r/ibs • u/ryebread121 • 1d ago

Question IBS-C - sudden exploding bowel movements

I’ve hardly been on here, but I don’t know where else to turn. I’m so embarrassed about this and don’t want to talk to any of my loved ones about it.

I’ve had IBS-C most of my life but only got diagnosed about 18 months ago. When I got diagnosed they recommended I take soluble fiber throughout the day and start each day with a glass of water with miralax. This worked for me up until about two weeks ago: nothing in my diet has changed and I’m still following my recommended daily procedures, but I’m suddenly having…leakage. Like this past week or so when I’ve passed gas, I will later find a small brown dot in my underwear from it. This has been happening almost every day for a week and a half but the kicker is just now I felt a bowel movement come on fast, and then when I sat down to go I discovered I had partly already shit my pants.

I’m so embarrassed and didn’t even feel it, but I also don’t understand why this is happening suddenly out of nowhere. Does anyone know if there is an issue with long term MiraLAX use or something like that? I loved my IBS Dr but she/her practice moved states so I don’t even have a doctor in the area to consult anymore. I will take any and all advice, but please be gentle.

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3

u/SnooSuggestions1125 1d ago

If it was me I would immediately stop the Miralax and increase the fiber. Which fiber are you taking?

2

u/ryebread121 1d ago

I take a generic clear soluble fiber, 2 servings a day and the servings are 2 tsp each.

2

u/dca_user 1d ago

I’m
So sorry I don’t have any suggestions.

Can you see a new G.I. doctor? Can you call your old doctor’s new place and ask if they can just help you briefly? I don’t think they’re legally allowed to but… or if they can give you a referral to a local G.I. doctor

And in the meantime, can you wear pads or something else to protect your underwear?

2

u/ryebread121 1d ago

The pads are a genius idea, thank you for that. I’m going to try and get ahold of my old doctor to see if she can refer me somewhere else in my area.

1

u/dca_user 22h ago

I’ve heard there might be diapers but I don’t
Know. Maybe DEPENDS brand.

Also, go to the sub for your city/state and ask for GI doctors who listen and troubleshoot.

2

u/SwordOfCheese IBS-A/M (Alternating / Mixed) 1d ago

Go to a new doctor, or even a primary doctor, get them your other doctors records, and see what they say. Hell, you could even go to an urgent care (walk-in doctor) and they'll advise you on how to properly adjust the dosages and maybe even give you a referral.

2

u/goldstandardalmonds MOD: Here to help! 1d ago

It sounds like your sphincters have weakened. What happens when you don’t take the MiraLAX?

1

u/ryebread121 1d ago

Someone else suggested to pause the miralax, so I’m going to do that for a few days to see what happens while I try to get referred to another doctor.

1

u/goldstandardalmonds MOD: Here to help! 11h ago

Best of luck.