Bowel Control

By kyron

1 min read

I have a problem of when I get in breathing distress, I have the urge for a bowel movement. I have to stop before I get started doing things and visit the restroom. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this with their COPD. I also have experienced the rib cramping too.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
We hear you, Kyron, and you are not alone. In view of your comments, While you may get feedback from our community members, I thought you might find it helpful and interesting to review this material. First, this one- on embarrassing situations: <a href='https://copd.net/living/an-embarrassing-situation' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/an-embarrassing-situation/</a> And second, this one on rib cramping: <a href='https://copd.net/living/community-feedback-rib-cramping' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living/community-feedback-rib-cramping/</a> Wishing you the best, Leon (site moderator)
1952jumjum Member
I have the same problem with my urine and bowel's. I was taken to the ER Monday before Thanksgiving with breathing issues and was given Laxis, due to having Congestive Heart Failure and yes that worked. Also an Inhaler w/steroids. Went home on Thanksgiving Day. I had a pulmonary breathing test done and also found out that I am also Moderate Stage II COPD. What a shocker that was to find out. But back to my urine and bowel problem. I need to make sure that I go immediately when the urge hits me to get to the bathroom or otherwise OOPS!!! But I am not a shame to say that I need to wear Depends because just in case of an OOPS!! I am really sorry that you are going through this. You may talk with me anytime so please free to do so. Be well and God Bless. My name is Janice
1. breathe Member
 You've described my problems perfect. One more issue: for me the use of oxygen has almost eliminated the OOPS. I don't know why. Good luck to all of us.
Erin Rush Community Admin
Hi KyRon! I am sorry you are dealing with these issues, but I can tell you that you are not alone! As you can see from the member comment and from the links Leon provided, these are issues that are not unfamiliar in the COPD community. If you haven't checked it out already, you might enjoy visiting our Facebook community -- <a href='https://www.facebook.com/copddotnet/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.facebook.com/copddotnet/</a>. There is always some lively conversations going on in the comments! I hope it helps you to know you are not alone! We are glad to have you here and thank you for sharing with us. Best, Erin, <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a> Team Member.
kyron Member
Thanks to all that responded to my posting. Knowing that I am not the only one with this problem makes me feel a little more normal but then again I am sorry that anyone has to go through this. Thanks for sharing.
breathe Member
Me, too. I've learned that my O2 use has essentially cured my bowel and urine incontinence. Before I went on oxygen, incontinence occurred like clock work when I was active, think walking from parking lot into Costco. It was explained to me that it's because oxygen goes first to so-called vital organs, think heart. The bladder and colon aren't vital to life, so oxygen may be withheld. Therefore, the muscles aren't as active when low on oxygen. I'm sure a HCP would explain it differently.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Your synopsis is right on target, Breathe. Thanks for putting it all into your own words. We appreciate your input. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
ellyo2 Member
This site is such a blessing! The articles on rib cramps and bowel/bladder control (lack of) - i experience both - were very comforting to me. So glad i am not alone, but so sorry for all of you who go through this. Thank you for sharing, and being there.
shooby52 Member
I usually have to pee when I get short of breath. As far as the rib cramp...do you get it on your side or on the ribs themselves? Every once in a while, usually on the toilet, I get this cramp at the bottom of my right side rib cage, but off to the side. Make me feel like it's an organ or something. Then I get sore sometimes from my shoulders down to my diaphram. No pain reliever work, just gotta wear it out.