16 replies to this topic

[brockit79]

Greetings fellow para-bods,

I have trawled BnB threads in search for some guidance on this but I've been through a few pages and really hope you don't mind me creating my own.

I want to change to evenings but I am just trying to decide what time in the evening is best. I'm thinking of the social life that I (you never know) hope to get back again one day. Some say before bed to ensure a good night sleep then others say around 6pm; should I be guided by when my body seems to want to (although my 'feeling' can not be trusted). One thing is for sure I know mornings do not seem to work well for me. Someone I know said that if I do it before bed then should I (well you never know!) want to go out I could always do it early on that day. Sorry to be blunt but my question is to those who have changed their routine nad how they decided on a regular time.

Many thanks in anticipation,
Brockit79

[knightrider]

If your wanting to change to evenings, i reckon before bed and even if you are doing something social, like going for a night out, doing it before you get ready shouldn't be a problem and cause the routine to screw up when you go back to the later time. Only way to find out what works for you is to try it for a couple of weeks. If mornings don't seem to work, definitely try evenings, you might find it works out better for you doing it in the evenings, extra lie ins and not having to get up so early before doing daily things lol....bonus!
I was put on evenings when i was in hospital but found it didn't work once i was home. Everyone is different and has their own times. Just give it a go, no harm in trying, you'll feel better once you have a routine going.

All the best

Edited by knightrider, 11 October 2011 - 03:33 PM.

[clk55pete]

I switched many years ago (over 20) to evenings because I found that if I was going to have an unexpected bowel movement it was always just after going to the loo and so it was easier to manage being in the bath or having gone to bed following an evening evac.

The change helped in many ways. Getting up later for work was one and also my body got more used to the routine and so I had very much fewer bowel accidents and over time they became rarer still. So I usually go to the look at 8.30 and then bath and bed. This takes about 2 hours in total but I go to the loo every third evening rather than alternate days.

[dm999]

clk55pete, on 11 October 2011 - 08:51 PM, said:

I switched many years ago (over 20) to evenings because I found that if I was going to have an unexpected bowel movement it was always just after going to the loo and so it was easier to manage being in the bath or having gone to bed following an evening evac.

The change helped in many ways. Getting up later for work was one and also my body got more used to the routine and so I had very much fewer bowel accidents and over time they became rarer still. So I usually go to the look at 8.30 and then bath and bed. This takes about 2 hours in total but I go to the loo every third evening rather than alternate days.

Similar for me, IBM's are usually within a few hours of a regular one, so evenings before bed is best. If I have a good BM and don't eat too much can even go four days. Every third evening or three times a week, still allows an social life.

[ebeth]

I switched to evenings a number of years ago because of my job. I found that at first when I switched, my body didn't know what to do. It took a number of days until I had a BM in the evening. I really prefer the evening schedule. That way I don't have to wake up as early in the morning. Also, if I do have some sort of accident, I don't have to worry about being late for work.
I've never tried early evenings because I thought it would be too much of an interruption in the day. I'm happy with the before bed schedule, even if it means that some days I can't stay out as late as others.

[brockit79]

Thanks guys!

Before bed it is. I am relieved about what you guys have said re not going every alternate day. I'm still figuring stuff out but doing the whole routine with no result every day is draining. This info has helped me a lot; once I know in my mind what course of action I am going to take it gives me the focus I need to see it through.

Broc

[Trinity]

Don't quote me on this but I think something like 30 mins after eating is supposed to be a key time as this is when the bowel is most active!

I think being flexible is very important when it comes to bowels don't be ruled by them. I switched from mornings (in hospital mornings was anything from about 5am onwards) to, well, loosely to evenings but it is not set in stone. It is when it's most convenient to me. Mornings are generally a no go, I have to get up early enough anyway for work, but if I am away then mornings may work better as it fits in with my plans. Late morning if I am having a lazy day or afternoons on my days off tends to be the best time for me or evenings if I am working or have been busy. I also am an alternate day kinda girl, but I can go a day longer with no problems if need be. I guess I have never been one for routines. My body generally behaves itself and I have learnt how it works for the main part and to be fair, nothing is coming out unless I "facilitate" it! The only exception (and there always has to be an exception!) is after a heavy night on the booze then it's a def first thing in the morning job, alcohol does strange things to my gut!

[goldnucs]

Not sure when's the best but I can write a book about the worst!

[goose]

I agree with Trinity...don't get hung up on a set time. Try being flexible. Be careful if you're traveling...only drink water that is bottled! All water is not created equal. Drinking something hot 30 mins before also helps. Try not to get dependent on 'fiber' additives. If you'll eat fruit , you shouldn't need anything else. Your body will act better with more natural foods. If you pay attention to your body, it'll give you warning signs.

[brockit79]

Trinity, on 12 October 2011 - 08:15 PM, said:

Don't quote me on this but I think something like 30 mins after eating is supposed to be a key time as this is when the bowel is most active!

I think being flexible is very important when it comes to bowels don't be ruled by them. I switched from mornings (in hospital mornings was anything from about 5am onwards) to, well, loosely to evenings but it is not set in stone. It is when it's most convenient to me. Mornings are generally a no go, I have to get up early enough anyway for work, but if I am away then mornings may work better as it fits in with my plans. Late morning if I am having a lazy day or afternoons on my days off tends to be the best time for me or evenings if I am working or have been busy. I also am an alternate day kinda girl, but I can go a day longer with no problems if need be. I guess I have never been one for routines. My body generally behaves itself and I have learnt how it works for the main part and to be fair, nothing is coming out unless I "facilitate" it! The only exception (and there always has to be an exception!) is after a heavy night on the booze then it's a def first thing in the morning job, alcohol does strange things to my gut!

goose, on 13 October 2011 - 09:27 AM, said:

I agree with Trinity...don't get hung up on a set time. Try being flexible. Be careful if you're traveling...only drink water that is bottled! All water is not created equal. Drinking something hot 30 mins before also helps. Try not to get dependent on 'fiber' additives. If you'll eat fruit , you shouldn't need anything else. Your body will act better with more natural foods. If you pay attention to your body, it'll give you warning signs.

guys glad you have said this as i do better when i listen to my bod. in rehab it is drummed in to us about having one set time but i just cant operate like that!

i guess as long as you empty right it will reduce the risk of accidental poopas.

much appreciation!

Broc

[Kwag_Myers]

Man, if I waited until bed-time I'd either get sick to my stomach or my tighty-whities would take one for the team. I envy you guys who can schedule yourselves.

[mcferguson]

Last week I changed my routine from every other day in the morning to every day right before bed (anywhere from 9pm-12pm, depending), and I am very pleased with the results. Going every other day, the routine took 1 hour, going every day, the routine takes 15 minutes and I am less worried about accidents.

[trynity7]

this is where i struggle the most. because i have such trouble getting on and maintaining a decent schedule. when i was in the hospital it was between 7-8pm. then when i came home and my mom was helping me i didn't get it done til almost midnight most nights. so finally after learning to do it myself i decided to include it as part of my morning shower routine which i do everyday. so far so good

[A trophy guy]

goldnucs, on 12 October 2011 - 10:34 PM, said:

Not sure when's the best but I can write a book about the worst!

That's pure gold!

[Tetracyclone]

If I do not wait until system signals readiness with spasticity and colon spasms, it sometimes does not work.

This morning the spirit moved at 2am. I really hate that.

[Scottyblaze]

Mon-Wed-Fri mornings is all I know. The whole routine & shower takes about 3 hours...

[The Black Sheep]

I have been on a new routine for about 3 weeks now and GAH! Why didn't I do this sooner. I usually go in the afternoon before bed. During the day, moving around a lot and drinking lots of fluids, it just kind of made sense to go at night, but it's not really predictable. So I've been exhausted after work and I just want to go to bed. I've tried morning routines, but I think I dehydrate while I sleep and I almost never "go" in the morning. I started setting my alarm clock 45 minutes earlier to try to morning routine. I wake up, chug a bottle of water and then lay down for 30 or so more minutes. I swear, as stupid as it sounds, chugging water in the mornings gets the internal gears shifting and I feel so much better during the day.

Once a morning, and cram lots of veggies or apple sauce in the mouth throughout the day. I poop better than ever now! haha, ew. =\