External Catheters

This article is sponsored by Coloplast.

Allegro Medical and Cure Medical have teamed up to provide consumers with a unique incontinence experience. Cure Medical invests into both manufacturing technology and research to find the perfect product for their users.  This dedication came straight from the founder of Cure Medical. Bob Yant, founder of Cure Medical, suffered a C-5 spinal cord injury when he hit his head on a sandbar.  Being a catheter user himself, Bob wanted a product that was different and more comfortable than what the market had to offer. He created what the Cure Catheter is today. Since the day of his injury, Bob became dependent on others and wanted to give back to find a cure. He has committed 10% of all Cure Medical’s net profits to be donated to spinal cord research. Now many devoted scientists can pursue their research and ideas with these donations ¹.

In the spinal cord injury (SCI) population bladder cancer incidence is around 3% versus the less than 1% in the general population.  Although bladder cancer typically is 100 times more likely in SCI individuals, it is still rather uncommon.  Survivors of spinal cord injury have more concerns with complications of pressure sores, kidney failure and spinal cord cysts.  The risk of bladder cancer increases with the use of a “foley” or “indwelling” catheter or even a suprapubic catheter.  The main culprit for bladder cancer is bladder irritation.  Recurrent or frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bladder infections, repeat bladder stones, and irritation resulting from catheters are known bladder irritants.  Consult your doctor about your risk of developing bladder cancer if you use catheters especially foley or suprapubic.  Your urologist can inspect your bladder, which is recommended around 5 years after your SCI. ^1,2

Urinary catheters are divided into three main types: External, Intermittent, and Indwelling.  Depending on the patient, and application, picking the best catheter requires an understanding of the variations and benefits provided by each.

One of the top selling items on AllegroMedical.com is the Magic Bullet Suppository. Many similar products out on the market are oil based, but the Magic Bullet is a water soluble bisacodyl made from Polyethylene Glycol. This seemingly minor yet important change in the product makeup has a significant impact on bowel stimulation.  Anyone who has ever had to use laxatives, especially those with spinal cord injuries (SPI), knows that time is of the essence.

Millions of people around the world suffer from severe spinal cord injuries that result in permanent loss of control of their arms or legs, or loss of bladder, bowel or sexual functions. Now, US researchers have developed an oral medication that offers hope that some of these lost functions could be regained. When given to laboratory mice shortly after a spinal cord injury, the drug restored the animals' mobility.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A new bionic suit is helping paralyzed patients walk. It's the first time this technology has been available in Southern California. It's giving one man the use of his legs again.

A group of curlers were taking part in a game of wheelchair curling on Saturday. It was a fundraiser for First Steps Wellness Centre, a rehab clinic that works with people who have spinal cord injuries. It was also a fun way for people in wheelchairs to build their strength and independence.