can anyone relate?

Synthia, I do not have this problem but since I work at a hospital, I see young people that do. The first advice you should have is to see a GI doctor–someone who specializes in gastroenterology for help with this since it is such a major problem in your life. There are milk products in a lot of non-dairy items and if you are really very lactose intolerant, it might help to try lactase pills in addition to avoiding dairy. I remember some people using fiber to “thicken” stool–either as bran or maybe Citracel. One thinks of bran for constipation, but it also can help for diarrhea since it absorps water.
WithHope for a cure of these diseases
Addendum. I looked in the Merck Manual Home Edition for advice for fecal incontinence and it also first said that ways to form the stool such as fiber are usually the first step. It also suggested exercising the pelvic muscles to help retrain them. This may not work. For diarrhea, there were a few other suggestions–to look at the amount of fruit and fruit juice consummed, to think about magnesium in antiacids or sorbitol in sugar-free products, and also caffeine as a cause. Lots of people today drink sugar-free colas and these can be the culprit.
Finally, search for IBS in the forum search feature and there may be other suggestions. WithHope

Hi Synthia: Withhope as always has given good advice. I no longer have this problem which I had with my bladder for months after GBS. I did have IBS after GBS and used citrucil which helped me a great deal-in fact solved the problem for me. I imagine that it is very hard as a younger person dealing with these body issues but there is always hope and help. Keep looking for solutions and try what you can with as much patience as you can until you find the right answers for you. With good wishes and good vibes, Jeff

Hi Synthia

I suffered similar problems to you (before GBS) and was eventually dx with IBS. It improved somewhat with modifications to diet and avoiding certain trigger foods but it wasnt until i was also dx with depression and went on medication that my IBS also cleared up. I learnt there is some correlatio between depression and IBS and it really is a vicious circle – the more you worry about the IBS and its affect on your life, the more depressed you get

It would be completely understandable to develop some kind of depression following GBS and I am wondering if that could be a cause of your problems. Not suggesting you have depression … but it may be an issue you havent considered. I was amazed once i realised i had depression how much it was responsible for my lackof physical well being!
It is entirely possible that there are some recurring neurological problems as well, but you may find if there are underlying psychological issues, addressing these may also improve your physical symptoms.

Synthia ~ this is one of my “residuals” that pops up when I get to tired. I have personally found that diet helps (like leaving out sugar and wheat products) but if I’ve pushed to far for a few days, I get my reward 😮

I wonder if a “motility study” would give credence to the lack of nerve function? Just a general upper or lower GI wouldn’t show that.

I do hope that your body will continue to heal as you are further away from 2006! Gene always told us that GBS stands for [U]getting better slowly[/U]. We miss him and his wisdom that he so willingly shared . . .

I don’t know but had bladder prob before this gbs and also had constant prob’s other way to ether to runny or to dry and stuck .I no yuk, but if any one had this before gbs wonder if there’s conection? But yes I have this prob still , my on set aug 16th 05. So don’t no how long you have had this? But just kind of do what I did go to bath room every 5 to 10 min’s so your body get’s use to this, and after a little bit if your lucky, like me you will be able to control little better. It took a long time still have drip’s but other has been good so far. So like any thing else with this G B S it’s alot of work. So keep chin up and always give GOD all glory for everything you do, and can do. IN JESUS NAME AMEN!!

I think they all have answer you, I have this problem, but it have all been said it is because I take glucofac for my diabetic, so I have been real patient for it get better, I have added to my diet lot of fiber and it have help lot. fiber take all the fluid in your gastro… and change it, it take time but it is worth it:)