Post by Day on Sept 13, 2008 23:01:29 GMT -6
Wow, such a major subject. I was misdiagnosed for 4years before the giant sausage living in my spinal canal was finally found (Gee, just run a MRI sooner). Any way....I suffered with lack of warning for a year before surgery.
After surgery I had a bag, during rehab I had a bag. Then one day I started to regain feeling in the lower half. I mentioned to my nurse "This catheter is starting to bother me, and I think I know when I have to go" She looked at me like I had lost my mind but agreed to let me try for a while with out the thing. My PT helped by teaching me some floor strengthening exercises, which were really just a reminder from my natural childbirth classes - remember the kagel? Then my husband brought me some disposable underwear just in case, and the experiment was on! It took a few weeks before things worked every time. Yes, we used the running water trick. I used to teach Head Start and then I used to run a home daycare so ya might say that I have a degree in "Potty Training".
What took longer to overcome was trying to control my bladder after exercise (PT) or upon waking up. Just had to be prepared for a leaky faucet after those two events.
Now during my 4th month of recovery I can get away with only light protection. I rarely need it...but sure beats the alternative.
I think your tips for retraining are right on target for those of us that are blessed with feeling in that region.
Thanks,
Day
After surgery I had a bag, during rehab I had a bag. Then one day I started to regain feeling in the lower half. I mentioned to my nurse "This catheter is starting to bother me, and I think I know when I have to go" She looked at me like I had lost my mind but agreed to let me try for a while with out the thing. My PT helped by teaching me some floor strengthening exercises, which were really just a reminder from my natural childbirth classes - remember the kagel? Then my husband brought me some disposable underwear just in case, and the experiment was on! It took a few weeks before things worked every time. Yes, we used the running water trick. I used to teach Head Start and then I used to run a home daycare so ya might say that I have a degree in "Potty Training".
What took longer to overcome was trying to control my bladder after exercise (PT) or upon waking up. Just had to be prepared for a leaky faucet after those two events.
Now during my 4th month of recovery I can get away with only light protection. I rarely need it...but sure beats the alternative.
I think your tips for retraining are right on target for those of us that are blessed with feeling in that region.
Thanks,
Day