Do Bowel Incontinence And Abdominal Pain Indicate IBS?

Posted on Wed, 4 Apr 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 4 Apr 2018 Answered on

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : i am so embarressed to say this but i have been having problems not being able to hold my bladder and have been taking otc anti diarrhea med about every 3 days for almost a year as I also have problems with no being able to hold it or even realize that one or both have happened. however this dose not happen every day but more like 4 or 5 times a month. i don't drink or use drugs although
along with low back moderate to intense back pain I'm really starting to feel lost. any light you can shed on this matter would be helpful. the pain is in my lower back around L-4 or L-5. I have no pain in the abdomen.

thank you for your time, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

Need to consult qualified Gastroenterologist

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Based on the facts that you have posted inability to hold on bowel movements and bladder associated with pain in the lower abdomen that you have is mostly due to what is called as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and needs to be confirmed.

Please consult qualified Gastroenterologist for clinical assessment and few basic investigations like

1) Stool examination
2) Endoscopic examination of the colon (Colonoscopy).

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr P. T. Patil, Urologist

Brief Answer:

Pain in the lower back needs to be investigated.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Low backache could be due to a neurological problem which could be also the cause for your bladder and bowel symptoms.

A joint consultation with Neurologist and Gastroenterologist will help to establish the cause for your symptoms.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr P. T. Patil, Urologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar