or that the rectum has not fully emptied after a bowel motion.
Causes of constipation may include not eating enough fibre, not drinking enough fluids, not exercising enough or just a general decline in physical activity. Even some medications can cause constipation.
Chronic constipation can lead to both urinary and faecal incontinence.
Resolving constipation starts with a continence assessment including completion of a bowel and food diary. A management plan with strategies and recommendations to improve constipation will be provided following a comprehensive assessment by a Continence Nurse Adviser (CNA).
Poor Bowel Control
About 1 in 20 people have poor bowel control. It is more common as we age, but young people can also experience poor bowel control.
Poor bowel control, also known as Faecal Incontinence (FI), can be caused by muscle weakness, some diseases of the nervous system such as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinsons’ Disease, and can be made worse by severe diarrhoea or anatomical issues such as haemorrhoids or anorectal pain.
FI includes faecal urgency (rushing to the toilet), difficulty controlling wind and faecal soiling.
It is a devastating condition that can get in the way of leading a full active life. It can often be cured or significantly improved through treatment and individuals who are currently living with FI are encouraged to seek help from professionals such as General Practitioners and then Continence Nurse Advisor.
If you are struggling with bladder or bowel problems, looking for help, have NDIS funding or need a continence assessment, AABBS can help. Contact us to make an appointment today.