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Spina Bifida and Bowel Management

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Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that develops in utero in which the bones surrounding the spinal cord are malformed. While the precise cause is unknown, prevalence has decreased significantly in the United States since a folic acid food fortification program was introduced in the late 1990s. Nevertheless, around 1,500 babies per year are diagnosed with spina bifida.

While there are various degrees of the birth defect, many children and adults living with spina bifida experience bowel dysfunction due to nerve damage in the colon. This is also known as neurogenic bowel. Since nerves are responsible for letting the brain know when the bowel is full, a person living with spina bifida may not be able to feel the need to use the bathroom. This can result in bowel incontinence or constipation. Fortunately, there are many effective methods to combat these issues.

Diet

A diet high in fiber is a natural way to help the digestive system promote bowel movement. To up daily fiber intake, highly processed and ready-made meals should be skipped in favor of plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Drinking plenty of water also helps avoid constipation by facilitating the passage of food through the intestines. Of course, each body is different, so if a certain food consistently clogs up the pipes or causes diarrhea, it should be kept off that person’s plate.

Exercise

With a doctor’s permission, patients with spina bifida should get their bodies moving on a regular basis. This could include anything from a walk or roll around the block, to chair yoga, to joining a sports team. Anything the patient is able to do to work and stretch the muscles and get the heart rate up will stimulate digestion.

Laxatives and Suppositories

If issues persist after implementing dietary changes and daily exercise, it may be time to consider laxatives or suppositories. Depending on the circumstances, various types of oral laxatives can be used to either bulk up or soften stool. Suppositories, on the other hand, are inserted into the anus and are used to loosen up waste already present in the rectum. Even though many of these remedies may be purchased without a prescription, a doctor should be consulted before use.

Anal Irrigation

Many people living with bowel dysfunction due to spina bifida find that regular anal irrigation is the most effective way to avoid constipation or incontinence. By establishing a routine in which the colon is cleansed every 24 to 48 hours, the occurrence of constipation and leakage can be greatly minimized. Coloplast’s Peristeen is a great option for anal irrigation. It is easy to use and can even be brought along with the patient while traveling.

If bowel dysfunction has been preventing you from living an active lifestyle, ask your doctor about trying Peristeen. Once it’s prescribed to you, give Comfort Medical a call at 1-844-700-7013 and we will get you set up with regular home delivery to fulfill all of your catheter needs.

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Advice on Finding Dietary Balance After an Ostomy

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A lot of people with an ostomy can consume what they want unless the surgeon or ostomy therapist has given them a strict diet to follow. But, before the surgery, some foods may be easier to digest than others. After the surgery, listen to your body on what foods work best for you.

What to Eat Right After Surgery

The most recent research shows that the sooner you eat after surgery, the sooner the intestinal system will function normally again. Just remember to chew your food thoroughly, so that it’s easier to digest.

Recommendations for the first 2-4 weeks

  • During the healing process, try to eat foods that are softer, so that they will be easier to digest.
  • Eating smaller meals more often will help with bloating.
  • Nothing too fancy during this time, keep the foods you’re eating simple and bland.
  • Chew your food well. The more broken down the food is, the easier it will be to digest.

Week 4-6 after ostomy surgery

  • In the first 4-6 weeks after an ostomy procedure, you may experience a lack of appetite.
  • It can be necessary to supplement the diet with protein and energy drinks. They can be bought at the pharmacy or made from scratch.

Is there anything I can’t eat?

You don’t have to restrict yourself from certain foods, but it’s good to know that different food will have different effects on the output from your stoma. If there’s a particular kind of food that you’re unsure about, try a small amount first.  If there are no problems, then have at it!

There’s no need to worry about trying new foods. Just be sure that you pay attention to how each food affects your body, and cut down on the foods that produce more gas.  It may take a little trial-and-error to find nutritional balance that’s right for you. Some foods, especially higfiberre foods, can cause a food blockage, where undigested parts of food block the bowel. Chewing well can help, but a food blockage can be serious.

How about fruit and vegetables?

You can still get in all of the good stuff. The skins of some fruits and vegetables are really tough, so it might be best to peel them to avoid any problems, especially potato skins and apple skins. And maybe you need to prepare your fruit and vegetables in new ways – try soups to get those vegetables in, or maybe try some fruit smoothies.

Allowing vegetables to soften a bit during cooking can also help, or try mashing some of those root vegetables.

What if I have an accident?

Don’t let one bad experience keep you from eating that one food for the rest of your life. Only if it happens repetitively you should consider taking the food out of your diet. Just remember, everyone has different reactions, so what works for one may not work for one other.

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