I just got back from the rehab from seeing Colin. He had his Urodynamic study today, and there are no issues with his bladder or kidneys.
He has a capacity of 546mls, so that is a good thing. Some quads have a very small bladder due to various reasons, and so there is not an option to manually catheterise every 4 hours, and they usually have to have a Supra Pubic Catheter. There are pros and cons for either procedure, but it is not really possible for a person to have an indwelling or urethral catheter on a permanent basis. Another potential issue is that most infections or bugs can cling to the plastic of the catheters, and self catheterisation or catheterisation by a carer every 4 hours is often a very good result. The con of this, is that you will have to do it every 4 hours even during the night.
If he decides to get a Supra Pubic one, the cons are the risk of infection, but you can use a night bag which will allow him to sleep as much as he wants without having to be “emptied”. The con is that because of his risk factors, it would have to be done in theater under a general anesthetic. He is a high risk for AD, and is on strong blood thinners, plus, even though he is losing, and will continue to lose weight, the amount of flesh and fat to get to the spot is more than on a skinny person.
We have a few positives here – he has an option that most quads don’t get because his bladder is a decent size, and also, we can wait to make a decision for a while so we can really think about it and make a correct decision for us. Plus, even though it is confirmed that even though he can’t control his bladder or his bowel, there are no other complications, and he also has some feeling of fullness. This also means there is hope. The medical professionals never give you too much hope on the off-chance it doesn’t happen, so no one has said anything, but this has to be a good sign.
Colin is generally well, except he has hurt his right shoulder. It is so sensitive that if you look at it funny it hurts. This has unfortunately put him back on his physio, but he is making great strides.
He still has the cold legs – which is how his neuropathic pain manifests, and I am working on plans to try to rub his legs, or get him a heating pad, or something.
Today I am grateful for phones, (WhatsApp specifically), and for heaters and warm pies for dinner. It is cold today. 🙂
Great news. Sounds like you need heat wheats.
Dear Janis
You don’t know me – but I feel like I have known you forever. Please know that your Blog keeps me sane and keeps me going. I always want to answer you but never have the words. This morning I can make 1 hopefully useful comment – for Colin’s legs, there is a wonderful cream from Shzen called “thermal relief for legs and feet” – and no, I am not a saleswoman.
Always thinking of you, please know that many people are, you are amazing! Much love and cyber-strength, Lizette
Thank you Lizette. I will try get some. 🙂
There are more positives than negatives. Keep thinking positive …..
Love and Hugs xxx