Bowel program and diapers.

[greatlake5]

I've been trying a bowel program since I was a young adult. Obviously if it works, I have fewer BM accidents. I've been IC since the beginning. And I'm 24/7 diaper dependent. I didn't like enemas. Mostly it can be messy (leaks hours latter). And I've tried bisacodyl 10 mg. This can be helpful especially for paralyzed people. But I just can't tolerate them. I've tried. The rectal irritation causes severe abdominal cramps. They are just too much for me. I guess I'm just too sensitive. I would always feel extreme discomfort for hours after using them. Unfortunately I just can't use bisacodyl. And I hate enemas. So what do I use? Nothing. I'm in my early 30's and I've been IC since the beginning. I've tried a bowel program but I just don't like them (enemas or bisacodyl). Today I've been trying to have a BM naturality. And with this I do it with timing. Everyday. I eat healthy and active exercise. Daily. For using my "program" I have a BM usually once a day. Mostly in the early morning or while sleeping. It's not proof-worth but most of the day it works. Yes, I do have accidents. But I don't have them daily. That's why I wear diapers. My accidents happen about 2 or 3 times a week. Which is way better than if daily accidents. If you are profoundly IC like me, have you ever tried a bowel program? How does it work for you? Or do you use a natural BM and use diapers?

 

[SuzakuAkatori]

I've been trying a bowel program since I was a young adult. Obviously if it works, I have fewer BM accidents. I've been IC since the beginning. And I'm 24/7 diaper dependent. I didn't like enemas. Mostly it can be messy (leaks hours latter). And I've tried bisacodyl 10 mg. This can be helpful especially for paralyzed people. But I just can't tolerate them. I've tried. The rectal irritation causes severe abdominal cramps. They are just too much for me. I guess I'm just too sensitive. I would always feel extreme discomfort for hours after using them. Unfortunately I just can't use bisacodyl. And I hate enemas. So what do I use? Nothing. I'm in my early 30's and I've been IC since the beginning. I've tried a bowel program but I just don't like them (enemas or bisacodyl). Today I've been trying to have a BM naturality. And with this I do it with timing. Everyday. I eat healthy and active exercise. Daily. For using my "program" I have a BM usually once a day. Mostly in the early morning or while sleeping. It's not proof-worth but most of the day it works. Yes, I do have accidents. But I don't have them daily. That's why I wear diapers. My accidents happen about 2 or 3 times a week. Which is way better than if daily accidents. If you are profoundly IC like me, have you ever tried a bowel program? How does it work for you? Or do you use a natural BM and use diapers?

I know someone in the UK who is bowel IC and they tried a program multiple times with no success. They told me it was just too much stress and too many fails and then I asked them why they still tried, they said they didnt want to seem lazy to others. And I told them if they are stressing themselves out more purely because of others expectations that they should stop because its mentally and physically unhealthy and instead focus on what makes them more comfortable. So since then they just gave up and are okay with just using diapers 24/7.

Sometimes its better to know when to throw in the towel and make the best out of what you are given. Knowing ones own limits is the ultimate strength and when life gives you lemons you make lemonade.

 

[jdinvirginia]

An effective bowel program requires both patience and self-discipline. Your bowl incontinence should be bad enough to offset the inconvenience of your bowel program (BP.) It should be followed every day at approximately the same time to build up regularity (train the bowel).

Bowel programs are tailored to the user, initially by your physician. They usually include dietary modification, more fiber, and exercise. It may be recommended that you time your BP for 20 to 45 minutes after your breakfast to allow time for the gastrocolic effect.

They may include laxatives (to prompt a predictable early morning BM before you go about your life).

They may include such steps as digital Rectal Examination (with a gloved hand) (to determine whether stool is present), then Digital Stimulation (digistim) to prompt defecation, and manual removel of feces (if necessary).

Some use rectal suppositories (glycerine or bisacodyl) or enemas (check with your physician)

My bowel program works very effectively for me. However, trial and experimentation was required over a period of many months.

I am double incontinent and treated by a spinal cord rehabilition specialist. I use all the above, plus enemas. Enemas are a common treatment and work very effectivley for me, but are not for everyone.

Only you and your physician can decide whether a full bowel program is right for you.

 

[furry121]

I've been trying a bowel program since I was a young adult. Obviously if it works, I have fewer BM accidents. I've been IC since the beginning. And I'm 24/7 diaper dependent. I didn't like enemas. Mostly it can be messy (leaks hours latter). And I've tried bisacodyl 10 mg. This can be helpful especially for paralyzed people. But I just can't tolerate them. I've tried. The rectal irritation causes severe abdominal cramps. They are just too much for me. I guess I'm just too sensitive. I would always feel extreme discomfort for hours after using them. Unfortunately I just can't use bisacodyl. And I hate enemas. So what do I use? Nothing. I'm in my early 30's and I've been IC since the beginning. I've tried a bowel program but I just don't like them (enemas or bisacodyl). Today I've been trying to have a BM naturality. And with this I do it with timing. Everyday. I eat healthy and active exercise. Daily. For using my "program" I have a BM usually once a day. Mostly in the early morning or while sleeping. It's not proof-worth but most of the day it works. Yes, I do have accidents. But I don't have them daily. That's why I wear diapers. My accidents happen about 2 or 3 times a week. Which is way better than if daily accidents. If you are profoundly IC like me, have you ever tried a bowel program? How does it work for you? Or do you use a natural BM and use diapers?

Try merilax i think its the spelling?
Supposed to help u go. Ive had the feeling of not being completely cleaned out . My gi doctor says thats why i proabbly feel like i need to go urgently idk

 

[Flipside67]

Take 3 tablespoons of Castor Oil. Nasty stuff, but within 8 hours your bowels will be cleansed.

 

[Fleetwoodmac32192]

I take miralax once in the morning with apple juice right after I wake up. I also take 2 fiber pills if I need it. I have one BM a day in the morning with no pain or struggling to go. But sometimes the urge to go is very sudden and having pull-ups is a relief if it can't wait. It's better than the hours I used to spend in and out of the bathroom in pain or trying to completely empty my bowels.

 

[TheBob]

An effective bowel program requires both patience and self-discipline. Your bowl incontinence should be bad enough to offset the inconvenience of your bowel program (BP.) It should be followed every day at approximately the same time to build up regularity (train the bowel).

Bowel programs are tailored to the user, initially by your physician. They usually include dietary modification, more fiber, and exercise. It may be recommended that you time your BP for 20 to 45 minutes after your breakfast to allow time for the gastrocolic effect.

They may include laxatives (to prompt a predictable early morning BM before you go about your life).

They may include such steps as digital Rectal Examination (with a gloved hand) (to determine whether stool is present), then Digital Stimulation (digistim) to prompt defecation, and manual removel of feces (if necessary).

Some use rectal suppositories (glycerine or bisacodyl) or enemas (check with your physician)

My bowel program works very effectively for me. However, trial and experimentation was required over a period of many months.

I am double incontinent and treated by a spinal cord rehabilition specialist. I use all the above, plus enemas. Enemas are a common treatment and work very effectivley for me, but are not for everyone.

Only you and your physician can decide whether a full bowel program is right for you.

Won't the use of enemas and rectal laxatives lead to dependency?

 

[Diaperman95]

I have been taking Miralx daily. For me I take it about 7 to 8 pm. Normally I have to g shortly after I get up and mobile. I have irritable bowel syndrome. Most days without meds it is not easy to go and I can go days. So I take it daily. But it sucks the when my bowels swing for being loose on their own. That’s when I have issues the most. But most of the time keeping things moving the timing works out. Even if I do not make it in the morning to the toilet some times I am done for the day most of the time. It is a super soft laxative that my doctor says is safe daily. You need to drink a bit more because it works by drawing moisture to your colon. So long as you stay hydrated I find most the days it keeps things going the same time.

 

[CheshireCat]

Won't the use of enemas and rectal laxatives lead to dependency?

Major issues involving the spine can require constant manual intervention. For someone whose bowel no longer moves properly, a bowel program prevents severe constipation, bowel impaction, and/or uncontrolled evacuation at inopportune times. For someone whose bladder no longer empties properly (chronic retention), self-catheterization prevents bladder and kidney infection and destruction. These are practices associated with severe incontinence and should not be done without medical supervision.

 

[jdinvirginia]

Won't the use of enemas and rectal laxatives lead to dependency?

Good question.

As CheshireCat has indicated, one would resort to more invasive measures like enemas after other methods have failed (added fiber, diet, exercise, etc.)

The overuse of mini-enemas can contribute to dependency. In contrast, large-volume enemas, particularly traditional soapsuds enemas, cause full-colon peristalsis (colonic contractions that we sense as "cramps"). That exercises the muscles of the colon and avoids dependency.

Most physicians will advise patients to try to have a normal bowel movement prior to administering an enema. The idea is both to empty the bowel for a more effective and comfortable enema and to exercise the rectal muscles to the most natural extent possible.

I have self-administered over 6,000 old-fashioned large volume enemas and still can have a normal bowel movement. However, our bodies all are different and may respond in different ways to enemas (and some people should not use enemas). The important thing is first to check with your physician. Unfortunately, these days your primary care physician may not be well informed about enemas. However, a gastroenterologist (G-I doctor) or specialist in spinal cord injuries will know about these matters.

 

[TheBob]

Good question.

As CheshireCat has indicated, one would resort to more invasive measures like enemas after other methods have failed (added fiber, diet, exercise, etc.)

The overuse of mini-enemas can contribute to dependency. In contrast, large-volume enemas, particularly traditional soapsuds enemas, cause full-colon peristalsis (colonic contractions that we sense as "cramps"). That exercises the muscles of the colon and avoids dependency.

Most physicians will advise patients to try to have a normal bowel movement prior to administering an enema. The idea is both to empty the bowel for a more effective and comfortable enema and to exercise the rectal muscles to the most natural extent possible.

I have self-administered over 6,000 old-fashioned large volume enemas and still can have a normal bowel movement. However, our bodies all are different and may respond in different ways to enemas (and some people should not use enemas). The important thing is first to check with your physician. Unfortunately, these days your primary care physician may not be well informed about enemas. However, a gastroenterologist (G-I doctor) or specialist in spinal cord injuries will know about these matters.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Diaperman95]

Good question.

As CheshireCat has indicated, one would resort to more invasive measures like enemas after other methods have failed (added fiber, diet, exercise, etc.)

The overuse of mini-enemas can contribute to dependency. In contrast, large-volume enemas, particularly traditional soapsuds enemas, cause full-colon peristalsis (colonic contractions that we sense as "cramps"). That exercises the muscles of the colon and avoids dependency.

Most physicians will advise patients to try to have a normal bowel movement prior to administering an enema. The idea is both to empty the bowel for a more effective and comfortable enema and to exercise the rectal muscles to the most natural extent possible.

I have self-administered over 6,000 old-fashioned large volume enemas and still can have a normal bowel movement. However, our bodies all are different and may respond in different ways to enemas (and some people should not use enemas). The important thing is first to check with your physician. Unfortunately, these days your primary care physician may not be well informed about enemas. However, a gastroenterologist (G-I doctor) or specialist in spinal cord injuries will know about these matters.

The main thing is remember none of us are doctors and if anyone plans on using a routine of laxities of enemas more than a few weeks to set bowel function they need to contact their doctor. But my gastric doctor told me MiraLax is safe. My wife has a ostomy and she use to have her bowel trained through irrigation done at the same time daily. Her doctor too was okay with it and encourage it and she did it for years. The main thing is to let your doctor know what you want to try and make sure it is safe for you. No one needs to stay on laxatives without their doctor knowing. Also many laxatives draw moister from your body that need replaced. That might effect your bladder too. Not saying anyone here has bad advice but doctors know best. Especially if you are taking certain meds it might mess with