Fecal incontinence

Msmoxie

I just wanted to share with everyone out there suffering from fecal incontinence a few things...

First and foremost ... if your doctor has not provided you with prescriptions for Lomotil and Immodium and Flexaril ... keep them in mind and have them on hand for when you need them.  I had to ask my doctor for them when the incontinence started and I was getting to the point of hardly being off the toilet.  My doctor said that they usually don't prescribe the Lomotil until you start the radiation but had no problem prescribing it as soon as I asked to add it to my list of immediate needs.  With the digital exam, I was in agony for an entire day afterwards until I realized that the pain was from the spasms... I called my doctor and asked for the muscle relaxer Flexaril (I had had it in the past with a back injury and I remembered how much it had helped me).

In addition... I have been incontinent since May of last year.  My diagnosis was at the end of August 2017... A needs assessment nurse called me just last week (March 16th) ... and let me know that all I had to do was have my doctor write a prescription for my incontinence needs and she gave me the name and fax number of the company for the doctor to send the Rx to... my pads, wipes, Depends and other necessary supplies will now be sent directly to my home as it is covered by my insurance.  I can't believe it took this long to get the needs assessment but I did not know it was a benefit.  If you have not received that phone call... call your insurance company and ask about that.  

My insurance company also told me that there is a nurse on call 24/7 for me to call and talk to ...anytime... who knew???  I feel that these are important things to know so I just wanted to share what I have learned.  The cost of incontinence supplies for myself is about $30 each week and I now make the least money ever in my lifetime.   I work but it is less than part time.  Making less than ten thousand dollars a year now and not on welfare.  My younger brother and I take care of our eighty two year old Mom and the household and my brother works more than full time.  It helps to have some assistance and every little bit helps.