Bowel Management (Managing Medical Complications After Spinal Cord Injury – Part 1 of 3)

Medical complications, such as changes in bowel function, pressure ulcers, and pneumonia are common after spinal cord injury (SCI). These conditions can have a significant impact on day-to-day activities and quality of life if they are not managed properly. They can result in rehospitalization, and in some cases, even death.

This video is the first part of a three part video series. The purpose of this educational video series is to provide information to individuals with SCI and caregivers on the management and prevention of some common medical complications that are associated with SCI. The topics addressed in this series are:

(1) Bowel Management

(2) Pressure Ulcer Prevention

(3) Pneumonia Prevention

These conditions were chosen because of their high prevalence, their impact on health, function, and quality of life, and the significant role that education plays in their management and prevention.

For additional information and future supplemental segments, connect with the Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System via:

@KesslerFdn on Twitter

Kessler Foundation/Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation

1199 Pleasant Valley Way

West Orange, NJ 07052

Outpatient Medical Services at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation: 973-243-6999

This video series is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It was made possible by a grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, as well as support from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant # 90S15011), and Kessler Foundation.

Presented by Kessler Foundation and Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation

Copyright © 2015 Kessler Foundation

Production by FilmDogMedia

[lizzybalmain]

I have had Cauda Equina Syndrome for 1 year and have been searching for this information for the best part of it. This is the most comprehensive and clear information on this topic I have been able to find. Thank you so much!

[RedRedReddy]

This is one of the best videos I have found about my issues. Thank you Kessler.

[jailaniphysio]

All words are very important to know the bowel management. And it is very helpful and useful to my Carrier. Thanks.

[Lma]

Great video. Also, for the good bowel function are essential breathing techniques and proper movement.

[rosemarykamau]

This is very good information. Thank you

[xierxu]

I think areflexic. Gas escape continuously.

[PinkPanther]

For a areflexic bowel, trans anal irrigation is an effective option. Here you pump lukewarm water into the bowel and wash stool out.

[JJJennings]

Dam! I accidentally got here and will never ever look at a handicapped wheelchair-burden person the same as I had no clue what a "Shitty" tedious uncomfortable awkward process it is. hope science comes up with some improvements soon.

[xierxu]

What if the recto-colon junction is narrow, and that stops stool from descending?

[Matowix]

As if being paralyzed isn't bad enough. How horrible having to do this too.

[jettmanas]

I've been having trouble w/bowel movements for weeks after a SCI. Drinking water, having fiber, & am not getting nerve impulse of when to go.
Not sure on being able to stick stuff up the anus, but do manage to have a movement every few days.
Wish I had a doctor. Maybe the nerves will heal. Good vid.

[bevvzy]

this is great. ive tried everything ad the upset and frustration has nearly got me pushing for a colostomy bag, if I didnt already have a urostomy for my bladder, id be knocking the doors down. so now I know why suppositories have failed me.... im an L1 through to L2, so areflexive!! now it makes sense why all the accidents and why other methods fail, i either have accidents or dont go for 10 to 12 days!!!! today I used peristeen irrigation for the first time, yes I needed help but it worked!!!! hopefully with practice and a better commode for access, its something I will be able to do on my own, im finally excited about poop lol goal, pull ups free within a

[thebeast]

great info took me a year + to figure out my problems .. injured my lower back stomach Bowels, ant acids .. on the outside I seem fine can walk lift wieghts etc etc . jus really bad back an stomach pains took me a year to figure out .. my Bowels have been messed up for a year an my doctor doesn't want to hear it since my scope an scans came back negative, very deflating fighting a fight by urself an no one believes me ... the breathing tech may have been helping right away, use digital ever few days an a ducaolax pill once a wk ....tks tks, soon enough go back to my dr an hope been there so many times I stopped going back .. anyways gona watch these vids few times over fig it all out

[maxitosh]

I wish God had made things simpler for us, and wish that we had more choice.

“Health professionals call them bowel movements” :-(

[tammysharp]

Pooping. Is. Great. It. Feel. Great

[tammysharp]

I. Have. Irrable. Sym drome