Self-advocacy is essential for individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) to learn. As someone with an SCI, it is likely you will encounter situations where others do not fully understand your needs, or abilities. You might even find some healthcare providers are not well-versed about spinal cord injuries. Having a good understanding of your condition and needs, along with the ability to clearly communicate this information, can help ensure you receive appropriate care in healthcare settings. In today’s article, we will discuss some strategies for self-advocacy in healthcare and share resources that can help you hone this skill.
Amy Landrum, APRN CWOCN
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For individuals living with chronic conditions, life can be stressful. The disease and the treatment may cause unpleasant side effects, such as pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, or depression.
Palliative care is a field of specialized medical services that helps individuals and their loved ones live comfortably during treatment for cancer, throughout the management of non-curable chronic conditions, or at the end of life. Metastatic cancer and other conditions such as COPD, end-stage renal disease or advanced heart disease are examples of chronic conditions where palliative care can be helpful.
Patients with conditions that can cause urinary incontinence—such as prostate cancer, spinal cord injuries, or urological trauma—have a lot of choices to make regarding catheter use.
Should I do intermittent cathing? Or get an indwelling catheter? What’s the difference? And what the heck is a French size?
From tried-and-true products to innovative designs for athletic and on-the-go lifestyles, catheter options are seemingly endless. Getting the best fit and style starts with learning the right words to describe the products you need.
In today’s article we will review 5 important things to discuss with your doctor regarding prostate cancer. Before we do that, let’s do a quick review of what the prostate is. The prostate gland is located below the bladder, is about the size of a walnut, and your urethra passes through it. The prostate is essential for reproduction, as it produces fluid that helps transport and protect sperm cells. Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in the prostate gland, creating tumors. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States for men but highly treatable when caught in the early stages.
Approximately 13% of men in the United States will get prostate cancer during their lifetime. Genetics and age play a large part in those statistics, but lifestyle choices may also impact risk. In this article, we are going to share 10 ways you can help reduce your risk of Prostate Cancer. Certain lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of developing more aggressive forms of prostate cancer, and may bring improved outcomes for individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer. Keep reading to learn more about the things you can do to help lower your risk of cancer and live a longer and healthier life.
If you have had ostomy surgery, you may be wondering, or even concerned, about what it will be like to return to work with a stoma. Take heart in knowing that many people successfully work with an ostomy. There is a good chance you have met someone who is doing just that – you just didn’t realize they had a stoma. People with stomas work in every type of job imaginable, from offices to hospitals, to construction sites to public transportation. With a little planning and the proper supplies, the vast majority of workers should be able to confidently return to the job and resume their usual activities.
Medical technology is always evolving. Catheters are no exception. Most catheter users are familiar with the concept of applying lubricant to a catheter prior to insertion; however, there is another type of catheter available that self-lubricates and eliminates the need for added lubricant. This type of catheter is called a hydrophilic catheter.
As a user of intermittent catheters, you may be wondering how frequently to empty your bladder. Additionally, if you have an underlying condition such as spinal cord injury or other forms of nerve damage, you may have reduced sensation and not “feel” the urge to urinate. In these situations, your healthcare provider may recommend a cathing schedule. Today we will discuss the benefits of adhering to a catheterization schedule and some tips to help you get started and stay on track.
In this article, we will provide you with resources that can offer exceptional education and support to individuals living with an ostomy.
Urine drainage bags are, simply stated, storage bags that collect urine for individuals who cannot urinate on their own. They are typically used with catheter supplies such as Foley catheters, external catheters (condom catheters), urostomy pouches, or nephrostomy tubes. The urine drainage bag attaches to the urinary device with flexible tubing. Drainage bags are then emptied as needed into the toilet or another receptacle.
