Lara, I cath whenever I remember. I am supposed to do it every four hours, but that does not always happen. I only really feel a need to go when my bladder gets really full. Like uncomfortable full. If I don't cath, I will never empty my bladder.
Lara, I cath whenever I remember. I am supposed to do it every four hours, but that does not always happen. I only really feel a need to go when my bladder gets really full. Like uncomfortable full. If I don't cath, I will never empty my bladder.
It might be a good idea to set an alarm for every four hours until you are used to it. There might be problems should your bladder get overly full.
Lara, I cath whenever I remember. I am supposed to do it every four hours, but that does not always happen. I only really feel a need to go when my bladder gets really full. Like uncomfortable full. If I don't cath, I will never empty my bladder.
It might be a good idea to set an alarm for every four hours until you are used to it. There might be problems should your bladder get overly full.
staceym.....as ladylimpsalot said, it is a good idea to set an alarm if you are struggling to remember. Your bladder can overfill and then back urine can back up to your kidneys and this can potentially cause damage to your kidneys....
Your bladder will also potentially overstretch also....
Set yourself a routine today...i know how easy it is to forget when you dont feel it so the best way is to set an alarm or make a record/note of when you last cathed..(somewhere you wont forget or lose lol)
I'm a complete CESser but do fear getting older. It depends on what caused it how you will fare. If it's been caused through degeneration of spine (like mine) or discs then surely it can only get worse. My stenosis has worsened in just 18 months so, I suppose, I'm stuck with my current problems and likely to get more. My consultant is keeping me on his books. . . . Just been told I need my knees replaced too but I'm too young! lol
jannyd....i know exactly what you mean about the issue of getting older and absolutely,degeneration will be a factor to consider....
We have a sub forum on aging with a Spinal Cord Injury....info is being added all the time but there is some useful info there already. Please take a look and add to anything if you would like to.
We do need a good discussion point on this subject..
Just to add....you are complete with CES as i am, was your surgery delayed?
I saw my consultant today, I see her twice a year, and I asked her if I was still classed as ASIA A complete and was told yes, I really don't understand how this works, as I have feeling in my legs and can stand if supported and walk in a frame and move my legs as in kick and lift my legs, so I'm a bit confused how they work these ratings out.
Butiki, your injury is at L1. The lumbar spine is mainly in charge of everything from the top of your legs/hips down. Do you have sensation and voluntary moment below the top of your legs/hips? Yes. Therefore, you must be ASIA C at the least. What your doctor is telling you makes no sense whatsoever
Note that if you have a legal case going on or are planning to (against the doctors), staying an ASIA A will be beneficial to you, so if that's the case, let the papers say ASIA A
Butiki..I pretty much i agree with what DJ says...you do seem to be Asia grading C....Are you certain that she isnt referring to you CES as complete? You can actually be classed as an incomplete paraplegic but still be complete in respect of Cauda Equina Syndrome.
We have a post on the forum on Asia gradings, take a read and see if anything makes sense to you and your function..if not we will try and explain further...
Click here for further information on Asia gradings.
but have yet to develop full retention or incontinence of either bowel or bladder.
Let me get this straight...CES developes into CESR?
Not necessarily no, CESR can develop in just some individuals. It really depends on where the Spinal Cord is being compressed or for how long etc. If someone has CES and they do not get the compression relieved off from the Spinal Cord then the probabilities are heightened to all potentials .
On the other hand, don't wait until you develop further issues, get a check up with your consultant and make sure you do not need further treatment.
No I just caught that from your earlier post and was a bit surprised. In my case I had trouble knowing when I had to pee and what I thought was severe constipation but my bladder issue seems to have improved a lot and the constipation has subsided somewhat with regular stewed prunes for breakfast. A staple here at the clinic. I think back now and one of the first symptoms I had was peobably the constipation. After my first trauma but well before any other symptoms besides back pain (which I had been acustomed to for years) developed I had severe constipation. I wrote it off to the fact that I had just gotten off a plane and I always get constipated when I come to France from Canada. (change of diet; water; no herbal meds...I don't know) This time though it was much worse and way longer than in the past. When I finally went to emergency with unbearable back pains it had been three weeks since I'd had a bowel movement. Just an aside: where should I post a story about my prescient dreams I've had for the last forty years? I'd like to hear what others have to say.