From an early age, we begin to develop routines around how our bodies work in different situations, including how and when we go to the bathroom. When those established norms change unexpectedly, it can rock your world physically and emotionally.
After a spinal cord injury (SCI), transitioning to life at home after hospitalization and rehab care means learning a whole new set of skills. It also involves discovering where to find the resources and support that can help you feel confident and in control of your own life and journey.
If you are new to using intermittent catheters, you may have been told by your healthcare provider to empty your bladder completely every time you cath. In today’s article, we will discuss why complete bladder emptying is important, and some techniques you can use to help empty your bladder when self-cathing.
There are many effective treatments for prostate cancer, but their side effects can be uncomfortable to handle. If you’ve received treatment but are having a hard time with any side effects, it’s important to know these can be managed, and they often improve over time.
As a caregiver for a child or teen with spina bifida, you’re used to helping with a wide range of tasks, including toileting.
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.
If you have health concerns, you know that nurses are the front-line providers who bring an invaluable amount of skill, knowledge, and expertise to patient care. They’re compassionate caregivers who deeply respect patients and listen to their needs.
Amy Landrum, APRN, CWOCN is one of those nurses.
We asked Amy to tell us about how she became a nurse, what her specialty means, and why she cares so much for her patients.
Adjusting to life after an ostomy surgery can take time. You may be wondering how you will resume your normal activities now that you have a stoma. The good news is that people with ostomies are usually able to do all the things they did before surgery. One of the most important things for getting back to your activities without hassles is having access to products that best fit your unique body, stoma, and lifestyle.
Meet Hannah, a 17-year-old wheelchair basketball athlete from Henrico, Virginia who aspires to become a Special Education teacher. She is the recipient of the Fall 2020 Adaptive Sports Scholarship award from ABCmedical.
