214 chapter 25
PROGRAM FOR A LIMP BOWEL
Since the bowel does not push,
the stool must be taken out with
a finger. It is best done after each
meal, or at least once a day.
• If possible, do it sitting on
a toilet or pot, or lying on
your left side.
• With a gloved and oiled finger,
remove as much stool as you
can.
• Since a limp bowel tends to
ooze stool, eat foods that
make the stool firm or slightly
constipated (not much stool-
loosening foods).
A thin rubber
glove or
‘fingercot’
helps keep
the finger
clean.
plastic sheet
cloth or paper
mirror
If possible, have
the child lie on
his left side.
Children can learn to do their own
‘bowel program’. (See p. 212.)
PROGRAM FOR A BOWEL THAT PULLS BACK
For this kind of bowel, the bowel programs already described usually do not work.
Finger stimulation makes the bowel act in the opposite direction, and pull the stool
back in. The person will have ‘accidents’ during the day. Often it works better to,
• First, put some anesthetic jelly (such as Xylocaine) up the anus. If you cannot get
the jelly, you can mix some liquid injectable Xylocaine (lidocaine) with Vaseline
or any other jelly.
• Wait several minutes. Then do the automatic bowel program.
OTHER IMPORTANT POINTS
• Do not use enemas or strong laxatives regularly. They stretch the bowel, injure
its muscles, and make following a regular program more difficult. A mild laxative
may be taken occasionally, when needed. However, drinking more liquid and
eating food high in fiber is usually enough.
• If there is bright red blood in the stool, probably a blood vessel was torn during
the program. Be more gentle! If there is dark, old blood and the stools are black
and tar-like, seek medical advice.
• A small amount of liquid stool (diarrhea) may be a sign of ‘impaction’ (a ball of
hard stool stuck in the gut). Only liquid can leak around it. Do not give medicine
to stop diarrhea; this could make the impaction worse. Try to get it out with a
finger.
A bowel program may at first seem difficult and messy. But it soon becomes an easy
habit. It is very important both for the person’s health and his social well-being. Start
now, do it regularly at the same hour, and DO NOT MISS A DAY.
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