I suffer with MS. This has had such an upsetting impact on my life! I was first diagnosed three years ago when my vision deteriorated massively. I now suffer with bowel incontinence. As you can imagine, this is so embarrassing. I never go anywhere because i don’t drive and will definitely not get on a bus because im so scared i smell!! Couldn’t even imagine a taxi.. Im constantly paranoid! I’ve been wearing something called tena extra, the comfort ones i think. Its the ones that are used with the net type pants. I have to change very often as they are not absorbent enough for me. Does anything more absorbent exist? this is all new to me i really dont know what to use. Really hope someone on this page can point me in the right direction!! Thank you, much appreciated.
Hi Rosie,
Sorry to hear you are struggling with this. Bowel incontinence, also known as faecal incontinence, affects up to 70% of people with MS, so you are definitely not alone in having this condition. There are much more absorbent products available in the market than the Tena Comfort Extra pads.
Belted products commonly called All In Ones are highly absorbent ideal for managing faecal incontinence. These are particularly ideal if you are less mobile. Belted All In One products are easy to put on and have the highest absorbency level. They have a velcro fastening, which secures around the waist and will make your product changing process much less stressful. The Tena Comfort Extra pads you are wearing have an absorbency level of only 1800mls, therefore an all in one with a much higher absorbency will make your life much easier. The iD Expert Belt Maxi product is designed especially for managing faecal incontinence and has an absorbency level of between 2900-3400mls. This product could put you at ease from your worries about unwanted odour, due to the inclusion of an odour control system. You would also not have to change products as often due to the high protection.
If you are very mobile and would rather have a product that feels like normal underwear, you can try wearing pull up pants alongside an incontinence pad. This option is more time consuming to put on and off, however, and is only recommended if you are active. If you choose this option, you need to choose a more absorbent pad specially designed for managing faecal incontinence. The Attends F6 Faecal incontinence pads are designed for effective protection and containment of faecal incontinence. The pads are designed with improved leakage protection and containment versus traditional rectangular pads. To keep this pad in place and provide support, you can wear the Attends Stretch Pants alongside these.
You will be able to find these products on the majority of online incontinence stores. In addition to buying a convenient product, it is important to talk to your GP or Doctor to see if there are any necessary lifestyle changes you can make to improve the condition. They may even recommend methods of surgery that are ideal for you.
Best of luck and feel free to ask any further questions!
Just what I needed! Thank you! I will be having a look online today to find a belted all in one. They sound a lot better than what I’m currently using. It’s just so scary when incontinence suddenly becomes a part of your life and you have no idea about the products available. Really grateful for the information!!!
Rosie x
Hi Rosie,
Have you found any products that are working for you? I’d be more than happy to help if you have any queries about products or lifestyle changes you can make.
Hi!
Im now using the id expert belt one, its brilliant! I actually got on a bus last week to meet my friends and i felt so confident wearing it. For the last few months ive been so embarrassed and this has helped so much. Is ‘id’ the only brand that make the belted product? if not, it would be great to find other brands too!
Rosie x
No, there are plenty of other brands that offer belted products. Attends is another brand that offers belted All-In-One products. These products are called “Attends Flex” and they include a small fixation system that allows the belt to be fitted completely around the waist. Attends Flex 10 have the highest absorbency level and are a good choice for managing faecal incontinence. These All-In-Ones feature odour protection technology, quick-dry technology and elastics. The Attends Flex are available in levels 8-10.
Tena Flex products are similar to the Attends Flex and feature a velcro fixation system to locate the pad at the front. This makes it ideal for use when normal toilet access is possible. The “superfit” waistband provides you with a close, comfortable fit. You should use the “Maxi” version if you wish to try this range.
Lille Flex is another brand of belted products. These belted All-In-Ones feature cotton feel waterproof backing to aid comfort and prevent perspiration. Lille Flex Maxi is recommended for managing severe faecal incontinence. The self-gripping tapes on the belt enable the skin to breathe, avoiding any irritation.
It is a good idea to try all of these brands and see which product you prefer and feel is the most effective for you.
If you require any more tips on managing faecal incontinence, feel free to ask.
