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 … Read more
What is an ostomy? 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 … Read more
Occupational therapy’s role in toileting When I tell others that occupational therapy’s role includes bowel, bladder and ostomy 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 occupational therapists … Read more