Factors involved in a bowel care program for a spinal cord injury

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Factors involved in a bowel care program for a spinal cord injury

A spinal cord injury (SCI) generally affects the process of eliminating waste from the intestines. You may not be able to control when you have a bowel movement, or you may not be able to have one. A bowel management program allows you to deal with any bowel problems you have. When creating this program, you and your rehab team will discuss:

What type of bowel problem you have.
Your previous history of bowel movements. How often did you have them?
Where you will do the program—on a toilet or on a bed?
Any emotional concerns you have.
Any gastrointestinal problems you had before the SCI, such as irritable bowel syndrome or lactose intolerance.
Medications you need for your SCI or other problems. Medication frequently affects the bowel and can cause constipation or diarrhea.
Your diet.
Your lifestyle. Do you go to school or work? Do you get any exercise?
Your time. It generally takes about 45 minutes to complete a bowel program.

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Author	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Nancy Greenwald, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Last Updated	February 22, 2007

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Last updated:	February 22, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Nancy Greenwald, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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