Why is BM important?

Paralysis often damages the nerves that control the bowel

The best way to prevent bowel accidents is to follow a schedule.

You need to teach your bowels when to have a movement.

“Establishing an effective bowel program is critical, because incontinence may interfere with
a patient’s physical, psychological, social, recreational and sexual function”

(DeLisa + Kirshblum 1997)

Factors affecting bowel management

Successful bowel management depends on a number of different factors,
some of which you can influence:

Regular, healthy eating habits
Regular management of bowel movements
Checking the result of bowel movements
Previous medical history
Current medication
Level of injury
Diet and fluids
– five a day 
Activity, such as exercise or standing
Level of independence
Lifestyle
Psychological and emotional factors
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