10 replies to this topic

[Dutchgirl_in_UK]

This is not the nicest of subjects to chat about but I was wondering if there's anyone who's had their SCI(C6/7 Complete) for 30 or more years and having or has had more and more problems with bowels.
With my friend it's either stopping or going, no matter what's been eaten, how much or laxitives taken.
Suppositories don't work, digital check and stimulation have some effect but far from enough.
Several tests at Spinal hospital showed nothing's wrong with it...
Is it fair to be said and possible that the bowel starts wearing out after so many years? And what else could be done to make life more comfortable?

I was also wondering... if the bowel doesn't work properly anymore, could a peristaltic movement being simulated with the use of a catheter of a peristeen without using any water?

That's all for now, thanks!

[xxm]

I've been with SCI for more than 36 years and aging also have some difficulties with BM. I use only digital stim and very rarely oral or anal laxatives only when constipated. Also used peristeen but abandoned it. I don't think that anal cath only can produce any result. Try laxatives based on sena and other natural ingredients but never use the same laxative for a long time.

Rudy

[megatrig]

24 years for me!! A few problems too! Peristeen hmmmm!

Qufora is better!

Try it!!!

http://www.manfred-s..._irrigation.asp

Or at least give them a call they are incredibly helpful!!

[dingle]

Hello
I had a spinal injury in 1965 at C7 and 12 years ago I had a colostomy since then I have had no problems,
it was one of the best things I have done.

[greybeard]

Have you tried light abdominal massage. It might help if peristalsis in the large colon is weak.

[Nailed]

greybeard, on 09 December 2011 - 09:55 AM, said:

Have you tried light abdominal massage. It might help if peristalsis in the large colon is weak.

Second what greybeard has said. That and digital stimulation usually works for me.

[Dutchgirl_in_UK]

Thanks for the response so far.
Another question has raised... is it possible that when constipated you just get nauseous, discomfort and neuropathic pain and not getting Autonomic?

Edited by Dutchgirl_in_UK, 10 December 2011 - 07:14 PM.

[switney]

Yes it is possible. Many times i get a sudden headache plus fast heart bits, followed by alot of sweating. At first i was scared but i got to knw that this happens to signal BM for me. I don't knw if its the same with others. I hop things get beta for you.

[Edinburgh Colin]

Dutchgirl_in_UK, on 10 December 2011 - 06:56 PM, said:

Thanks for the response so far.
Another question has raised... is it possible that when constipated you just get nauseous, discomfort and neuropathic pain and not getting Autonomic?

I would say definetly, especially if there is a history of AD.
'The simptoms you describe are normal AB symptoms with the exceptionof the neuro pain.

[wheeliebear75]

I'm not quite as high up or as long ago....but with my 21.5yrs @ L2....I find how much pain killers I have taken or not taken within the past 72hrs play a BIG roll in how backed up OR loose I get. I've learned over the years by trial & error that if I am having to take a lot more pain pills than I'll also have to take more " pills" (I take the fiber supplement + the natural make it so you CAN go not that they MAKE YOU go) to counteract the Rx's effects on my digestive system aka bowels. On the other hand I also need to remember that when I start taking less of the Rx pain pills then I also need to start taking less of the OTHER kind of pills.

AD can be caused by all sorts of things....so I'm just singing with the rest of the choir....."AD!".

[Zack]

Hello,
Just pasted 30 years in July.
Early on I was neurogenic bowel & bladder. After about 6 years SCI something changed and left me with a flaccid bowel & bladder.
I had to switch my diet so I could live without accidents, and go to a daily digital bowel routine that take about 20 minutes. I need to make sure to stay active, so not to get backed up. Over eating my favorite foods is a no no now. I'd get backed up fast!
I take No laxatives or anything rectally.

Oh, the Bladder I forgot. I wear a condom catheter and for reasons unknown to me, I went from voiding whenever the bladder felt like it, to being able to empty out by bearing down. If I empty totally after cutting back on my fluids for a couple of hours, I'm able to go catheter free for almost an hour. That was my & my partners biggest joy in the sex department.
I've been pretty lucky

Edited by Zack, 18 December 2011 - 04:35 AM.