Living with Incontinence After Colorectal Surgery

Colorectal surgery can be life-changing for many people, especially those who undergo it to treat conditions like colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease. But for some, the recovery journey comes with an unexpected challenge—bowel or urinary incontinence. This condition can feel overwhelming, but it's more common than you might think and, more importantly, it's manageable.

After surgery, the nerves and muscles that control bowel movements may be affected. These changes can make it difficult to control gas, stool, or urine. Incontinence might be temporary while your body heals, or it could become a longer-term issue if there was significant nerve damage or if a large portion of the rectum was removed.

What Incontinence Looks Like After Colorectal Surgery

The symptoms of incontinence after colorectal surgery can vary. Some people may have urgency or a sudden, strong need to go to the bathroom. Others may experience leakage, especially when sneezing, coughing, or lifting. You might also find that you can’t control gas as well as before, or that accidents happen even before you make it to the bathroom.

These symptoms can be deeply distressing, especially if they interfere with daily life or social activities. But it’s important to remember that your body has gone through a major change, and symptoms like these are not a sign of failure or something to be ashamed of—they are a part of the healing process for many people.

Managing Colorectal Surgery Incontinence at Home

Managing incontinence after colorectal surgery starts with understanding your body and making small but powerful lifestyle changes. One of the most effective ways to improve bowel control is through diet. Eating fiber-rich foods can help bulk up the stool and make it easier to pass, reducing the chances of leakage. Drinking enough water each day also keeps the digestive system moving smoothly and helps prevent constipation, which can worsen symptoms.

Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegels, can strengthen the muscles around your rectum and improve your ability to control bowel movements. These exercises may take a few weeks to show results, but they are worth sticking with. Your doctor may also recommend working with a pelvic floor therapist, who can teach you targeted exercises and provide feedback on your progress.

You may also be prescribed medications to regulate bowel movements—anti-diarrheal medications if you’re experiencing loose stool, or stool softeners if constipation is the issue. Talk to your doctor about what options are safe and effective based on your recovery plan.

Coping Emotionally with Incontinence After Surgery

Dealing with incontinence after colorectal surgery isn’t just a physical challenge—it can also take a toll emotionally. Feelings of embarrassment, shame, or frustration are common. It’s easy to feel like no one else understands what you’re going through. That’s why it’s so important to reach out for support. Whether you talk to a friend, family member, or therapist, sharing what you’re experiencing can help lift the emotional burden and remind you that you’re not alone.

Give yourself permission to feel whatever emotions come up. Healing from surgery isn’t just about physical recovery—it’s also about learning to accept where your body is now and working toward where you want it to be. With the right tools and support, you can rebuild confidence and enjoy the things you love again.

Products That Support You During Recovery

While your body heals, using high-quality incontinence products can help you feel more comfortable and confident. SPC offers products like SPC reusable underwear, SPC quilted underpads, and SPC bladder control products to provide support, reduce stress, and help you manage symptoms discreetly. Whether you’re staying at home or going out, knowing you have reliable protection can make all the difference.

SPC reusable underwear offers comfort and absorbency that feels like regular underwear, while SPC underpads can protect bedding and furniture overnight or during periods of rest. If urinary incontinence is also an issue after colorectal surgery, SPC bladder control products offer discreet protection that can be worn throughout the day without discomfort or irritation.

When to Seek Further Help

If you continue to experience incontinence long after your colorectal surgery, it’s important to consult with your doctor. In some cases, further treatment such as biofeedback therapy, nerve stimulation, or additional surgery may be necessary to improve bowel control.

The key is not to suffer in silence. There are solutions available and professionals who specialize in helping patients like you navigate this exact journey. With the right care plan, recovery tools, and support system, you can improve your quality of life and manage incontinence in a way that feels empowering, not limiting.

At San Pablo Commercial, we're a family-run business dedicated to supporting seniors and caregivers by offering dependable, affordable incontinence supplies. From SPC disposable underpads to reusable underwear and sanitary pads, our range is designed for comfort and confidence. We understand the challenges of managing incontinence and strive to make it easier for you to stay clean, dry, and independent every day.