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 is no question your life will change after a spinal cord injury (SCI). While slight fluctuations in body temperature throughout the day are normal, a person with a spinal cord injury may have difficulty staying warm when the temperature drops. Individuals with a SCI may have reduced sensitivity to changes in heat or cold especially if they have poor circulation or a lack of sensation below the level of injury.
Figuring out how to get the things you need can be extremely challenging. Unfortunately, many things may not be covered by insurance. We get a lot of questions on what resources are out there for specialized rehab or help getting equipment that is not covered by insurance. Our team will do everything we can to help you find local or national resources like equipment exchanges or grant/ scholarship programs.
The Navigator Experience
Resuming life after a spinal cord injury isn't easy and every person is different. Questions arise around activities of daily life such as nutrition, sports competition, sexual function, transportation, or bowel and bladder management. Knowledgeable help is invaluable.
ABC Medical's Navigator program is designed to offer individualized support for a person’s road back from spinal cord injury. This individualized assistance is provided through trained 'Navigators', as well as Peer Support Team members with spinal cord injuries who, from their own lived experience, can offer practical help and inspiring stories that foster genuine hope.
The Navigator Experience
Resuming life after a spinal cord injury isn't easy and every person is different. Questions arise around activities of daily life such as nutrition, sports competition, sexual function, transportation, or bowel and bladder management. Knowledgeable help is invaluable.
ABC Medical's Navigator program is designed to offer individualized support for a person’s road back from spinal cord injury, both through Peer Support Team members and Navigators. Our Peer Support Team is comprised of trained individuals who themselves have spinal cord injuries and therefore can offer support and practical help gained from their own lived experience, as well as inspiring stories that foster genuine hope. One-on-one assistance is also provided by trained Navigators who are motivated by helping people with an SCI live successfully on their terms.
There are unique obstacles to exercise after a spinal cord injury, but it's vital to stay active. With a little motivation, staying fit can be easier and more fun than you may think.
There is no one way to be active. The Navigator website has several articles that might give you a starting point or some ideas. You can dance, do yoga, play tennis, and so much more. Staying active can also be stretching at home. The most important thing is to find what works for you. The article below has some general tips to get started:
There is no perfect roadmap for our lives. There are so many unpredictable turns, bumps, and even some potholes, but leaning on your preferred medical supply companies for assistance can help. The Navigator website is meant to help make some of those bumps and potholes easier to move through and even bring a bit of joy along with those unpredictable turns.
Today I have the joy of introducing you to Lacey. Lacey is a Navigator here at ABC. She is an LPN with a wealth of knowledge about healthcare systems and insurance. Lacey is one of the best listeners and problem solvers I have ever met. Below you'll get to learn a little more about her.
Change is one of the only constants in life, but that doesn't make it easy. Yet, somehow, we get through it and I think that is mostly because we have each other. Our Navigator Team has resources to help connect you with other people who have a spinal cord injury. We never want you to feel alone.
