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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Warkworth, Ontario

I have been experiencing ongoing uncontrollable diarrhea. It comes out of nowhere. I just stand up and my bowels let go. It’s devastating. My gastroenterologist says it is due to my fibromyalgia. Apparently the nerves and muscles controlling my bowels aren’t working properly. Anyone else have this issue? Does wearing ‘Depends’ help control the mess?

August 11, 2023
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone experiencing sudden, uncontrollable diarrhea attributed to fibromyalgia, with many sharing that nerve and... Read more

Members rallied around someone experiencing sudden, uncontrollable diarrhea attributed to fibromyalgia, with many sharing that nerve and muscle dysfunction can affect bowel control in ways traditional testing may not reveal. Several members offered practical strategies that worked for them, including medications like Lomotil to slow the bowels, pelvic floor physical therapy, zinc or electrolyte supplements, probiotics and kefir, the low FODMAP diet, and checking whether medications like Metformin could be contributing to the problem. A recurring theme was the frustration of receiving vague answers from doctors, the trial-and-error nature of finding relief, and the emotional toll of managing such an isolating and distressing symptom alongside chronic pain and fatigue.

A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member , yes, the gastroenterologist did a colonoscopy as part of the process of identifying my fibro. He said everything looked fine and I should just drink more water and take Metamucil. This was when I was alternating between constipation and diarrhea. The Metamucil made things worse. In a further follow up he said there was nothing wrong with my system. I told him I had just be diagnosed with fibromyalgia and he said “Oh, that explains it”. He also did a scope of my stomach to check for celiac. My neurologist wondered if my neuropathy was related to celiac. The results were ‘normal’.
I am thinking that my current relationship is contributing to my own poor health and am making plans to change this.

August 12, 2023
A MyFibroTeam Member

I started taking zinc and discovered after awhile that it stopped my IBS D. Now I only take it if I have a relapse. I have the same results with electrolytes. I was plagued with diarrhea for 7 decades and suddenly, by accident, last year I discovered 2 things that help .

August 12, 2023
A MyFibroTeam Member

There are a few drugs that slow down the bowel, like Lomotil. Perhaps you could go over them with your GI doctor. Also sometimes if you use a suppository in the morning, you can time your evacuation, so have fewer accidents. Best wishes for good outcome.

August 11, 2023
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have had IBS with both constipation and diarrhea for at least 30 years. Nothing ever helped until I had emergency colon surgery 3 years ago. My surgeon told me to start taking a good prebiotic, drink Kefir (4oz. daily), and start using fiber gummies (sugar free). As long as I do this faithfully, I am much better. I’ve also learned that I have to avoid sugar substitutes completely which was difficult for this Diet Coke addict! Too much sugar or caffeine will also bring on that diarrhea you describe. My new doctor has suggested that I try the anti-inflammatory diet to also help with gut issues as well my Fibromyalgia. We’ll see…

September 8, 2023
A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member. That is interesting. Will definitely look into it. Thank you!!

August 12, 2023

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