talkhealth forums

I have Spina Bifida, Kidney Failure (Dialysis), Incontinent of Bowel & Bladder (Urostomy), Wchr Bound.

I have suffered from the 2 conditions mentioned above for several years. I am being administered irrigation by the District Nurses (Qufora Bed System) but still experience very loose bowel movements. Please can you advise as to how I can regulate my bowel movements so it becomes manageable.

This is a very challenging issue. A regular habit/pattern of bowel movements, optimising diet and fluid intake as well as laxatives are the more conservative measures. Irrigation is often used when more conservative measures have failed - and the effects can vary from person to person. There is a small amount of evidence that sacral nerve stimulation can be helpful in a subgroup of patients with spina bifida, and occasionally surgery can be performed in severe refractory constipation. There should be a healthcare specialist dealing with your bowel management programme who you can discuss any alternatives as well as options to optimise your bowel management.

Thank You for your reply. I was informed that irrigation was the last remedy. I have not been offered any other remedies.

Thank You