Living with Fecal Incontinence
Living with fecal incontinence can be incredibly challenging for those living active lifestyles. This condition can prevent you from spending time with your family and friends and may keep you at home more than you’d like.
Fecal incontinence is the inability to control or hold your bowel movements. Patients with this condition often suffer from diarrhea, leakage, and not being able to make it to the bathroom. In addition to being difficult to manage, this condition can also take a severe toll on the mental health of those who have it. Lower self-esteem, anxiety, and social isolation are just a few of the mental barriers that fecal incontinence patients suffer from. Successfully managing this condition is more than just finding physical relief; as it involves working closely with the patient to help them regain their confidence in regaining control.
BEST Health System in Westlake, Ohio is a modern ambulatory surgery center dedicated to helping women find relief from their severe incontinence issues. Dr. Bahar Malekzadeh, MD is a sacral nerve stimulation specialist located in Westlake. Continue reading to learn more about Dr. Bahar Malekzadeh and treatment with the BEST Health System.
Diagnosing Incontinence Issues
If you suspect you have fecal incontinence, we recommend that you visit your doctor to undergo diagnostic testing. This will help you collect the answers you’ve been looking for and can kickstart your journey to relief in the process.
Here is the general diagnostic process for fecal incontinence:
- Physical Examination: Your doctor will examine the anus to check for damage. They may recommend a rectal exam.
- Imaging Tests: The doctor may order diagnostic imaging to see what is causing the incontinence issues. This can include an MRI, an anorectal manometry, or other forms of imagery.
- Bathroom Diary: the doctor may ask the patient to record their bowel movements. This will help them understand how severe their incontinence problems are.
Understanding Different Fecal Incontinence Treatment Options
Depending on the patient’s age, symptoms’ severity, and treatment experience, doctors will collaborate with patients to determine the best treatment approach.
Typically, treatment for fecal incontinence will begin with conservative treatment options. This includes exploring medications, pelvic floor therapy, botox, and other treatments. If patients explore 2-3 conservative treatments and are unable to find relief, they may consider surgical intervention. Depending on the cause of your incontinence issues, there are various options for surgical intervention. However, many patients with fecal incontinence do not want to undergo invasive surgery. If this is the case for you, you might consider sacral nerve stimulation.
Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Fecal Incontinence Treatment
Sacral nerve stimulation is a drug-free, minimally invasive, reversible treatment option that boasts an 89% success rate for those suffering from severe incontinence issues. This treatment involves the implantation of a tiny device in the patient’s upper buttocks. This device has lead wires which connect the device to the sacral nerves, which are responsible for communication between the bowel and the brain. By sending tiny electrical impulses through these wires, patients can achieve significant relief from their symptoms and gain control of their bowel movements again.
Although minimally invasive, we understand the hesitancy associated with any form of surgery – so let us walk you through it. At BEST Health System, sacral nerve stimulation treatment always begins with a trial program. During this time, patients will work with their doctor to see how the device helps their symptoms. This treatment is incredibly common and has helped countless patients find sufficient relief from fecal incontinence.
Sacral Nerve Stimulation with Dr. Bahar Malekzadeh, MD
Find meaningful relief from your incontinence issues with the dedicated professionals at BEST Health System.
When it comes to your health, you deserve the BEST. BEST Health System presents an opportunity for patients to find advanced medical care, without the complications associated with traditional, hospital-based care. Shorter wait times, minimized risk of infection, and better outcomes. Find relief from your fecal incontinence today with the dedicated care specialists at BEST Health System in Westlake, Ohio.
