[eleanorigby]

Does anyone know what the long term effects of having to be on a bowl program might be? Can you stretch out the muscles of your anus from digit stimulation? I do BC every day and I've started worrying about this. I do not have any bowel incontinance and would like to keep it that way!

[Quad65]

I've been a C5/C6 incomplete for 43 years and use Dulcolax suppositories and digital stim to get my BP done. I'm sure there could be a bit of stretching or loss of 'muscle tone'. But consider this: The anal sphincter is made to open and close to pass waste. If the stim is done gently, it shouldn't cause any major problems over time. Hemorrhoids can develop at any time whether an SCI or AB from poor diet and straining.

While I don't pass any 'solid matter' between BPs, I've noticed in recent years that sometimes a bit of mucous discharge will seep out once in a while. Nothing major requiring a clean-up or change of clothes, just a little spot I notice later.

Then again, every SCI is different.

[E-DOG]

eleanorigby, on Aug 1 2008, 06:08 PM, said:

Does anyone know what the long term effects of having to be on a bowl program might be? Can you stretch out the muscles of your anus from digit stimulation? I do BC every day and I've started worrying about this.

Depends, (no pun intended) how big are your fingers?
Fisting will eventually put a hitch in the old rectal giddiup, but most turds are bigger than a middle finger so unless yer into a little
"rough trade action" you should be ok.
Just keep it to bowel care only as it can be very addictive and difficult to explain on dates or in church.
E-dog

[JT80]

E-DOG, on Aug 3 2008, 05:04 AM, said:

eleanorigby, on Aug 1 2008, 06:08 PM, said:

Does anyone know what the long term effects of having to be on a bowl program might be? Can you stretch out the muscles of your anus from digit stimulation? I do BC every day and I've started worrying about this.

Depends, (no pun intended) how big are your fingers?
Fisting will eventually put a hitch in the old rectal giddiup, but most turds are bigger than a middle finger so unless yer into a little
"rough trade action" you should be ok.
Just keep it to bowel care only as it can be very addictive and difficult to explain on dates or in church.
E-dog

hahaha. brilliant analysis.

[Scribbler]

I've had manual evacuations by more people than I care to remember for 50 years. I'm C4/5 incomplete with full feeling. In 50 years I've had maybe 1 accident, but that was due to bad food.

I rarely use laxatives and never use suppositories so my bowel care is quite fast and easy. My only worry is having so many different people doing it they wouldn't notice a problem like an anal fissure.

Some PA's are rougher than others but if you're doing your own bowel care then I wouldn't worry too much.

Everyone is different so I can only generalise and tell you of my own experiences.

[qbounce]

Well that's the long term of it. But to add what quad65 said about extra discharge from suppositories: Often not all of the suppository comes out during BP, so later in the night just go on the toilet and squeeze out the remainder. If nothing comes, great, and if the last bit comes out, even better.

Eleanorigby,
You COULD try going every other night? Taking a break in between is one of the best decisions I made a year ago, and no accidents in between, either! Just a suggestion.

[sits2much]

I have been thinking about asking my doctor about digital stimulation or electrical bowel stimulation.... I have been on my BP for 2 years now and well it works sometimes but lately its diaper time and well I'm sure you all can feel for me and understand my frustrations....

How do you go about getting on a digital or electrical stimulation program???? and does it work??? are there side effects????

[LuckyinKentucky]

There is some reflex that is activated by doing dig stim so the first factor sits2much is determining whether you have this reflex... So basically your gonna need to pay some highly trained individual to stick their finger up your bum & find out.

[E-DOG]

LuckyinKentucky, on Aug 3 2008, 01:53 PM, said:

So basically your gonna need to pay some highly trained individual to stick their finger up your bum & find out.

PM me. Me and my middle finger can be anywhere in the world on a moments notice.
E-dog. just tryin' to be of service, anyway he can.

[Quad65]

'Dog, I didn't know you traveled the Hershey Highway. Oh, the secrets we keep...

[lune14]

... you guys kill me!

I did DS for a few years after rehab because... well I 'thought' I just had to. I can't recall why but I eventually just stopped and I've never had a problem going on my own since. As far as an actual program, I used to be a morning person, a hot cup of coffee usually does the trick. Lately however I've switched to nights just so I have more time. I really do hate the time it takes to go to the bathroom in general. If I didn't have to, I wouldn't 'waste' the time. HAHA!

Oh and if you're a girly, be sure to be careful with long nails. I have scratched myself before and I once had a fissure (not DS related however) that landed me in the ER. Scary stuff, all that blood!