[Jennii]

O.K., this isn't exactly a grand thing to talk about but I rarely am around other people with disabilities, or even less with people whom are having to deal with something even remotely close to my condition (mainly by choice, I just simply don't have the patience), so yeah…

Anyway, to the point:

Does anyone else have a problem with having enormous poops? Haha. My friend and I came up with a theory that it may be from the muscles being relaxed from non-use, and therefore allowing larger amounts to pass through, but the thing is, I never used to have that problem. It only started when I was 13.

[Captain Pike]

Wow, I thought you were talking about blood pressure! Yeah, especially since someone else is regularly doing the gauging! I've raised the eyebrows of a couple of my helpers. I didn't even think I ate that much either, but wow the Guinness Book of World Records has come to mind a couple of mornings.

I'm no expert here, but I do think things get a little enlarged over time when we've had a SCI.

Most of all, I wanted to commend you for pressing through the envelope of fear and putting it out there! You are not alone!

[Trail-Boss]

Oh Yea,
In our neck of the woods, we call it "The Mother Load".
Not a big deal, oop's, well maybe it is. Ha-Ha.
In the morning we put the rabbit in the hole and oh my, sometimes they really store alot up for the winter.
Thats Life !!!

Trail-Boss and Stick-Tight

[elisabeth]

I don't understand that either, generally my routine is pretty medium-range but every now and again (even though I eat like a mouse) the mother load pops out... I reckon it's because each time we have a movement not everything comes out, so little bits gets stuck either inside the intestine or the bowel and sometimes just all come out at once... that's just my thoughts on the matter though, not really sure why it happens at all

[Jennii]

elisabeth, on Feb 8 2007, 06:55 AM, said:

I reckon it's because each time we have a movement not everything comes out, so little bits gets stuck either inside the intestine or the bowel and sometimes just all come out at once...

Hah'. Yeah, I think so too. I read somewhere that a person can hold up to 10 LBS. of all that! It's funny because during those stupid typical female times when I'd feel all fat and disgusting my ex-boyfriend/best friend/room mate/person-thingy/whatever (haha) would joke around and say "Psh…! You're not fat! You're just full of shit — literally!", and sadly… he'd be so right, whenever I "gain", it's aaaall just poop-weight. My waist would/does seriously lose about 4-6 inches after I go. Haha.


Ah, yes…! This is such a lovely topic.

I'm actually really surprised so many people have actually responded as they have. Bravo on the courage! Hah'.

This post has been edited by Jennii: 08 February 2007 - 06:31 PM

[Lee]

I thought this was about blood pressure also, lol

You're not fat! You're just full of shit — literally

I am exactly that. Full of it. I went to the docs suffering from constipation saying i had put up with it for 3 years purely out of embarresment and needed something done. The doctor basically said try this stuff and if it doesnt work then you have put up with it so long then just carry on, honest, she said that.

I went back a year later with same probs and they said try this other stuff, didnt work, they said try this stuff, didnt work so they said your metabolic rate must be slow. I go once every 10-12 days and they know this. I can feel the toxins build up and makes me ill but i physically cant go. I was treated as a normal patient in hospital as a had an internal spinal tumour so didnt get the SCI info i needed and still need. This site gives me more info than the docs have ever gave me. Ive changed diet, fluids etc and still nowt works. Now and again its perfectly normal but as you say its unreal how much i can atually produce and the physical size is unbelieveable. Sometimes it doesnt even flush away, lol.

[Jennii]

Lee, on Feb 9 2007, 04:03 AM, said:

I thought this was about blood pressure also, lol

I went back a year later with same probs and they said try this other stuff, didnt work, they said try this stuff, didnt work so they said your metabolic rate must be slow. I go once every 10-12 days and they know this. I can feel the toxins build up and makes me ill but i physically cant go. I was treated as a normal patient in hospital as a had an internal spinal tumour so didnt get the SCI info i needed and still need. This site gives me more info than the docs have ever gave me. Ive changed diet, fluids etc and still nowt works. Now and again its perfectly normal but as you say its unreal how much i can atually produce and the physical size is unbelieveable. Sometimes it doesnt even flush away, lol.

Yeah, I've been told the same to "just deal with it", and although one may not need to go every single day that still can't be good on the body to have all that waste building up for so long!

[girlracer]

Lee, on Feb 9 2007, 01:03 PM, said:

I thought this was about blood pressure also, lol

You're not fat! You're just full of shit — literally

I am exactly that. Full of it. I went to the docs suffering from constipation saying i had put up with it for 3 years purely out of embarresment and needed something done. The doctor basically said try this stuff and if it doesnt work then you have put up with it so long then just carry on, honest, she said that.

I went back a year later with same probs and they said try this other stuff, didnt work, they said try this stuff, didnt work so they said your metabolic rate must be slow. I go once every 10-12 days and they know this. I can feel the toxins build up and makes me ill but i physically cant go. I was treated as a normal patient in hospital as a had an internal spinal tumour so didnt get the SCI info i needed and still need. This site gives me more info than the docs have ever gave me. Ive changed diet, fluids etc and still nowt works. Now and again its perfectly normal but as you say its unreal how much i can atually produce and the physical size is unbelieveable. Sometimes it doesnt even flush away, lol.

When I was in the spinal unit they got me to 'empty' every other day... last year I decided to try doing it every 2 days as I wasn't 'producing' much...
When I went back to the spinal unit for a check-up I told them this and was told to absoloutely not increase the time between the 'emptying' as it is bad for my intestines...
10-12 days is crazy... what do you use to help?

[Lee]

Nothing usually or as much guiness as i can drink, lol.

[girlracer]

Lee, on Feb 18 2007, 07:13 PM, said:

Nothing usually or as much guiness as i can drink, lol.

Why don't you take anything to... 'go'? I thought we had to!
I'm not surprised then that you go every 10-12 days!

Have you never been told what to take?

[Lee]

Ive been told about sweet F.A as far as SCi info, bowel programmes and anything at all. I have told the my doctors at the hospital and they say nothing. All they seem bothered about it making sure my tumour doesnt return. I find laxatives are too strong sometimes and doesnt give me enough time to go to the loo and other times it doesnt work at all or has a delayed reaction when im out a few days later and have a few problems, lol. Ive basically been left out of any information giving details about problems that an sci person may have. The only information i get is from this site.

[girlracer]

Lee, on Feb 20 2007, 05:49 PM, said:

Ive been told about sweet F.A as far as SCi info, bowel programmes and anything at all. I have told the my doctors at the hospital and they say nothing. All they seem bothered about it making sure my tumour doesnt return. I find laxatives are too strong sometimes and doesnt give me enough time to go to the loo and other times it doesnt work at all or has a delayed reaction when im out a few days later and have a few problems, lol. Ive basically been left out of any information giving details about problems that an sci person may have. The only information i get is from this site.

ok, I'm gonna try to find out a couple of names for you. I've got them in Italian at the moment and that's not much help. I'll do some research and get back to you as soon as I can.

[rkzenrage]

I take natural softeners like dulcolax, or the generic. Helps a great deal.

[Lee]

Ive got sum dulcolax but if you read the instructions it actually iritates the intestine and the rectum to produce a stool and basically gives me a twitchy arse, lol. Last for about 2 days and most of the time does nothing. Cheers gilracer for the help and wait for the info.

[SpeedyBK]

[b][font=Arial Black]Hi I'm new here I what you would a C-1 complete and a C-2 incomplet, I have been since age 2 and I'm 25 almost 26. I was wondering about others like me and what they can "feel" as I'll put it because it's not but yet it's something right. One of the things I'm looking for a answer on is kinda what i found here. I was wondering do most of you and is it wierd for my high level injury to have "feeling" or a sense that I have to have a poop. I take a lax and get one ducolax supositoy every other day and have my stim or removal the next morning like 5 a.m. Also I'm not sure if I am or my body needs relief after that long of time with the lax, or what but sometimes it feels like to me I'm pushing some out on my own.



Tell me what you guys think.
SpeedyBK

[girlracer]

So Lee... I've been trying to find out for you!

My way of 'getting things going' is using a micro enima composed of camomile and something called 'malva' (translated I only find 'mauve', but that's a colour) that can be bought at any farmacy. It works practically right away so be ready!

There is also a pill that some take like the night before so they 'go' in the morning, but I don't know much about it and find the micros to be much handier as you go when is best for you without really planning in advance.

Of course these things are really individual but try with these micro enima things first, then we'll go from there.

Oh... do it every other day!

[manna56]

Lee, on Feb 20 2007, 04:49 PM, said:

Ive been told about sweet F.A as far as SCi info, bowel programmes and anything at all. I have told the my doctors at the hospital and they say nothing. All they seem bothered about it making sure my tumour doesnt return. I find laxatives are too strong sometimes and doesnt give me enough time to go to the loo and other times it doesnt work at all or has a delayed reaction when im out a few days later and have a few problems, lol. Ive basically been left out of any information giving details about problems that an sci person may have. The only information i get is from this site.

The reason your docs say nothing is because they know nothing about nutrition or prevention. I'm a T4 and had IBS till just a few years ago. NEVER USE OVER THE COUNTER LAXATIVES. You're creating a "Lazy Bowel" syndrome.

Eat high fibre and 2 liters of water a day. No sodas, alcohol, just water or a herbal tea as a laxative. psyllium is good. And special herbal teas from health food store.

Need more advice? Please contact me at edeliesen@hotmail.com

The Best,

Ed

[rescuedobemom]

Agree with Ed. In rehab, I was given the following regimen and it has worked for me:

2 liters of water daily
Surfak (Docusate Calcium) (Stool softener) Morning and night
Metamucil Capsule (Psyllium Fiber) Morning and Night (Trying to drink the powder form makes me yak in a big way.
Magic Bullet Suppository. (This is a water soluble biscodyl suppository that was developed by a quadaraplegic here in the US, to cut down on the time it took for his bowel program.) The suppository is a bowel irritant--NOT A LAXITIVE, so it has no long term effects from usage.

In the morning, after the Baclofen kicks in, so that I can sit on the commode chair without spazzing off the seat, I use a glove and empty the rectum. I then insert the suppository and have my morning coffee. The suppository usually works in about 15 minutes, so bring the paper or a good book. I tried going every other day, but that was just too uncomfortable for me. My biggest problem now, is that I am going to need surgery for my prolapsed rectum, because the S-1 damage pretty much took out the pelvic floor muscles. Sucks, but hey, at least I'm regular.

Barbi

[edlee]

I am amazed every day that I log on here at the wealth of information I find. I have been in a chair for almost three years now, and have gotten more useful info in the last three days than for the rest of that time as a whole.
With regard to your question, yes I know what you mean about size/quantity. About once every month or so I drop a load that involves sticks and plumber's helpers. Then nothing for four or five days. Normal ( for me ) amounts on the other days. Always comes as a surprise to me and not always a pleasant one.

I am curious, tho. Should one try , by chemical means or other, to completely empty oneself. I don't seem to be able to get any consistent answers from the medical community on this.

[Ben]

When i get the mother load i will not have too go for like 6 days sometimes and the best thing I`ve ever found too make me go was, brussel sprouts. Sounds stupid but go pick some fresh ones cause the bagged ones suck. And eat too many, feel really gassy, and tomorrow morning you will have a new baby. And maybe a few friends too. But it works and not so many pills. I do take a ducolax though. One then skip a day and take two. Then skip a day and back too one. I`ve tried every day and then for a few years it was 2 every other day but that worked too good.

[Kwag_Myers]

The only time I had a problem of this magnitude (pun intended) was when I had a bad reaction to some medication. At first I was in disbelief, but then it happened a couple more times. My first reaction was, “Did that come out of me?” My second reaction was, “I’m glad I didn’t feel it.”

I know this doesn’t help, but as long as we’re talking about it, ya know, …

[E-DOG]

Ya know,
I think you guys, each and every one of you, are totally and completely FULL OF.............

Great ideas.

While at the VA hospital I let loose with a whopper the likes of which NO one had ever seen before.
Damn near filled the frigging toilet. As you Brits would say, "a real corker" as I would say "a real un-corker"
But enough chit chat about shits shat long ago and on to more relevant shit. (somebody, STOP me!)

O.K., I'm better now.
First thing in the morning I jump on ol' Betsy, my trusty crapper chair, insert TAB-A into SLOT-B, a ducolac supository. Then I make a cup of strong instant coffee. Ill sit outside listening to the birds chirp, drinking the coffee, smoking cigarettes, and about 15 minutes later Ill hear the heart felt sigh of an infatuated asshole (a fart for those unfamiliar with the lingo) and I'll know the trains started up and cargo's on the way. If I'm not in a hurry that day I'll just sit there, waiting for shit to flow smoothly. If I got lots of other shit to do, I'll do a little dig-stim to get things moving along a little quicker. Big fun till I realize I forgot to bring a glove. But oh well, anything for the sake of good bowelcare, right folks?
If I don't at least try this every day (occasionally nothing happens) then incontinence rears it's ugly brown head, always in the wrong place at the wrong time.
So remember sportsfans, fight the good fight, crap the good crap, you'll stay healthy, wealthy and wise.
e-dog elucidating yet another involute object of discussion.

[Kathy]

Hi,
I am new to this site and I have been reading what you guys have been talking about and boy have we all been there, I have actully weighed myself afterwards and lost 8lb. But what I wanted to tell you guys about is this stuff my pain doctor has my taking. I am on alot of pain medication and of course that causes alot of us to be blocked up as we all know, And for most of my life I have only been able to have a bowel movement about every three weeks I know I know don't scream.... I hear it all the time, 2 years ago I was dianosed with a tumor on my spine and now i know why I have this problem. So now I know I not full of shit LOL, But anyway there is this stuff called Miralax it is a powder that you mix in your coffee or tea which ever you drink, you can use it up to three times a day it causes no cramping or pain. And it does not change the taste of what ever you are drinking. I have went from going every 3 week to going everyday or every otherday now. It has worked miracles on me. here is a link to the web site http://www.miralax.com/default.html so you guys can check to see if it is available in your area. I just want to let you guys know about this great stuff hope to talk to you all as I get to know this site alittle more

[kewlcatkez]

With regards to the "training" and developing a Bowel Program/routine, in order to achieve a regular bowel movement, pls read this link: http://www.spinal.co...lmanagement.pdf. It is actually the most comprehensive Bowel Management literature I have come across. A friend shared it with me when I was having my own difficulties. Even as a RN I have never seen such detailed information on this.

Not trying to teach grandma how to suck eggs, but we need to keep in the forefront if our mind that after SCI/D/Neurological deficit, the bowel will not work as it once did no matter what you do and that you can not train it. Instead you CAN develop a routine which will enable you to empty your bowel when it has sufficient faecal matter in there. You may dislike her having medications, but some of the ones you mention are merely to soften the stool and allow it to pass out more easily. It is not necessary to empty the bowel entirely, but that in the lower part of the bowel.

Medications such as antibiotics can screw up things for a while, so when taking them it is important to bear this in mind. Antibiotics which cause diarrhoea can often be changed for another less likely to provoke this.

Anyone with a Neurogenic Bowel (as in anyone with Paralysis affecting their lower body and sacrum) has degrees of slowed Peristalsis. This is why those of us affected by paralysis/neurological deficit need to find a Program..ie methods which allow her to empty our bowel, either independently (dig stim, stool softeners, medication) or with help (from a caregiver/aide). Posture also plays a part, laying on our left side ( where possible) during enema/suppository insertion aids natural emptying of the bowel, and peristalsis. Also warm water sipped just before and during Bowel Routine does help some people. Natural aids to assist with the bloating and gas are peppermint extract and camomille teas etc...

Fruit and vegetables speed up elimination, so eating those more ofeten then perhaps before, would perhaps lead to emptying the bowel more regularly than every 3 or 4 days. To be honest, a routine is still a routine if its every day, every second day or every 3.. A high fibre diet with 'roughage' and plenty of water is essential to maintaining a bowel routine. It takes time to establish a routine and even then things can change due to illness, spicy foods (or foods unusual to you), antibiotics and other medications being started, emotional upset etc. Excess caffeine and alcohol should be avoided due to its affects on the bowel and digestion. Smoking and the toxins introduced into the body via it is also a no no which most of us are aware of. Some authorities state smoking affects cells throughout the body, including the bowel (cell death and reduces cell renewal).

As touched on above, stool softeners,suppositories,enemas, digital stimulation etc are some of the things required to help with a bowel routine. Although in those WITHOUT a neurological deficit this is not recommended, this is not the case in those of us with a one. As our bodies no longer are able to do this alone and automatically, it is essential to assist it. Getting backed up with stool can lead to sever impaction, chronic constipation, (with their own side effects, which can be serious) and an abnormal dilatation of the colon.

Anyway, I have wittered on for far too long. I apologise for the length of this, but hope that its useful to someone. Of course as always,no matter who is giving the opinion/advice, we should always check with our health care provider..

Take care,

K

[Motor]

kewlcatkez, on Apr 2 2008, 05:49 AM, said:

With regards to the "training" and developing a Bowel Program/routine, in order to achieve a regular bowel movement, pls read this link: http://www.spinal.co...lmanagement.pdf. It is actually the most comprehensive Bowel Management literature I have come across. A friend shared it with me when I was having my own difficulties. Even as a RN I have never seen such detailed information on this.

Not trying to teach grandma how to suck eggs, but we need to keep in the forefront if our mind that after SCI/D/Neurological deficit, the bowel will not work as it once did no matter what you do and that you can not train it. Instead you CAN develop a routine which will enable you to empty your bowel when it has sufficient faecal matter in there. You may dislike her having medications, but some of the ones you mention are merely to soften the stool and allow it to pass out more easily. It is not necessary to empty the bowel entirely, but that in the lower part of the bowel.

Medications such as antibiotics can screw up things for a while, so when taking them it is important to bear this in mind. Antibiotics which cause diarrhoea can often be changed for another less likely to provoke this.

Anyone with a Neurogenic Bowel (as in anyone with Paralysis affecting their lower body and sacrum) has degrees of slowed Peristalsis. This is why those of us affected by paralysis/neurological deficit need to find a Program..ie methods which allow her to empty our bowel, either independently (dig stim, stool softeners, medication) or with help (from a caregiver/aide). Posture also plays a part, laying on our left side ( where possible) during enema/suppository insertion aids natural emptying of the bowel, and peristalsis. Also warm water sipped just before and during Bowel Routine does help some people. Natural aids to assist with the bloating and gas are peppermint extract and camomille teas etc...

Fruit and vegetables speed up elimination, so eating those more ofeten then perhaps before, would perhaps lead to emptying the bowel more regularly than every 3 or 4 days. To be honest, a routine is still a routine if its every day, every second day or every 3.. A high fibre diet with 'roughage' and plenty of water is essential to maintaining a bowel routine. It takes time to establish a routine and even then things can change due to illness, spicy foods (or foods unusual to you), antibiotics and other medications being started, emotional upset etc. Excess caffeine and alcohol should be avoided due to its affects on the bowel and digestion. Smoking and the toxins introduced into the body via it is also a no no which most of us are aware of. Some authorities state smoking affects cells throughout the body, including the bowel (cell death and reduces cell renewal).

As touched on above, stool softeners,suppositories,enemas, digital stimulation etc are some of the things required to help with a bowel routine. Although in those WITHOUT a neurological deficit this is not recommended, this is not the case in those of us with a one. As our bodies no longer are able to do this alone and automatically, it is essential to assist it. Getting backed up with stool can lead to sever impaction, chronic constipation, (with their own side effects, which can be serious) and an abnormal dilatation of the colon.

Anyway, I have wittered on for far too long. I apologise for the length of this, but hope that its useful to someone. Of course as always,no matter who is giving the opinion/advice, we should always check with our health care provider..

Take care,

K

For most people going daily is common. However SCI patients usually try to but can't. Many do but I can't. I go every third or fourth day. Thats how I get the mother load! A plunger must be nearby. Remember your not alone. Just don't go to long in between BMs.

[Jennii]

I think I speak for many when I say thank you for all those who've given suggestions as to solving the problem! And for those who've shared stories, and their own theories as to why such a thing occurs in the first place: again, bravo for the courage!

[stevie g]

Forgive me for I have been unfaithful.
I have strayed to this site.---

http://sci.rutgers.e...ad.php?t=110808

And I found this.



As the carer for my better half (don't tell her I said so ) one of the worst things about sci is the bowel programme.

I've shown her this and she is tempted but a bit wary of it.

What are you're thoughts?


Steve

This post has been edited by stevie g: 13 February 2011 - 06:23 PM

[Ben]

stevie g, on 13 February 2011 - 06:20 PM, said:

Forgive me for I have been unfaithful.
I have strayed to this site.---

http://sci.rutgers.e...ad.php?t=110808

And I found this.



As the carer for my better half (don't tell her I said so ) one of the worst things about sci is the bowel programme.

I've shown her this and she is tempted but a bit wary of it.

What are you're thoughts?


Steve

The first thing I thought was f**k wow!?!? And then I thought that it might not really work that good. But still it would be the type of body she has. Some will work while others don't. And the only way too find out is too get one. And how do you take it back if it doesn't work? My last thought was that it was probably more fun for the people that could feel it!

[edlee]

Not so sure about the fun part,, but unless you can feel it,, how can you tell where it's hitting? It's not like we have a funnel back there. Maybe if they put a camera down there and had a screen you could watch,, with cross hairs, maybe. Like a target sport. It would give you something to keep you busy while you wait. Better than magazines, I would think. But then you'ld need to keep cleaning the lens.

ed

[mellowgator]

lmao!






mellowgator