Question
Hi,
   I am 27 Years of Age Male from Pakistan. I got SCI at C6, C7 level in 1992. That's why i am  partial Quadrepleagic. I have two main problems. First is my weight is over the specified limit. i.e about 90 KG and i want to reduce it to gain independecy in my daily jobs. Second, i have a urine problem for some months that my bladder is not properly emptied about 150cc urine remains in the bladder after passing the urine, that's why it's now start effecting my Kidneys. But it's a beginning stage. I used external catheter. I want to know, is there any method besides intermitted catherization because it maked wounds in my bladder. Kindly give me some suggestions about this urine problem and Weight Loss. Waiting for ur reply.

Regards,
Saqib.

Answer
Hi Saqib,
Thank you so much for your question.

Losing weight is more of a common sense approach then any diet. Remember, eating sensibly is the key. Because activity is limited, losing weight is difficult. Eat slow and stop when you feel full. It takes the brain 20 minutes to recognize that the stomach is filling up.

As far as the bladder problem, it may be necessary to have an indwelling (foley) catheter. This will allow a constant drainage of the bladder. Intermitted catherization will irritate the bladder and if this does not empty the bladder then the urine left in the bladder is sometimes forced up into the kidney through the ureter. This is called reflux.
Continued intermitted catherization also increases the risk for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). An indwelling catheter also has risks of UTIs but not to the extent of intermitted catherization. Having an indwelling catheter is more convenient and reduces the chance of reflux.

Medication can be used to relax the sphincter muscle and allow the bladder to drain better. You would need to consult a urologist for the right medication.

Thanks again for your question and feel free to ask me more anytime.

Take care,
John McKinzie