Faecal incontinence

Hi. Thanks for that. Yes, I have wondered about his sense of smell. He doesn't seem to notice

That sounds awful - being stuck on a train, suddenly aware of it, no escape till a seat opens. The self-consciousness must've been brutal. And yeah, stress does that - loose bowels are straight-up fight-or-flight fallout. Your body dumps everything it can to lighten the load, literally. School science class nailed it, even if they didn't warn us how real it feels later.

The smell thing... ammonium-nitrate from the farm? That tracks - those fumes can fry olfactory nerves over time, especially if you're breathing it in young. No wonder you lost it. Some folks call it "anosmia from chemicals," but really? It's just your nose saying "enough."

You're not gross - you're human. And if it helps, most people are too wrapped up in their own heads to notice. Next time, maybe pack a spare pair of undies in your bag? Or even a discreet pad - just in case. No shame, just prep.

It happened me, this afternoon, on a train back from Belfast. I realised that I 'dirtied myself' and became self-conscious of the smell. I had to move to another seat, once one was vacant.

Loose bowl movement is a common symptom of stress, I remember learning that from School; back in the days. Even being exposed to the term 'fight-or-flight' back in 1992. Of course, back then, the money was in keeping us fit, rather than keeping us unhealthy. But that's for another discussion.

I never had a sense of smell. Too much exposure to ammonium-nitrate, from the fertilisers in our family farm, probably overstimulated that sense.

Thanks. I will look into the PSR. Other people have told me to inform services that he is disabled

Thank you very much for your detailed and helpful reply.

It is bowel incontinence not bladder.

He has had medical checks / medication reviews and all is ok so obviously behavioural.

On the positive side I visited his flat today and there were signs he has used the toilet there!

We tried pull ups etc but he was going out on his own and can't manage these (or normal pants) if he is out. I am using a liner pad quite often. Not offered free on NHS btw

We have tried phone alarms but it made no difference. His new support workers are prompting him (a bit too often really).

As regards any other referrals, we have had too much on with the move and an OT would no doubt take months.

I know that getting an Autism specialist psychologist referral in our area is nigh on impossible. We have tried before and he cannot engage with any counselling.

I have not been offered a carers assessment, of course, but do get some respite when he is at his flat.

What do you mean re Calm app but simplified? I am introducing him to guided meditations on Utube.

Thanks again

I am sure you / the Nurse / his GP are likely to have already considered if there have been any new / different dosage medications / missed repeat prescriptions recently. 

However, sometimes what may be overlooked for Autistic people - is that they can experience more sensitive gastrointestinal upset from a different brand / manufacturer with seemingly minor ingredient changes to a usual medication.  Not usually so much about the active ingredient - more likely so, with regard to changes to the other ingredients in the medication.

Some people can also be much more sensitive, than others, to a change in water pH used in food / beverages / brushing teeth.

Maybe, also double-check the correct temperature is being maintained in his flat's fridge.

On another practical note; it might be worth registering both his flat and your home with the free utilities (electricity, water & gas) Priority Service Register to ensure it is possible to maintain hygiene and laundry in the event of utility service interruptions in your area.

https://www.thepsr.co.uk/

You can register on behalf of someone else who would potentially struggle to make contact themselves.

For one of our relatives, I have also registered their address for them but listed my phone number.  This means e.g. bottled water gets automatically delivered to their address - but I receive the updates from the firm and then myself handle the onward (more appropriate) information / support delivery to the individual.