Bowel Problems

[genie123]

Do people who are largely wheelchair bound tend to suffer with bowel problems such s IBS.

[Buenchico]

The NHS website doesn't cite a lack of mobility as a cause of IBS (and I can't think of any reason why there should be a link):
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/causes/

[woofgang]

In my professional experience, people who are immobile tend to constipation rather than IBS. There is anecdotal evidence that people who have had strokes may find that their intestinal function is also affected and they may get IBS like symptoms but the indications are that they are linked to altered nerve function caused by the stroke.

[mikey4444]

I suffered from IBS, back in the 90's, when I was very active....hill-walking, squash, mountain biking, etc

( those were the days ! )

But the IBS disappeared almost immediately, when I left BT, and I put it all down to stress.

So.....no, I don't think that there is any direct connection.

[Sqad]

Well, it depends upon for what reason they are in a wheelchair and also what you mean by " bowel problems."
Yes, I think that there may well be, as Woofgang has said, stroke victims have may have bowel problems as certainly do muscle wasting disease patients such as Motor Neurone Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.Patients with M.S who are "wheelchair bound" certainly have bowel problems.
So yes.......there may well be an association.

[genie123]

Thanks everyone. My husband had a stroke during an operation to remove a benign cyst from his brain and has limited mobility. So from whats been said it could well be the stroke causing his problems The doctor suggested IBS.

[woofgang]

genie, was that your GP?

[genie123]

yes Woolgang our GP. He had it while in hospital recovering from the stroke as well, he was there for 6 months. They didnt seem to take too much notice but he was always on laxatives. Sometimes I wonder if he should have more tests, but he doesn't want it. He did have his bowel cancer test last year and all was normal. Not sure where I'm going with this, it just worries me more sometimes than others I suppose.

[woofgang]

Is your husband still under a clinic? Does he feel that its a problem to him?

[genie123]

No Woofgang, no clinic just GP if or when necessary. He doesn't really complain much but it can get a bit uncomfortable, lots of wind. He takes Mintec regularly when its a bit more of a problem.

[woofgang]

There are some things he might try but maybe get advice from the doc first as I am not sure how appropriate they would be for him. Colpermin is mint oil, very good for bloating but can lead to the runs. Colofac is an antispasmodic that regulates peristalsis and Buscopan is also an antispasmodic. All of them are OTC but, as I say in his position I'd talk to the doc or practice nurse first.

[genie123]

Thanks for yor answers Woofgang will look into those meds and see what the pharmacist might say she knows what other meds he's on. Sadly it can take weeks to get an appointment at the doctors and I don't like to claim its an emergency if its not.

[woofgang]

A good place to start genie :)