The bowel causes problems for most of us now and then, but we usually feel better after a couple of days. For some people, this is not the case.
Some suffer from constipation all the time and spend hours in the bathroom. Some lack bowel control and need to face the embarrassment of leakage in public situations. Both causes mental stress, of course.
If this sounds familiar, please watch the movie and learn more about our new therapy area transanal irrigation.
Constipation
Infrequent and irregular bowel movements, resulting in hard, dry stools, which are difficult to pass.
Common in neurogenic bowel dysfunction, reported by around 50% of individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), or Parkinson's disease. *
Constipation is attributed to a slowing in bowel transit due to interruption of nerve pathways compounded by disability-associated changes in mobility, fatigue, use of multiple medications and inadequate diet.
* Emmanuel A. Spinal Cord 2010; 48(9), 664-73; 63(2):104-8; Cameron AP et al. J Urology. 2015; 194, 1336-41
Fecal Incontinence
Fecal incontinence is defined as “the involuntary loss of flatus, liquid or solid stool that is a social or hygienic problem” by the International Consultation on Incontinence. It is a deeply distressing disease, affecting almost 10% of the general adult population, but far more common among individuals with central neurological conditions like spina bifida or spinal cord injury. *
Contamination from stool may lead to an increase in urinary tract infections and cause damage to skin either directly or due to wearing pads. Due to its social unacceptability the quality of life for the affected individual is dramatically decreased. **
* Emmanuel A. Spinal Cord 2010; 48(9), 664-73; Cameron AP et al. J Urology. 2015; 194, 1336-41 **Emmanuel A. Spinal Cord 2010; 48(9), 664-73
