I am 6 months post takedown and I am having some problems at night only with incontinence. I use Poise pads for Urinary incontinence and the leakage usually isn't bad so they work well for now, however, I was wondering if anyone has any advice on how to reduce nighttime incontinence. I have tried not eating after 5, taking lots of lomitil and imodium before bed, and a few other things but nothing seems to work well. I read somewhere that probiotics help. Any thoughts?

If your incontinence is only at night it sounds like it could be a weak sphincter. You might try to incorporate kegels throughout the day to strengthen those muscles. I had similar problems after surgery and was diagnosed by a Rectal Physical Therapist with a traumatized sphincter. After 3 weeks of specialized kegels my problem was eradicated.

Sue

suebear, what are specialised kegels - are they different from ordinary kegels? Thanks in advance, possie

Yes, the therapist identified, via biofeedback, which area(s) of the sphincter that were damaged and gave me kegels that worked on those areas. Often the prescribed kegels incoporated using different body positions as well as adominal and toe muscles. It was extremely interesting to learn how many other muscles in the body help with sphincter strength.

Sue

A morning dose of VSL3 each morning has eliminated my nighttime incontinence and leakage problems.

I had infrequent incontinence at night, just small leaks but I fixed it. I would lie down in my bed in the evening and feel the pressure on my "tummy". I have always slept on my right side and the Pouch must be on the right side too. I have trained myself to sleep on my back with an elevated (slightly) head) as a person with GERD would do and since then .. no incontinence. Last problem I had was when on the road, in a motel when I fell asleep on my side. Try sleeping on your back or even in a cmfortable recliner and I bet it solves the problem for you.

HI Kery, I have the same problem and haven't solved it. Although I seem to go through cycles of it, followed by reprieve. I also take 9 tablets of immodium (x3/ day).

I did find that if I fasted for a couple of days, it would ease off for a few weeks. However, I am not a doctor and shouldn't recommend that.

I hope you can work it out - I have just learnt to put up with it.

quote:

A morning dose of VSL3 each morning has eliminated my nighttime incontinence and leakage problems.

What is VSL3?? I have never heard of it.

Its the name of a (brand of) probiotic that comes in a pill or powder form. I take the powder in yogurt.

Do a search on these boards for VSL 3, you'll find all kinds of stuff.
their website is www.vsl3.com
-sara