"It was very helpful for us at the time, when Harry was a little baby with reduced function, to meet a boy with similar problems, and to get to know a family with our kind of approach to life, who had struggled with the same things as us. An active family, practicing sports and outdoor activities. Since then, they have been part of our lives as inspiration – the boy acting as Harry’s role model.”
Topics: Bowel management, Bowel dysfunction, Navina Smart
Anna Kamma has VACTERL, a congenital condition that means that Anna has to catheterize, as well as use bowel irrigation. She tells us what impact this has on her daily life and how, through her perseverance, she decides herself when and where she goes to the toilet.
Topics: Intermittent Catheterization, Lofric Elle, Colonic irrigation
Urinary Tract Infections and Intermittent Catheterization - Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
January 18 2023
What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can affect any part of the urinary system and is caused by bacteria. Most commonly, the infection involves the lower urinary tract, which is the bladder and the urethra. Almost 90% of UTIs are caused by the bacteria 'Escherichia coli (E-Coli)' and this bacterium is often present in our gut without causing any harm. Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men, for several reasons. Infections limited to the lower urinary tract can be very painful and troubling, but normally go away on their own after a few days. If not, treatment with antibiotics might be required. However, if the UTI is not defeated and bacteria spreads to the kidneys, the consequence may be serious. In all cases a UTI can be very troublesome – but there are steps to take to reduce the risks of getting a UTI.
Topics: Bladder management, Bladder dysfunction, UTI, Urinary Tract Infection
Few women are alarmed by a tiny urine leak as they lift heavy items, cough, or jog. A protective daily pad and most of us brush it off. But when urine leakage gets more serious and grows out of control, it becomes a major concern that limits us and dictates our lives. This is exactly what happened to Anne. A 44-year-old mother of one son, from northwestern Germany, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), back in 2005.
Topics: Bladder dysfunction, Intermittent Catheterization, MS
Distressed by my inability to control my bladder
September 21 2022
A spinal cord injury coupled with an early childhood polio infection complicated her bladder control. Intermittent catheterization has long been part of her life.
Read Selma's story in her own words.
