What is neurogenic bowel?

Loss of control of the bowels is referred to as fecal incontinence.  There are many causes of fecal incontinence but one reason is when there is damage or an injury to the neurological system.  Neurogenic bowel is the term used when there is a loss of control of the bowel as a result of damage … Read more

What is neurogenic bladder?

Incontinence, or loss of control of the bladder affects as many as 80 million people in the United States.  There are many types of incontinence which can occur as a result of a disability or injury.  One example is when there is an injury or problem with the neurological system. Neurogenic bladder is the term … Read more

Intermittent catheterization vs Indwelling catheters

When the bladder is unable to empty properly, your doctor may recommend you insert a catheter to allow urine to exit the body.  Intermittent catheterization refers to inserting a catheter into the bladder via the urethra intermittently, commonly every 4-6 hours.  This is in contrast to an indwelling catheter such as a foley or suprapubic, … Read more

Occupational therapy’s role in toileting

As an occupational therapist that specializes in bowel and bladder management, when I work with patients on catheter or colostomy management, I often hear from other healthcare professionals, “I didn’t know OT’s did that!”  The occupational therapy profession, like other healthcare disciplines, have evolved and changed over the years.  While most people are aware that … Read more

“The Big Five”: Why is Toileting Last?

As an occupational therapist, it has always been my role to help maximize clients’ safety and independence with their occupations or activities of daily living (ADL). “The Big Five”, as I like to call it, are eating, grooming, bathing, dressing and toileting. In the early part of my career I noticed something very interesting about … Read more

What is an ostomy?

Ostomy Management Certification

When the urinary or digestive system is not working properly, a surgeon can create an opening in the abdomen.  This allows bodily waste to be rerouted from its usual path because of malfunctioning parts of the urinary or digestive system. An ostomy can be temporary or permanent.  The surgery itself is called an ostomy. A … Read more