7 replies to this topic

[karenlee]

I hope I am not being rude in any way by posting my question ... I have good intention. I am a writer and my current novel includes a man who is wheelchair-bound following a rodeo accident. I would like to know if my character - a paraplegic - can have full bladder function and, if so, would it be feasible for him to get himself out of bed and attend to those bodily functions unassisted. I would appreciate advice from people who really know because, as you are all no doubt aware, it is easy to misread text books or misconstrue what one reads on the internet.
Many thanks.
Karen.

[topperf]

Hi Karen.

I think it's feasible, but not common.
I'm not certain, but I'm sure that someone in here can give you a straight answer.
what I would like to say is, that I'm glad you're taking you're time to get it just right, that's not rude:)

t.

[Texaswheelz]

yea it's feasible, while i don't have full bladder function, I can easily get out of bed and go to the bathroom to cath myself on my own. A para with a lower level or even a incomplete could possibly have full bladder function.

[Kwag_Myers]

It seems to me that there are one or two here in this forum that have full bladder function. And, as topperf said, they are lower level incompletes (as I recall). Which brings in another possibility for you to consider - cauda equina syndrome. Pretty ironic for a cowboy.

However, I think your character might be more interesting if he had to struggle with the whole cathing thing. It's not just about having to do it, but what works best for the individual, etc. There's probably a whole chapter's worth just on this subject. If not, throw in the loss of bowel function.

As for me personally, I had it for about two months and then lost it.

[qbounce]

Can't remember EVER reading in a book about ANYONE going to the restroom . . . why a disabled person? Seems to me cathing is the LEAST of our struggles!

Just a thought . . .

[Darkghost]

I can only say from my own experience,I have full bladder control and can transfer by myself (for the time being) so it is possible ...although I don't think I could get on a horse (getting off one would probably be easier )

[karenlee]

topperf, on Jul 26 2008, 07:44 PM, said:

Hi Karen.

I think it's feasible, but not common.
I'm not certain, but I'm sure that someone in here can give you a straight answer.
what I would like to say is, that I'm glad you're taking you're time to get it just right, that's not rude:)

t.

thank you

Texaswheelz, on Jul 27 2008, 12:23 AM, said:

yea it's feasible, while i don't have full bladder function, I can easily get out of bed and go to the bathroom to cath myself on my own. A para with a lower level or even a incomplete could possibly have full bladder function.

thank you

Kwag_Myers, on Jul 27 2008, 04:44 AM, said:

It seems to me that there are one or two here in this forum that have full bladder function. And, as topperf said, they are lower level incompletes (as I recall). Which brings in another possibility for you to consider - cauda equina syndrome. Pretty ironic for a cowboy.

However, I think your character might be more interesting if he had to struggle with the whole cathing thing. It's not just about having to do it, but what works best for the individual, etc. There's probably a whole chapter's worth just on this subject. If not, throw in the loss of bowel function.

As for me personally, I had it for about two months and then lost it.

Cauda equina sydrome - that is very interesting and, as I am pretty into irony, I might just do a bit of research on it. Thanks.

qbounce, on Jul 27 2008, 06:57 AM, said:

Can't remember EVER reading in a book about ANYONE going to the restroom . . . why a disabled person? Seems to me cathing is the LEAST of our struggles!

Just a thought . . .

It is funny how the simplest things can get confusing. Originally, my rodeo rider was not going to be disabled (sometimes characters just take over) and a simple passage that once started with "...and in the morning, he ignored his bladder's usual up-and-at-'em take on life" becomes either redundant or needs reworking.
Thanks for your response.

[qbounce]

Well Karen,
MOST of us can't feel our bladder anymore, so there are other ways I can tell when it gets full: leg spazms or a shiver down my neck, even forehead sweats when it's REALLY full . . . incorporationg THAT into a book so the reader understands could be a far more drawn out endeavor than just a little quip.

This'll land the post in the sexuality forum, but the 'ol "up-an-at-em" usually reffers to something ELSE goin'on down there in the morning!