Over the years, there have been changes in my bowel care routine, although it is worth mentioning that I frequently encounter pain and autonomic dysreflexia while performing bowel care, resulting in considerable discomfort. This post was created for the sole purpose of sharing what works for me with the rest of the world. Hopefully, this information will be useful to you also.
Bowel care is an essential aspect of daily life. I have experimented with various methods of bowel care, ranging from enemas and mini enemas to suppositories and digital stimulation. I have adjusted my routines from every other day to daily in order to find what works best for me, including transitioning from lying in bed to using a commode.
I sometimes experience anxiety about my bowel movements, particularly when I am out and about. It is important to acknowledge that feeling a loss of control after a spinal injury is valid and significant. I often worry about the possibility of an accident, although truthfully, it has only occurred once. I find it perplexing why this concerns me so much, but as they say, sometimes our minds can be our own worst adversaries. Surrounding yourself with supportive individuals who can help maintain a positive mindset is crucial.
My established routine involves using a suppository a few minutes before using the toilet, then positioning myself over the toilet and waiting 15-20 minutes depending on the suppository's efficacy. Next, I undergo digital stimulation after 30 minutes, or sooner if there has been no movement for 5 minutes. This process is repeated twice.
Rubbing your stomach on the left side in a circular motion can help increase output. It may take some time to get comfortable with the sitting position required for bowel care on a commode. Lightheadedness and weakness may occur during and after your bowel movement, so having a chest strap on hand to relieve your arms can be helpful. It's important to keep your caregivers informed about how you're feeling.
I use the Bisacodyl suppository, also known as the Magic Bullet, is a laxative that stimulates the bowels upon contact, providing fast relief from chronic constipation. It has minimal side effects and can be taken orally, as a suppository, or via an enema. When used in suppository form, evacuation typically occurs within 15 minutes to an hour after insertion.
Magic Bullet Suppositories containing 10mg of bisacodyl have been clinically proven to help prevent bowel impaction and incontinence, and have shown a significant reduction in bowel program duration for various patients. Rectal suppositories are administered anally to relieve constipation or regulate incontinence. They are torpedo-shaped capsules that can be inserted with a gloved finger or a suppository insertion tool. Lubricant jellies can aid in smooth administration, but oil-based lubricants may slow down the dispersion and delay the laxative's effect.
The features of Magic Bullet Suppositories include stimulating the bowels upon contact, promoting evacuation within 15-60 minutes, and facilitating regularity and healthy digestion. In clinical trials, they have been found to be faster than Dulcolax, Enemeeze, and Fleets.
Enemas can be used for bowel care, but they are not recommended for long-term use. This is because enemas are invasive and can prevent your body from producing its own lubricant, leading to dependency. An enema involves introducing liquid or gas into the rectum to empty the bowels, facilitate examination, or administer medication. Mini enemas draw water into the colon from surrounding tissues, mixing it with stool to produce a watery bowel movement.
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