People who live with fecal incontinence - a condition causing involuntary loss of liquid or solid stool or gas at inappropriate times - often feel alone and isolated. Some avoid working outside the home, or give up treasured friends and activities, or even miss an event as important as their child's wedding. All of these people should know that two million others in the United States have fecal incontinence, and each one of them feels alone, too. This book is designed for anyone who has this problem. "Keeping Control" is a medically reliable and informative resource for anyone who wants to understand the possible causes of fecal incontinence, learn about important advances in management and treatment, and do something about the problem. Written by a noted John Hopkins physician and an experienced medical writer and editor, "Keeping Control" explains the mechanics of normal bowel function and describes the latest medical findings about what can cause incontinence, from pre-existing conditions and diseases to accidents and childbirth injuries. It explains the wide range of treatment options, including remarkable successes with biofeedback and habit training. It includes special advice for managing incontinence in children and older people. It offers important advice on how to work with your physician to take control of the problem. This is a comprehensive resource for anyone who needs information about this potentially devastating condition. Topics include: understanding the digestive system and the mechanics of normal continence; how to keep a symptom diary; working with your physician to find the cause of the problem; the importance of a physical examination and medical history; what to expect during diagnostic tests; determining various neurological, muscular and anatomical causes; behavioural techniques such as biofeedback and habit training; other options for medical treatment; ways to cope when incontiennce cannot be completely overcome; when to consider surgery; effects on intimacy and sexual relations; special considerations for older people with incontinence; special considerations for children with incontinence, including a step-by-step bowel training programme; and products that can help when treatment is not entirely successful. "Keeping Control" also includes: a glossary of terms and information about contacting support groups and using additional resources, an epilogue by Nancy Norton, founder of the International Foundation for Bowel Dysfunction which describes the personal challenge of living with fecal incontinence and explains how she and many others have found the courage to cope with the problem and live life to the fullest.