This is a part of the Hot Topic podcast series from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center on Managing Bowel Function After Spinal Cord Injury. Marva L. Ways, SCI Survivor, discusses Analyzing Your Bowel Movements.
Marva Ways
Sustained a Spinal Cord Injury in 1976
Occasionally, you know, I’ll have a bowel movement and ...
What Is Nutrition?
Nutrition is the way your body uses the six major nutrients needed for health and function.
Water
Fats
Protein
Vitamins
Carbohydrates
Minerals
Why Is Nutrition Important?
Your body changes after spinal cord injury (SCI). There is usually reduced muscle and bone mass, added fat, and other changes that make it critical to follow a healthy diet ...
How can I tell if I have a pressure sore?
First signs. One of the first signs of a possible skin sore is a reddened, discolored or darkened area (an African American’s skin may look purple, bluish or shiny). It may feel hard and warm to the touch.
A pressure sore has ...
Areas where bones are close to the surface (called "bony prominences") and areas that are under the most pressure are at greatest risk for developing pressure sores.
In bed, body parts can be padded with pillows or foam to keep bony prominences (areas where bones are close to the skin surface) ...
What is skin tolerance?
Skin tolerance is how much time your skin can stand to be under pressure before damage starts to occur. Each person's skin tolerance is different. Some people may need to relieve pressure very often, others may not have to do it as often, but they still need ...
What do I need to know?
Ninety-five percent of all pressure sores are preventable!
After spinal cord injury, your skin requires daily care and a lot of attention.
You will need to spend time daily cleaning the skin, keeping it dry (from incontinence or perspiration), checking the skin for problems or changes, moving ...
What do I need to know?
Individuals with SCI are at high risk for developing pressure sores.
Pressure sores can be life threatening.
Possible complications:
Infections can develop and spread to the blood, heart and bone.
Amputations
Prolonged bed rest necessary for healing can keep you out of work, school and social activities for months.
Because ...
A pressure sore (also called pressure ulcer, decubitus ulcer, decubiti (plural), bedsore or skin breakdown) is an area of the skin or underlying tissue (muscle, bone) that is damaged due to loss of blood flow to the area. Blood flow to the skin keeps it alive and healthy. If the ...
The pressure relief technique you use will depend on your level of injury, the type of wheelchair you use and how much movement and strength you have in your arms and shoulders.
Tilting or reclining
If you are unable to perform independent pressure reliefs, you can use a power tilt wheelchair for ...
Denise G. Tate, Ph.D., ABPP
Professor and Associate Chair for Research
Co-Director, University of Michigan Spinal Cord Injury Model System
The reasons for having to recognize these aspects of incontinence, of bowels function and constipation is because it really has such a major negative influence on people’s quality of life and freedom and ...
This is a part of the Hot Topic podcast series from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center on Managing Bowel Function After Spinal Cord Injury. Zach Young, SCI Survivor, discusses Dating and Sex.
Zach Young: I had a hard time talking about my bowel movements with, you know, with whoever I ...
This is a part of the Hot Topic podcast series from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center on Managing Bowel Function After Spinal Cord Injury. SCI Survivors discuss Overcoming Embarrassment.
Marva Ways: When I first got hurt, I had a shelf with all of my, you know, diapers, but like I ...
This is a part of the Hot Topic podcast series from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center on Managing Bowel Function After Spinal Cord Injury. Gianna Rodriguez, MD, researcher, discusses Colostomy as a Last Resort.
Gianna Rodriguez, M.D.
Asst. Professor, Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
University of Michigan
For a person with spinal ...
This is a part of the Hot Topic podcast series from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center on Managing Bowel Function After Spinal Cord Injury. Zach Young, SCI Survivor, discusses Travel Challenges.
Zach Young
Sustained a Spinal Cord Injury in 1994
My bowel program affects my social life as far as traveling and ...
This is a podcast-brief from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. It’s not a fun topic to talk about, but everyone does it! What is it, you ask? Poop! That’s right. Bowel problems are a very real concern for most people with spinal cord injury. And ...
This is a part of the Hot Topic podcast series from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center on Managing Bowel Function After Spinal Cord Injury. Marva L. Ways, SCI Survivor, discusses Don’t Let Your Bowels Control You.
Marva Ways
Sustained a Spinal Cord Injury in 1976
There is a lot of negativity associated ...
This is a part of the Hot Topic podcast series from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center on Managing Bowel Function After Spinal Cord Injury. Gianna Rodriguez, MD, researcher, discusses Fiber and Fluids.
Gianna Rodriguez, M.D.
Asst. Professor, Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
University of Michigan
We encourage people with spinal cord injury ...
This is a part of the Hot Topic podcast series from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center on Managing Bowel Function After Spinal Cord Injury. Marva L. Ways, SCI Survivor discusses The Challenges of Maintaining a Good Diet for a Bowel Program.
Marva Ways
Sustained a Spinal Cord Injury in 1976
Diet is ...
This is a part of the Hot Topic podcast series from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center on Managing Bowel Function After Spinal Cord Injury. Denise G. Tate, Ph.D., researcher, discusses Technological Advances Needed.
Denise G. Tate, Ph.D., ABPP
Professor and Associate Chair for Research
Co-Director, University of Michigan Spinal Cord Injury Model ...