[Gary Anderson]

Hi All Posters

I told you that one day I would return - well today is the day. I am just back from visiting family after our family funeral. Flew there and back no problem at all.

During my travels, I got talking to a paraplegic who was asking me about catheters - his is a suprapubic. He then threw me when he said

Quote

As I'm now paraplegic I just can't eat before or during long-haul flights because on many planes it's difficult to wheel me to the toilet. But I'm determined to continue travelling as much as possible.

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WHY would someone with an SPC need to go to the plane toilet? Can he nost just "go in the bag" they way I do?

Or am I missing something not having an SPC?

Answers on a postcard please.

[kanga2433]

hi, Gary! Nice to hear from you. I hope everything went OK.

As far as the paraplegic you were talking to is concerned, I note you said 'eat'. I suspect that the problem he has is that having lunch, say, gets his bowels moving and he can't .... er ...... drain his bowels so easily as urine so would need the toilet.

I am due to fly to Canada on 10th June and have the SPC and bag. I intend to connect the leg bag to a 2ltr bag and drain into that with my wife emptying the larger bag as needed. We should be on the plane for at least9 hours so there had better be more that 2ltr output!

[Apparelyzed]

One postcard as requested ...

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[Gary Anderson]

OK Simon - did not mean you to take me literally, however, thanks for cheering me up!

Wise guy!!!

[gazrobsuk]

Hey Simon,

How did you do that? is that some software? I'd like it

Apparelyzed, on May 15 2006, 02:21 PM, said:

One postcard as requested ...

[Simon]

Hi Gary
Welcome back.
I have the same question, even if its as Simon says why can't he use a bag during flight as the few hours spent on 'free' drainage aren't going to compromise his bladder capacity.
I have the opposite problem-- my bladder has a 600ml plus capacity when sat so I need an spc put in to stop reflux to my kidneys! Hopefully being done tomorrow am but unless the urologist can get my bladder to retain at least 250mls while I'm laid down he cannot do the procedure to make the hole for the spc otherwise he risks puncturing my intestines! Crossed fingers.............

[Gary Anderson]

Heres a first - I am going to answer my own question!

I have been told by a colleague I work with who is an OT that SPC caths can be emptied 2 ways - free drainage or by a valve.

Free drainage apparently removes any control you may have over your bladder.

Emptying by valve allows you to have control of your bladder.

It would appear the guy I spoke to is "overcontinent" in that he knows he needs to go but cant in the normal way. The SPC is also given when you are active in the sex department (I wish!!!).

I have also discovered that the guy I spoke to has a colostomy bag and this may be why he requires the loo on the plane as these bags require to be emptied reguarly.

Thanks for the welcome back posters - I may return from time to time - we shall see what interesting topics turn up!!

Thanks for your help, support and prayers.