[xxm]

Deb,

Softeners?
There is no logic to take softeners if stool is too loose. The first thing to do is to stop taking softeners.

Digital Stimulation (DS)?
I think it is less effective when done by a caregiver. The primary goal of doing DS is to send signals to upper parts of bowel and initiate peristalsis there. For me the best way is 2-3 min DS 10-15 min wait. These 10-15 min or more are very important to leave bowel to its own moving pace. For many years I did continuous DS until stool comes in rectum. THIS WAS WRONG. First - this way you harm you anus and rectum (bleeding). Second - you stress bowel and it stops moving. Once the rectum is stretched by enough stool the reflex defecation begins. If you extract small quantities of stool rectum can not fill enough and defecation reflex can not be triggered. I'm 35 years post injury and after mastering the art of DS I take no softeners and suppository.

Wish you patience

Rudy

[mellowgator]

hi deb,

i have a good routine and realize we are all different but i'll give you the blow by blow in hopes that it will help.

i don't take softners. i sort of like it when my stool is harder it makes it easier to remove.

the first step is i get in my shower chair and get over the toilet. i then put on a glove and use some k-y and then i reach up and remove any stool that i feel. usually there is stool present and i remove it by moving my finger round and round which also works to dilly and start other stool moving down.

i then add the enemeez.

i then take my shower and wash my hair. i dry off and then go back over the toilet. i then put on another glove and more k-y to dilly and remove any stool that came down and remove what is left of the ampule. usually this is the end of the program.

i then go to my sink and finish brushing teeth and what ever else i need to do. and then i go back to the toilet one last time and put on another glove. sometimes more stool is present often it isn't.

that's my routine. i hope this helps.

mellowgator

[qbounce]

I agree with you regarding Magic Bullets. I had blood in every BM also, and thought it was caused by the bullet aggravating the bowel walls. Anyway, I switched to ENEMEEZ and, your right there too, it doesn't work like clock work over night. My body had to get used to it's gentler touch. But once it did, what used to take 2 1/2 hours, now takes about 45 minutes almost every time.

Hey, we have to remember there is no way in the world that one can assume what works for me is definitely going to work for you. I don't take stool softeners. I'd have accidents all the time if I did. I do, however, recommend that if you try something different, you have to really give it some time and effort due to reasons you've already asserted. The body needs time to adjust to something new. If your guys Mom doesn't want to try, then I don't know how you're going to tackle that one . . . . except to make a stronger case about the bleeding issues.

[Lucky]

If there's no sensation then for sure, quit the softeners as they'll only make it a harder/messier job. My insides are 50/50. Not like they were but on a good day I can just sit on the throne and push like normal and job done.
How-ever my secret is 1 or 2 micralax followed quickly by a bullet.
I've never had to stimulate but I find and was told a spinal unit that a hot drink and rubbing your tummy anti-clockwise helps movement.
Oh and a little blood ain't nothing really to worry about. The rectum's a little like the nasal passage..... full of tiny little blood vessels and it only takes one tiny nip to produce blood.
Do take care when manual ex because the bowel is a really sensitive part and boy do we need it!

[Fazer386]

I agree with giving it time. I went from Dulcolax to Magic Bullets then Enemeez. I adjusted quickly to the Enemeez, now 15-20 and done. I agree with the others and stop taking the softeners. My Doc had me on both and it guaranteed accidents. I only use MiraLAX if I don't have any results for a few days, then only one dose in the evening every night until I get results. I stop once I get results. My routine usually kicks into gear right away.

Good luck.

[MrBump]

I have a satchet of Movicol each night, is that a softener ???
In the morning I have 2 microlax's and a couple of checks, i'm on dunny for about 20 minutes.....

whats the difference between microlax and enimeez ??????

[cathie]

movicol is a softener. usually used for severe constipation or impaction

[Lucky]

MrBump, on 07 September 2010 - 03:27 AM, said:

I have a satchet of Movicol each night, is that a softener ???
In the morning I have 2 microlax's and a couple of checks, i'm on dunny for about 20 minutes.....

A satchet of Movicol each night keep the constipation at bay. Mr Bump, havve you reied doing your routine every other day rather than daily?
If you have a great routine and don't mind sitting for 20 mins each morning, then good for you mate.
I personally have 1 and a quarter Movicol before bed and then just wait for nature to take over. Some times I may go and then go the next day too. I've been known to go 7 days before Going, but when I do need to go, I know that the Movicol will stop my body sucking every bit of moisture from my bowel where as if I waited days with no Movicol, I could be in a horrible mess with constipation. Having broke my neck, my arms/hands can't reach very well to help with the old manual and stimulation.
Can't think of many things worse than being impacted with full sensation.
Also try 1 or 2 Microlax and 1 supository too. Works very well for me.

All the best.