What Causes Altered Bowel Habits In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Mon, 26 Oct 2015

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

Mon, 26 Oct 2015 Answered on

Thu, 12 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I am 73 ,years old and have had Colon cancer. It was diagnosed in its very early stags and removed surgically.This was 4 years ago. I never had radiation and I have 1 year to go for followup. Over the last month I experienced something new...each time I .urinate I also deficit. I have no pain, no sign of diarrhea or constipation. My tendency would be to leave well enough alone, however, I also don't want to ignore strange symptoms. xxxxxxx

Answered by Dr. Prashant (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
it may be due to age related issues

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
When you do not have any other associated symptoms apart from altered bowel habit ,then the cause could be age related because usually when 70 plus age there will be some amount of bowel and bladder synergia .
Nothing to worry just check on other symptoms like pain abdomen ,blood or mucus in stools etc.
Ot if the symptoms get worse then please consider to meet your primary physcians ,so that he will take a call ,hope this information helps you
thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar