Proper bowel management is vital. It allows me the freedom to go out confidently without the fear of accidentally soiling my pants. Over the years, my bowel management program has not changed much. I have worked this into a routine to allow me the flexibility to plan my daily activities and trips outside appropriately.

I found it most comfortable to move my bowels every other day. It is easier when there is more bulk. I do not follow a set time but I usually select evenings where I bathe afterwards so that I do not need to do it again later.

One suppository is usually sufficient to initiate bowel movement which occurs approximately 30 minutes after insertion. In rare cases, when I am constipated and there is no movement after the normal duration, another suppository is inserted. All in, I spend about 1 hour from insertion to completion.

Diet plays and important role in my bowel management. I drink about 3 litres of plain water daily, excluding fruit juices, soups and other beverages. This helps in keeping my kidneys and bladder flushed to prevent the formation of stones and infections.

Fruits and vegetables are the main features in my meals. Whenever I can remember, I drink prune juice, too. This greatly aids in moving my bowels more efficiently. On the other hand, I try to avoid greasy and spicy food. More than once, I had diarrhoea after eating such food.

Note: This was written in February 16, 2003. I have since modified my bladder management and will post an update soon.

Related Link: Personal injury claims solicitor Brian Camp & Co. Solicitors specialise in personal injury claims within the North West UK.

Spasms and stiffness of the limbs are inevitable after spinal cord injury. While I do not remember exactly when I began to suffer from spasms, I remember that the neurosurgeon mentioning about spasticity in my legs when I was still being hospitalized. Spasticity is the term used to describe the stiffness and involuntary jerking of the muscles.

After the spinal cord is injured, the nerve impulses from below the level of trauma are unable to reach the brain. As the control of limb movements depends on a two-way communication between the brain and the muscles, this disruption will result in an involuntary exaggerated contraction and flexion of the limbs, usually triggered by stimulation. And because the limbs are not moved as often as they normally should, stiffness of the joints will also develop.

Just about any stimulation can trigger spasms. Pain, heat, cold, excitement, anxiety and prolonged periods of inactivity like sleep can all initiate spasms. It can be an awkward moment in public when my legs go into spasms. This could be due to my wheelchair running over a bump. It could even be from exertion when I push my wheelchair.

Spasms are a bane and a blessing. When they strike, it can be painful and dangerous. To some it may just be a slight discomfort. It can be painful when the leg extends and kick on something hard, rough or sharp. It can be dangerous while picking up something from the floor and spasm strikes. I could fall off my wheelchair and hurt myself.

In the other sense, spasms are a blessing as they keep the limbs toned from the contraction of muscles and movements. It also aids in blood circulation and prevents osteoporosis to some extent. In my case, I manipulate my spasms to help me stand and walk on the parallel bars.

While spasticity will always be present, it can be reduced with exercises and medication. A daily routine of moving every limb will greatly reduce spasms and stiffness to a manageable level. Medication like Baclofen can be used to treat excessive spasticity but like any medication, there are always the side effects to contend with.

Related Link: Personal injury claim solicitor Brian Camp & Co. Solicitors specialise in personal injury claims within the North West of the UK.