[Threus]

Hello Members,

I need your help! I am a T12-L2 fusion with MS.I use a diaper. I've had recurring bladder infections and need to stop getting them.

what i've tried:

Cranberry juice
Manno-Max a cranberry sugar extract
Methadamine which acidifies the bladder
Large Volumes of water
Sterile technique

I do all this yet I keep having them. Some times I have bowel accidents but they have subsided sincee I switched to "Enemeeze" mini enema.
Am I the only para using a diaper? Yur suggestion and feedback are greatly appreciated

Joe

[edlee]

I know this sounds trite, Joe,,, but it takes time.

The bowels will eventually become used to your routine,,,,, if you maintain a routine. Even every day isn't bad if that's what it takes. Also,,, you'll find that there is a difference between soft stool and SOFT stool. For me,, firmer is better,,,, I'd rather dig it out than clean it up,,, but that's just me.

As for the UTIs,,, most of us battle them, to some extent. It sounds like you are doing the right things, tho you might add a gram a day of vitamin C. It is very important for your doctor to have the lab work done to find out the exact organism involved,,, as some are more resistant to some meds, than others.

If all else fails, some doctors are prescribing low doses of antibiotics to be taken,,,, forever(???),, or for long periods, anyway... Others are suggesting allowing "colonization" of some of the more benign strains ( if there is such a thing as a benign strain).

Anyway,,, routine,,,and firm turds,,,, and condom caths with leg bags have allowed me to do away with the diapers,,,,, but it took a while,,,, about a year and a half.

Like every thing else in this SCI world,,, it takes time,,,,,even baby steps are still progress.
ed

[Manda]

I havent had a uti since May,
I had the foley in since my accident,got uti's
every other week,When we took it out and started staight cathing
in May that was it havent had one since,I need to go find some wood to
knock on now!! Bye-Bye ~M

[cubanito_016]

yo i get uti some time I get constipation all the time life with spinal cord is hard and sometimes we feel like no one is gona help us with our problem cause not even the doctor know what to do.