Suppositories and Enemas

This, for many quadriplegics and others with similar neurological disabilities, is the harshest reality of life. Hours per week stuck in bed, on the commode-shower chair, that has nowhere near the comfort or pressure relief of a proper wheelchair cushion, or on the toilet. How long does it take an able-bodied person to get numb legs from sitting on a toilet? I won't get into the consequences when sickness sets in or something doesn't sit well in your gut and you cannot get on your throne of choice in time. The worry the media has hyped over our inability to walk looks pretty insignificant now, doesn't it?

Thankfully, though, in addition to digital stimulation, assisted by exam gloves and lubricant, there are products to make a proper evacuation possible. Suppositires (Magic Bullet brand above) and micro enemas (below) contain the medication necessary to irritate the lower bowel to encourage the process. Some people require the powerful effect of a full enema. Where micro enemas are 5 mL a full enema can be upwards of 2 liters or 2000 mL. Like I said, some people require this, but I was encouraged by my physicians to avoid using them unless absolutely necessary as they can cause the muscles that make a movement occur relax and weaken. Should there be any medical breakthroughs that restore function, being dependent upon those products would be the ultimate insult to regaining independence but still requiring such invasive methods. In addition to that they can cause a diminished ability to digest properly, affecting the consistency of the results they cause to evacuate. If administered incorrectly they can be dangerous, leading to damage inside which results in the potential for infection, scar tissue or other long-term and recurring consequences.

Finally, in addition to the invasiveness of the procedure and the time it takes to complete what is normally a five-minute task for a healthy, able-bodied, person, is the proportion of quadriplegics who deal with significant degrees of autonomic dysreflexia. The full extent of the effects of autonomic dysreflexia will be discussed in the future. But, to summarize, it means tingling in the head and arms, a pounding headache, profuse sweating, muscle spasms as well as other unpleasant symptoms all because of a blood pressure increase caused by pain in an area where there is no sensation. Those effects and that pain can last for hours following a difficult bowel care. It does not necessarily affect everyone but for those it does it can take away time that may have been used for social interaction, enjoyable recreation or work.

Everything takes longer when you are disabled but for a majority, bowel care demands the most.

Source: Medical supply companies (often a prescription from a physician is required) for bulk rates, drugstores carry some brands and types.