Starting to use a catheter can make ordinary parts of your day suddenly feel unfamiliar. You may find yourself thinking about things you never had to plan before: when and where you’ll catheterize, what supplies you need to bring, whether you’re doing everything correctly, and what happens when you’re away from home.
Many people with a spinal cord injury enjoy adaptive water sports and aquatic activities. There are many reasons for this—connecting with nature, the social aspect, and enjoying something new. Buoyancy is particularly enjoyable for those activities where you are in the water, such as swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Propelling yourself forward in or under the water can provide a sense of newfound freedom and mobility that you can’t get on land.
When intermittent catheterization is part of your daily routine, questions are common and expected.
Maybe you've wondered whether you're catheterizing too often or too little. Perhaps you experience a time when catheterization felt uncomfortable, or you've noticed something different and wondered whether it's normal. Even people who have been self-catheterizing for years can have questions as their routines, health, or lifestyles change.
And chances are, if you've wondered about something, other catheter users have wondered about it too.
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Returning to work after a spinal cord injury may require that you and your employer make some workplace accommodations to stay safe, be comfortable, and make it easier for you to get things done.
Fortunately, there are many innovations and assistive technologies that help you create a great working environment. Many assistive technology products and adaptive equipment cost very little, so it is in your employer’s best interest to make these minor workspace accommodations.
A new school year comes with plenty to think about. And if your child uses intermittent catheters, you may have a few extra questions. Will they have enough time and privacy? What happens if they need help? Will they remember their schedule when the school day gets busy?
A little planning can go a long way. By practicing your child’s routine, communicating with school staff, and planning for unexpected situations, you can help your child feel comfortable, prepared, and confident.
Running out of medical supplies is one of the biggest concerns we hear from customers—and for good reason. Having what you need, when you need it, is essential to maintaining your health, independence, and peace of mind.
Living with an ostomy is a highly individualized experience. What feels essential to one person may not be necessary for another, especially when it comes to accessories like ostomy support belts. While not everyone with an ostomy needs a belt, many people find that the right support belt improves comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life.
Living with arthritis, hand weakness, or limited mobility can make everyday routines more challenging. For people who use intermittent catheters, reduced grip strength or finger mobility can bring frustration and even discomfort into your daily catheterization routine.
It may surprise you to know that there are many different options for you to exercise and stay fit. Whether you want to compete in an individual or team sport as part of a league or local club, or if you’re looking for something to keep you physically active and manage your weight, there’s plenty to choose from.
Tennis is one of the fastest-growing wheelchair sports in the world. This court sport offers those with a spinal cord injury the opportunity to play in the same way and with the same rules as any tennis player, with one notable exception—the ball is allowed to bounce twice. This provides greater opportunities to make more shots, stay in longer rallies, and just have more fun!
