{"id":5250,"date":"2026-04-13T01:44:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T01:44:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/?page_id=5250"},"modified":"2026-04-13T01:48:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T01:48:07","slug":"bowel-management","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/bowel-management\/","title":{"rendered":"Bowel Management"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_810526751\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-542319537\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-886745092\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<style>\n.a1bw{background:linear-gradient(150deg,#14532D 0%,#166534 55%,#16A34A 100%);padding:44px 40px 40px;width:100%;overflow:hidden;}\n.a1bw *{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0;}\n.a1bw-in{max-width:860px;margin:0 auto;}\n.a1bw-row{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;margin-bottom:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;}\n.a1bw-tag{font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.13em;text-transform:uppercase;background:rgba(255,255,255,.15);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.28);color:#fff;padding:4px 12px;border-radius:20px;white-space:nowrap;}\n.a1bw-line{flex:1;height:1px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.2);min-width:20px;}\n.a1bw-series{font-size:10px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.5);white-space:nowrap;}\n.a1bw-title{font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:30px;font-weight:700;line-height:1.2;color:#fff;margin-bottom:12px;}\n.a1bw-sub{font-size:15px;font-weight:300;color:rgba(255,255,255,.85);line-height:1.65;max-width:620px;margin-bottom:24px;}\n.a1bw-stats{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.2);border-radius:8px;overflow:hidden;}\n.a1bw-stat{flex:1;min-width:100px;padding:12px 16px;border-right:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);}\n.a1bw-stat:last-child{border-right:none;}\n.a1bw-num{font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;line-height:1;margin-bottom:3px;}\n.a1bw-lbl{font-size:9px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.6);text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.08em;}\n@media(max-width:600px){\n.a1bw{padding:32px 20px 28px;}\n.a1bw-title{font-size:22px;}\n.a1bw-stat{border-right:none;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);flex:0 0 50%;}\n.a1bw-stat:nth-child(odd){border-right:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);}\n.a1bw-stat:nth-last-child(-n+2){border-bottom:none;}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"a1bw\">\n<div class=\"a1bw-in\">\n<div class=\"a1bw-row\">\n      <span class=\"a1bw-tag\">Bowel Management \u00b7 SCI Health<\/span><br \/>\n      <span class=\"a1bw-line\"><\/span><br \/>\n      <span class=\"a1bw-series\">Comprehensive Guide<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"a1bw-title\">Bowel Management After Spinal Cord Injury<\/div>\n<div class=\"a1bw-sub\">After SCI, the bowel no longer responds to normal nerve signals. Understanding neurogenic bowel, its two types, how it is diagnosed, and how to build an effective bowel program is essential for health and quality of life.<\/div>\n<div class=\"a1bw-stats\">\n<div class=\"a1bw-stat\">\n<div class=\"a1bw-num\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"a1bw-lbl\">Bowel Types<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"a1bw-stat\">\n<div class=\"a1bw-num\">25ft<\/div>\n<div class=\"a1bw-lbl\">Small Intestine<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"a1bw-stat\">\n<div class=\"a1bw-num\">Daily<\/div>\n<div class=\"a1bw-lbl\">LMN Program<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"a1bw-stat\">\n<div class=\"a1bw-num\">AD<\/div>\n<div class=\"a1bw-lbl\">Key Risk<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_810526751 {\n  padding-top: \u201c0\u201d;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c0\u201d;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_124095601\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:\u201d#BBF7D0\u201d;border-width:\u201c0;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-475171818\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-26791734\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<p><span style=\"margin-left:auto;color:#64748B;font-size:11px;\">\ud83d\udcc5 April 2026 &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; \ud83d\udcd6 ~5,500 words \u00b7 26 min read<\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_124095601 {\n  padding-top: \u201c10px\u201d;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c10px\u201d;\n  background-color: \u201d#F0FDF4\u201d;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1349401605\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-2017182087\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1754757041\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div style=\"background:#F0FDF4;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;border-radius:10px;padding:22px 26px;margin-bottom:28px;\">\n<p style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 14px;\">\ud83d\udccb In This Article<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:5px 24px;\">\n<ol style=\"padding-left:18px;margin:0;font-size:13px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:4px;\">\n<li><a href=\"#s1\" style=\"color:#166534;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">The Process of Digestion<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s2\" style=\"color:#166534;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">What Is Neurogenic Bowel?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s3\" style=\"color:#166534;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Types of Neurogenic Bowel<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s4\" style=\"color:#166534;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Diagnosis &amp; Assessment<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"5\" style=\"padding-left:18px;margin:0;font-size:13px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:4px;\">\n<li><a href=\"#s5\" style=\"color:#166534;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Talking About Stool \u2014 Bristol Scale<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s6\" style=\"color:#166534;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Building a Bowel Program<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s7\" style=\"color:#166534;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Diet, Fluids &amp; Lifestyle<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s8\" style=\"color:#166534;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Resources &amp; Support<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:17px;line-height:1.8;color:#475569;border-left:4px solid #166534;padding-left:20px;margin:0 0 44px;font-weight:300;\">After spinal cord injury, the bowel&#8217;s nerve communication is disrupted \u2014 affecting everything from peristalsis to sphincter control. Understanding the digestive process, your specific bowel type, and how to manage it daily is the foundation of long-term health and independence.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1349401605 {\n  padding-top: \u201c28px;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c28px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_950129868\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-282636699\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1772966272\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s1\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#14532D;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #DCFCE7;margin:0 0 16px;\">The Process of Digestion<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.8;margin:0 0 16px;\">Bowel management begins with understanding digestion. The bowel is part of the entire gastrointestinal (GI) system \u2014 changes to any part affect bowel function. Effective bowel management requires reviewing the complete system.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:8px;margin:0 0 24px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#F0FDF4;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#166534;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">1<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Mouth<\/strong> \u2014 Smelling and seeing food prepares the body. Saliva and chewing begin breaking food down.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#F0FDF4;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#166534;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">2<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Oesophagus<\/strong> \u2014 Uses peristalsis (muscular contractions) to move food one-way to the stomach. Can reverse during vomiting or reflux.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#F0FDF4;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#166534;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">3<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Stomach<\/strong> \u2014 Stores food temporarily (~2 hours). Gastric acids and rugae contractions break food into semi-fluid <em>chyme<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#F0FDF4;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#166534;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">4<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Small Intestine<\/strong> (~22\u201325 ft) \u2014 Duodenum, jejunum, and ileum extract nutrients and fluid from chyme. Most digestion occurs here.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#F0FDF4;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#166534;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">5<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Large Intestine<\/strong> (~2.5 ft) \u2014 Ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon. Removes water and bacteria, forming solid stool.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#F0FDF4;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#166534;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">6<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Rectal Vault (Sigmoid Colon)<\/strong> \u2014 Stores stool until socially appropriate to expel. Two sphincters control release: internal (involuntary) and external (voluntary).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:12px;margin:0 0 8px;\">\n<div style=\"background:#DCFCE7;border-radius:10px;padding:16px 18px;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 6px;\">Internal Anal Sphincter<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\"><strong>Involuntary<\/strong> \u2014 smooth muscle, controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Opens automatically when enough stool is present.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#DCFCE7;border-radius:10px;padding:16px 18px;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 6px;\">External Anal Sphincter<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\"><strong>Voluntary<\/strong> \u2014 striated muscle controlled via pudendal nerves. You control when to hold or release stool.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_950129868 {\n  padding-top: \u201c0;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c0;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_804975955\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-193811152\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1180738148\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s2\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#14532D;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #DCFCE7;margin:0 0 16px;\">What Is Neurogenic Bowel?<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.8;margin:0 0 16px;\">Neurogenic bowel occurs when nerve communication to and from the brain and bowel is disrupted \u2014 either completely or partially. This is a major concern in SCI, stroke, MS, Parkinson&#8217;s disease, and other neurological conditions. In SCI, onset is typically sudden.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.8;margin:0 0 20px;\">Bowel function is controlled by the <strong>Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)<\/strong> \u2014 which operates automatically without conscious input. Key nerves include the <strong>vagus nerve<\/strong> (cranial nerve 10) for upper bowel, <strong>sacral nerves S2\u2013S4<\/strong> for the lower bowel, and the <strong>pudendal nerve<\/strong> for the external sphincter and pelvic muscles.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr 1fr;gap:12px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #E2E8F0;border-top:3px solid #166534;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;background:#fff;text-align:center;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;margin-bottom:8px;\">\ud83e\udde0<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 4px;\">Vagus Nerve<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0;\">Controls movement in stomach and upper bowel. Input to gastrocolic reflex.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #E2E8F0;border-top:3px solid #166534;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;background:#fff;text-align:center;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;margin-bottom:8px;\">\ud83e\uddb4<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 4px;\">Sacral Nerves S2\u2013S4<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0;\">Speed peristalsis and relax rectal sphincters to release stool at the right time.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #E2E8F0;border-top:3px solid #166534;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;background:#fff;text-align:center;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;margin-bottom:8px;\">\u26a1<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 4px;\">Thoracic T9\u2013L2<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0;\">Reduce peristalsis and contract rectal sphincters to hold stool.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#FEF3C7;border-left:4px solid #D97706;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:16px 20px;display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;\">\n  <span style=\"font-size:22px;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1;\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#D97706;margin:0 0 5px;\">Gastrocolic Reflex After SCI<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.65;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">When food enters the stomach, the gastrocolic reflex normally increases bowel movement intensity. After SCI, <strong>peristalsis slows<\/strong> throughout the bowel \u2014 but the body still continuously removes fluid from stool, making it drier and harder over time if not managed.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_804975955 {\n  padding-top: \u201c36px;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c36px;\n  background-color: \u201d#F0FDF4\u201d;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1411325968\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-681749924\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1710398190\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s3\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#14532D;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #DCFCE7;margin:0 0 16px;\">Types of Neurogenic Bowel<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.8;margin:0 0 20px;\">Neurogenic bowel is classified into three types based on where in the nervous system the injury occurred. Each type behaves very differently and requires a different bowel program approach.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:14px;margin:0 0 24px;\">\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;border-left:4px solid #166534;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 22px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;margin-bottom:10px;\">\n<div style=\"width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:8px;background:#DCFCE7;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:18px;flex-shrink:0;\">\ud83d\udd3c<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#14532D;margin:0;\">Reflexic \/ Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) Bowel<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;color:#166534;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.07em;margin:0;\">Cervical &amp; Thoracic SCI \u00b7 Injury Above L1\u2013L2<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 10px;\">The bowel and internal rectal sphincter are <strong>hyperreflexive (spastic)<\/strong>. Stool is retained with only small amounts spontaneously released due to spasms \u2014 at unpredictable times. A bowel program using stimulation empties the bowel at a predictable scheduled time.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:8px;\">\n<div style=\"background:#F0FDF4;border-radius:6px;padding:10px 12px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:700;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 3px;\">Target stool consistency<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">Soft and formed<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#F0FDF4;border-radius:6px;padding:10px 12px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:700;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 3px;\">Bowel care frequency<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">Every 1\u20133 days recommended<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#F0FDF4;border-radius:6px;padding:10px 12px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:700;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 3px;\">Suppositories<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">Effective \u2014 promote peristalsis<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#F0FDF4;border-radius:6px;padding:10px 12px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:700;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 3px;\">Digital stimulation<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">Effective to assist evacuation<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;border-left:4px solid #14532D;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 22px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;margin-bottom:10px;\">\n<div style=\"width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:8px;background:#DCFCE7;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:18px;flex-shrink:0;\">\ud83d\udd3d<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#14532D;margin:0;\">Areflexic \/ Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) Bowel<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;color:#166534;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.07em;margin:0;\">Lumbar &amp; Sacral SCI \u00b7 Injury At or Below L1\u2013L2<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 10px;\">The bowel and internal rectal sphincter are <strong>flaccid (areflexic)<\/strong> \u2014 no reflex contractions. Stool collects in the rectum without spontaneous evacuation. Water is continually removed making stool very dry and hard. Stool is manually removed during the bowel program.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:8px;\">\n<div style=\"background:#F0FDF4;border-radius:6px;padding:10px 12px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:700;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 3px;\">Target stool consistency<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">Firm but not hard<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#F0FDF4;border-radius:6px;padding:10px 12px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:700;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 3px;\">Bowel care frequency<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">Daily \u2014 to avoid incontinence<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#F0FDF4;border-radius:6px;padding:10px 12px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:700;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 3px;\">Suppositories<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">Usually not effective<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#F0FDF4;border-radius:6px;padding:10px 12px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:700;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 3px;\">Digital stimulation<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">Not effective \u2014 manual evacuation may be needed<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;border-left:4px solid #16A34A;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 22px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;margin-bottom:10px;\">\n<div style=\"width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:8px;background:#DCFCE7;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:18px;flex-shrink:0;\">\u2195\ufe0f<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#14532D;margin:0;\">Mixed Motor Neuron Bowel<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;color:#166534;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.07em;margin:0;\">Combination of UMN &amp; LMN Injury<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">A mixture of upper and lower motor neuron injury. Bowel function varies depending on the combination. An individualised program using strategies from both UMN and LMN approaches is established based on functional assessment.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#DCFCE7;border-left:4px solid #166534;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:16px 20px;display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;\">\n  <span style=\"font-size:22px;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1;\">\ud83d\udca1<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 5px;\">Why Bowel Programs Matter<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.65;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">Without a structured bowel program, unmanaged stool can back up causing impaction, nausea, vomiting, skin breakdown, and autonomic dysreflexia. A consistent program protects your dignity, health, and independence.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1411325968 {\n  padding-top: \u201c36px;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c36px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1887867828\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1612047852\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1261694505\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s4\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#14532D;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #DCFCE7;margin:0 0 16px;\">Diagnosis &amp; Assessment<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.8;margin:0 0 20px;\">Neurogenic bowel is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. A physiatrist or neurologist typically leads the evaluation.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:20px;font-weight:700;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 12px;\">What Your Healthcare Team Will Assess<\/h3>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:8px;margin:0 0 24px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#fff;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#166534;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">1<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Full history<\/strong> \u2014 symptoms, GI history, bowel habits (frequency, consistency, gas, incontinence, time spent toileting, diet, fluid intake, laxative use).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#fff;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#166534;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">2<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Digital rectal examination<\/strong> \u2014 assesses rectal filling, resting anal tone, reflexes (anocutaneous and bulbocavernosus), and voluntary contraction ability.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#fff;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#166534;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">3<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Abdominal X-ray<\/strong> \u2014 shows amount of stool present, blockages, or structural issues. Retained stool is a key sign.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#fff;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#166534;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">4<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Transit time study<\/strong> \u2014 measures how long food takes to travel through the body. Normal is 20\u201356 hours. Slower times indicate neurogenic bowel.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#fff;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#166534;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">5<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>Anorectal manometry<\/strong> \u2014 measures sphincter and rectal pressures. Lower pressures indicate neurogenic bowel.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#fff;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#166534;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">6<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><strong>ISNCSCI \/ ASIA assessment<\/strong> \u2014 includes evaluation of bowel and urinary function. Should be performed yearly to track changes.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#DCFCE7;border-left:4px solid #166534;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:16px 20px;display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;\">\n  <span style=\"font-size:22px;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1;\">\ud83d\udca1<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 5px;\">SCI-QOL Bowel Assessment<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.65;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">The Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life (SCI-QOL) measurement system includes a validated questionnaire rating the impact of bowel issues on quality of life \u2014 rated on a 5-point scale from &#8220;not at all&#8221; to &#8220;very much.&#8221; Ask your physiatrist about using this tool.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1887867828 {\n  padding-top: \u201c36px;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c36px;\n  background-color: \u201d#F0FDF4\u201d;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1679024986\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-47013353\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1637747719\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s5\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#14532D;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #DCFCE7;margin:0 0 16px;\">Talking About Stool \u2014 The Bristol Scale<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.8;margin:0 0 16px;\">Being able to discuss stool openly with your healthcare team and caregivers is essential to getting the right treatment. The <strong>Bristol Stool Chart<\/strong> provides a standard language for describing stool consistency \u2014 use it at every appointment.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:10px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"background:#FFF1F2;border-left:3px solid #BE123C;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:12px 16px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:12px;color:#BE123C;margin:0 0 3px;\">Type 1 \u2014 Separate hard lumps<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">Severe constipation. Very difficult to pass.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#FEF3C7;border-left:3px solid #D97706;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:12px 16px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:12px;color:#D97706;margin:0 0 3px;\">Type 2 \u2014 Sausage-shaped, lumpy<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">Mild constipation. Hard to pass.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#F0FDF4;border-left:3px solid #166534;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:12px 16px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:12px;color:#166534;margin:0 0 3px;\">Type 3 \u2014 Like a sausage with cracks<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">Normal. Easy to pass.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#F0FDF4;border-left:3px solid #166534;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:12px 16px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:12px;color:#166534;margin:0 0 3px;\">Type 4 \u2014 Like a sausage, smooth &amp; soft<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">Ideal. Easy to pass.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#FEF3C7;border-left:3px solid #D97706;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:12px 16px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:12px;color:#D97706;margin:0 0 3px;\">Type 5 \u2014 Soft blobs with clear edges<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">Lacking fibre. May indicate mild urgency.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#FEF3C7;border-left:3px solid #D97706;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:12px 16px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:12px;color:#D97706;margin:0 0 3px;\">Type 6 \u2014 Fluffy pieces, mushy edges<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">Mild diarrhoea. Some urgency.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#FFF1F2;border-left:3px solid #BE123C;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:12px 16px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:12px;color:#BE123C;margin:0 0 3px;\">Type 7 \u2014 Watery, no solid pieces<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">Severe diarrhoea. Seek treatment promptly.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#F0FDF4;border-left:3px solid #166534;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:12px 16px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:12px;color:#166534;margin:0 0 3px;\">UMN Target: Type 3\u20134 &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; LMN Target: Type 4<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">Use this as your daily reference for adjusting diet, fluids, and medications.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#DCFCE7;border-left:4px solid #166534;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:16px 20px;display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;\">\n  <span style=\"font-size:22px;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1;\">\ud83d\udcd3<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 5px;\">Keep a Stool Diary<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.65;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">Track consistency (using the Bristol Scale), timing, and any accidents. Share this with your care team and caregivers. Many free apps and printable diaries are available \u2014 ask your OT or rehabilitation nurse for a recommendation.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1679024986 {\n  padding-top: \u201c36px;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c36px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1651535478\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1324992644\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1697946583\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s6\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#14532D;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #DCFCE7;margin:0 0 16px;\">Building a Bowel Program<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.8;margin:0 0 20px;\">A bowel program is a structured routine that empties the bowel safely, predictably, and at a time of your choosing. The program must be customised to your bowel type, lifestyle, and physical abilities.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:14px;margin:0 0 24px;\">\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;border-top:3px solid #166534;border-radius:10px;padding:18px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 10px;\">\ud83d\udd3c UMN (Reflexic) Program<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:6px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:8px;\">\n        <span style=\"color:#166534;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0;\">\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0;\">Every 1\u20133 days, same time each session<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:8px;\">\n        <span style=\"color:#166534;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0;\">\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0;\">Suppository or mini-enema to stimulate peristalsis<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:8px;\">\n        <span style=\"color:#166534;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0;\">\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0;\">Digital stimulation to trigger reflex evacuation<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:8px;\">\n        <span style=\"color:#166534;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0;\">\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0;\">Use gastrocolic reflex \u2014 schedule 20\u201330 min after a warm meal<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:8px;\">\n        <span style=\"color:#166534;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0;\">\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0;\">Upright position on toilet or commode if possible<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #BBF7D0;border-top:3px solid #14532D;border-radius:10px;padding:18px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 10px;\">\ud83d\udd3d LMN (Areflexic) Program<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:6px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:8px;\">\n        <span style=\"color:#166534;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0;\">\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0;\">Daily \u2014 essential to prevent incontinence<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:8px;\">\n        <span style=\"color:#166534;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0;\">\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0;\">Manual evacuation \u2014 stool is removed by hand<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:8px;\">\n        <span style=\"color:#166534;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0;\">\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0;\">Suppositories and digital stimulation are typically ineffective<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:8px;\">\n        <span style=\"color:#166534;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0;\">\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0;\">Target firmer stool (Type 4) \u2014 easier to manually remove<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:8px;\">\n        <span style=\"color:#166534;font-weight:700;flex-shrink:0;\">\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0;\">Monitor carefully for rectal prolapse risk<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#FFF1F2;border-left:4px solid #BE123C;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:16px 20px;display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;\">\n  <span style=\"font-size:22px;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1;\">\ud83d\udea8<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#BE123C;margin:0 0 5px;\">Autonomic Dysreflexia &amp; Bowel Programs<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.65;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">Bowel distension from impaction or program delay is a major AD trigger for those with injuries at T6 or above. If you experience a sudden severe headache, flushing, or rising blood pressure during your program \u2014 stop immediately, check for blockage, and treat as an emergency if BP does not resolve.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1651535478 {\n  padding-top: \u201c36px;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c36px;\n  background-color: \u201d#F0FDF4\u201d;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1789834388\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-49512897\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-21320776\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s7\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#14532D;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #DCFCE7;margin:0 0 16px;\">Diet, Fluids &amp; Lifestyle<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.8;margin:0 0 20px;\">What you eat and drink directly affects stool consistency, transit time, and how predictable your bowel program will be. These factors are within your control and are often the most powerful adjustments you can make.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr 1fr;gap:12px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #E2E8F0;border-top:3px solid #166534;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;background:#fff;text-align:center;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:26px;margin-bottom:8px;\">\ud83e\udd66<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 4px;\">Fibre<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0;\">Aim for 25\u201338g\/day. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains add bulk and regulate consistency.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #E2E8F0;border-top:3px solid #166534;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;background:#fff;text-align:center;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:26px;margin-bottom:8px;\">\ud83d\udca7<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 4px;\">Fluids<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0;\">At least 1.5\u20132 litres of water daily. Dehydration hardens stool and slows transit \u2014 a primary driver of constipation.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #E2E8F0;border-top:3px solid #166534;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;background:#fff;text-align:center;\">\n<div style=\"font-size:26px;margin-bottom:8px;\">\ud83d\udd50<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 4px;\">Meal Timing<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#475569;line-height:1.5;margin:0;\">Eat at consistent times daily to make bowel timing predictable. Use the gastrocolic reflex \u2014 schedule bowel care 20\u201330 min after eating.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:12px;margin:0 0 8px;\">\n<div style=\"background:#FFF1F2;border-top:3px solid #BE123C;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#BE123C;margin:0 0 8px;\">\u274c Foods That May Worsen Symptoms<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:5px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">\u00b7 Processed foods low in fibre<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">\u00b7 Alcohol and carbonated drinks<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">\u00b7 Dairy products in large quantities<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">\u00b7 Foods that trigger personal sensitivity<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#F0FDF4;border-top:3px solid #166534;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 8px;\">\u2705 Foods That Support Bowel Health<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:5px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">\u00b7 Prunes, figs, and dried fruits<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">\u00b7 Oatmeal, flaxseed, and bran<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">\u00b7 Warm liquids to stimulate peristalsis<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;margin:0;\">\u00b7 Consistent high-water vegetables<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1789834388 {\n  padding-top: \u201c36px;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c36px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_348309073\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1505076700\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-488456887\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s8\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#14532D;padding:36px 40px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;\">\n<div style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0 0 18px;\">Resources &amp; Further Reading<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:14px;\">\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">Reeve Foundation Information Specialists<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);margin:0;\">800-539-7309 \u00b7 Monday\u2013Friday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm ET \u2014 free expert support for people living with paralysis and SCI.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">Christopher &amp; Dana Reeve Foundation \u2014 Bowel Management<\/p>\n<p>    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.christopherreeve.org\/todays-care\/living-with-paralysis\/health\/secondary-conditions\/bowel-management\/\" style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">christopherreeve.org \u2014 full article with UMN\/LMN comparison tables, Bristol Stool Chart, and stool diary guidance<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">PM&amp;R KnowledgeNOW \u2014 Neurogenic Bowel<\/p>\n<p>    <a href=\"https:\/\/now.aapmr.org\/neurogenic-bowel\/\" style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">now.aapmr.org\/neurogenic-bowel \u2014 clinical reference for UMN vs LMN bowel dysfunction features and management<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">Your Rehabilitation Team<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);margin:0;\">Work with your physiatrist, occupational therapist, and rehabilitation nurse to build your personalised bowel program. Annual ISNCSCI reassessment should include bowel function review.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_348309073 {\n  padding-top: \u201c0\u201d;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c0\u201d;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1191379315\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-2147479548\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-2131145543\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div style=\"background:#166534;padding:36px 40px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;\">\n<div style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0 0 18px;\">Key Takeaways<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Neurogenic bowel occurs when SCI disrupts nerve signals to the bowel \u2014 slowing peristalsis and removing voluntary control over sphincters. It requires active daily management.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">UMN (reflexic) bowel is spastic and retains stool \u2014 managed with suppositories and digital stimulation every 1\u20133 days. LMN (areflexic) bowel is flaccid \u2014 managed with daily manual evacuation.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Bowel distension from impaction or delayed programs is a major trigger for autonomic dysreflexia in those with injury at T6 or above \u2014 treat as an emergency.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Use the Bristol Stool Chart to communicate stool consistency with your care team. Target Types 3\u20134 for UMN bowel and Type 4 for LMN bowel.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Diet, hydration, and meal timing are powerful tools \u2014 high fibre, adequate fluids, and consistent meal times make your bowel program more predictable and effective.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1191379315 {\n  padding-top: \u201c0\u201d;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c0\u201d;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_910942542\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-width:\u201c1px;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1673180120\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1602414967\" class=\"col medium-\u201c12\u201d large-\u201c12\u201d\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.1em;color:#14532D;margin:0;\">\ud83d\udcda SCI Health \u2014 Secondary Conditions<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1602414967 > .col-inner {\n  padding: \u201c10px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-136645156\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-356159707\" class=\"col medium-4 small-12 large-4\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:#E2E8F0;border-width:0 1px 0 0;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;color:#166534;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 3px;\">Category 01<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight:600;font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">Bladder Management<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-356159707 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 14px 16px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1005460514\" class=\"col medium-4 small-12 large-4\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:#E2E8F0;border-width:0 1px 0 0;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;color:#166534;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 3px;\">Category 02<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight:600;font-size:13px;color:#14532D;margin:0 0 5px;\">Bowel Management<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"display:inline-block;font-size:10px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 9px;border-radius:12px;background:#166534;color:#fff;\">You are here<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1005460514 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 14px 16px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1869509987\" class=\"col medium-4 small-12 large-4\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;color:#166534;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 3px;\">Category 03<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight:600;font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">Skin Health<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1869509987 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 14px 16px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_910942542 {\n  padding-top: \u201c0\u201d;\n  padding-bottom: \u201c0\u201d;\n  margin-bottom: \u201c20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5250","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5250","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5250"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5250\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5254,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5250\/revisions\/5254"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5250"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}