Introduction

Thank you for contacting the Community Bladder & Bowel Service.

Bladder and bowel problems can affect people of all different genders and ages.

It is not spoken about much due to embarrassment. A lot can be done to treat and manage symptoms.

Here you will find some information of the different types of incontinence. You will also find some hints and tips on how to manage your symptoms until you see someone from the Bladder & Bowel Team.

What is incontinence?

Incontinence is not having control of your bladder or bowels. It can take many years for a person to ask for advice.

The most common types of symptoms are:

  • Stress incontinence. This is when wee leaks out at times when the bladder is under pressure. For example, coughing, laughing or sneezing.
  • Urge Incontinence. This is when the wee leaks as you feel a sudden intense urge, or soon after.
  • Overactive bladder. This is an urgent feeling to empty your bladder. It can happen with or without bladder accidents. You also may have other symptoms of weeing regularly during the day or night.
  • Functional incontinence. This is when you cannot reach the toilet in time, but your bladder is working normally. This may be due to reduced mobility, poor dexterity or confusion.  

Bowel Function

Normal bowel frequency can vary between 1-3 times a day to 3 times a week. You do not have to have your bowels opened daily for you to have a normal habit.

Bowel Incontinence

Bowel Incontinence can affect people in many different ways.

You may have a problem if:

•   You have sudden urges to poo that you cannot control.

•   You poo yourself without realising you needed the toilet.

•   You sometimes leak poo, for example when you pass wind.

•   It happens every day or from time to time. A one off “accident” when you are ill with diarrhoea is not usually a problem.

•   It is affecting your daily life & mood.

You may also have other symptoms like:

  • Constipation
  • Diarrhoea
  • passing wind
  • bloating

What to expect at your appointment

You will be seen by either a qualified nurse or assistant practitioner. They have had specialist training in giving the right care for someone suffering with bladder or bowel problems.

Your first assessment may take up to 45 minutes. It will include a detailed history about your symptoms. You will be asked about your previous medical history, dietary and fluid intake.

Part of the assessment may include an ultra-sound bladder scan. This may need you to have a physical vaginal and/or rectal examination. Your consent is needed for all parts of your consultation. You can bring someone with you if you want to.

Hint and tips whilst waiting for your appointment

  • To enable us to help you we require completion of bladder diary / bowel charts if enclosed with appointment letter.
  • Are you drinking enough? Drinking plenty of fluids can keep you bladder healthy and help improve constipation.
  • What type of fluids are you drinking? Caffeine, fizzy, acidic drinks and alcohol can make your symptoms worse. Try swapping to decaffeinated products, water or milk.
  • If you have to get up at night to empty your bladder, try and have your last drink around 90 minutes before bedtime.
  • Eating a healthy diet can prevent both constipation and urinary incontinence.
  • Look at what you are wearing. Is the button too difficult to undo, are your tights too fiddly to pull down? Would it be easier with elasticated clothing or a skirt or dress without tights? Try using an alternative.
  • Access to toilet facilities. Try to make sure there is a clear pathway. Would a commode in your bedroom help?

PLEASE NOTE:

Continence pads are only supplied following a clinical assessment when all advice and treatment options have been explored and a need is proven.

Contact us 

Community Bladder and Bowel Service:

London Road Community Clinic, Hilltop Heights, Carlisle, CA1 2NS

Workington Community Hospital, Park Lane, Workington, CA14 2RW

Call: 01946 68643

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302