duenhsiyen's Avatar
duenhsiyen 11
298 Asked
435 Answered
169 Best
0
No one has voted on this question yet :(
2 years, 9 months ago

How do paraplegics go to the bathroom?

I'm looking for information on how persons with spinal cord injuries (or birth defects such as spina bifida), pelvic floor injuries, or neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's exercise self-care in this area. In particular, I've heard that a corset-like device may be available to help facilitate elimination, and I would like to know whether or not exerting pressure with the hands on the abdominal area is as effective.
Tip for best answer: M$1.00
Separate topics with commas, or by pressing return. Use the delete or backspace key to edit or remove existing topics.

You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.

M$

What is Your Answer?

0
0
0

4 Answers

0
fec139's Avatar
fec139 | 2 years, 9 months ago
4
I am a paraplegic with ALS/Lou Gehrig's Disease and I can tell you that there are several optons for toileting. First of all, we have to be helped onto a toilet or commode either by transferring with an aide or caregiver. If we can stand, we can be helped up by the caregiver and hen pivoted around and helped to sit. Or a safer way is by using a "hoyer lift", operated by a caregiver, which mechanically lifts the patient by use of a sling, and places the patient over the commode and gently lowers the patient.

Once on the toilet or commode, the caregiver usually has to wipe the patient, who usually finds it difficult to reach around to wipe himself.

Many paraplegics find it too hard to be taken to the toilet or commode several times a day, and opt for urination by alternate methods, such as a catheter which attaches to the ureter and has a bag, which is emptied and changed when full. Or for males, there is something called a "condom catheter, which can be placed on the end of the penis and collect urine. This usually has to be changed with every urinanation.

There are also urinals, for males and females which are plastic receptacles which can be discretely placed under a patient in a wheelchair, urinated into, and then emptied.

Still other paraplegics opt for adult diapers, such as Depends" which they urinate into, and have changed periodically.
source(s):
personal experience and connections with other patients.

You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.

M$
duenhsiyen's Avatar
duenhsiyen | 2 years, 9 months ago Report

Thanks for your reply. I'm wondering more about how you get the feces out? Do you have to exert pressure, and is there an assistive appliance that you use to help, such as a belt around the waist?

nickunderscore's Avatar
nickunderscore | 2 years, 9 months ago Report

dont just vote the first answer people... i think this one does a good job but another is shorter and more specific

Report Abuse

Post Reply Cancel
0
madgolertom's Avatar
madgolertom | 2 years, 9 months ago
3
A paraplegic typically needs to be helped to the restroom. Often times they are given a suppository to help with bowel movements. If a corset-like device would help facilitate elimination by putting pressure on the abdominal area, then gentle, even pressure with hands on the abdominal area would also be effective. The key is to use even pressure though.

You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.

M$

Report Abuse

Post Reply Cancel
0
esther_joy's Avatar
esther_joy | 2 years, 9 months ago
3
My friends dad in high school was hit by a drunk driver so he ended up as a paraplegic. He had a nurse come over and help him with showers, changing clothes and so forth. As for the toilet, he had to be stimulated to poo and he peed in a bag (don't know what the bag is called heh). He was still pretty self suficient though.

You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.

M$

Report Abuse

Post Reply Cancel
0
jeffbecerra's Avatar
jeffbecerra | 2 years, 8 months ago
0
With parapalegics/Quadrapalegics it is really important to have a bowel regiment. You should eat healthy and at regular intervals. Meaning you should eat at the same times every day. Then a sort of bowel ryhthm can be established where you can have a movement around the same time either every day or every other day depending on the person. I have been in a chair for 20 years and never have had an accident using this method.
source(s):
Personal experience. Training at Kaiser during rehab after being shot twice and becoming a parapalegic.

You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.

M$

Report Abuse

Post Reply Cancel

Learn something new with our FREE educational apps!

Private lessons in the comfort of your own home. Get back in shape or finally pick up a guitar with our great experts guiding you the whole way!
Learn Guitar
Learn Hip Hop
Learn Pilates