Bladder Care

To all newbies: We all need to have a neurological urologist. They are not that easy to find and are usually affiliated with major rehab centers like Magee Rehab in Philadelphia, PA and Kessler Inst. in West Orange, NJ. Urodynamics should be performed annually to measure bladder pressure. If you don't know what urodynamics are, Google it or post a question here. Your dr. should know and understand how AD impacts you if your level is T6 or higher. He/she should also know and understand all of the bladder management options that are available to you over the course of your lifetime. Most likely, they will change over time. People who void on their own in the early years of SCI may find that the bladder wall thickens over time. This will increase bladder pressure and intermittent catheterization or some other bladder management tool may be necessary. Also, before the urologist performs any invasive procedure an anti-biotic should be prescribed the day before, the day of, and the day after. There will be many variations depending on gender, level of injury, complete or incomplete, etc. Know yourself and don't be afraid to make suggestions to your doc. A good one will listen to you and even accept your suggestion if it is valid. As has been noted, bladder function will impact your kidneys. Kidney disease and complications related to decubiti are the things that are more likely to kill us than our AB counterparts.

Like most people, I'm not a fan of going to the doctor. However, I never miss my urological appts. and most years have to see him in between annuals. I have to see him on Monday as a matter of fact. Bladder pressure can force urine back in to the kidneys. It can also cause nearly uncontrollable spasticity. For those of us with sensation pain for bladder pressure or stones can be extreme. This is something that has to be done. UTI's can be managed by your primary doc and the local lab. My advice there is to purchase a generous supply of sterile cups so you can collect your samples at home. It's easier and will save you time at the lab as they usually allow you to drop it off and leave.

I'm not a doctor, but I slept at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Sorry, Lara. That's a line from a TV commercial here in the US.