I have a spastic bladder. When it is filled with urine, a reflex will trigger the bladder to empty its content. However, my bladder is not fully emptied and some of the urine is pushed back into the kidneys. This condition is called a reflux. Prolonged reflux will lead to irreparable damage to the kidneys.

I was on indwelling catheter for 1 year after the spinal cord injury. It had to be changed every 10 days as it tends to get blocked after that. Infections are prevalent when using an indwelling catheter.

The catheter was then replaced with a urinary condom. The condom is not an ideal device as it tends to leak occasionally and restricts blood flow during erections. I have some permanent tissue scarring due to that.

7 years after my spinal cord injury, the urologist ordered an IVP (intravenous pyelogram) after I complained of pain around my abdomen and back. The x-ray showed swelling in both kidneys. He recommended intermittent catheterisation.

Intermittent catheterisation is where I lubricate a foley catheter with KY Jelly and insert it into my bladder to empty the urine. The catheter is then removed and cleaned under running water for reuse later. This procedure is repeated every 3 hours. One catheter can be reused up to several weeks.

Catheterising is a routine that I try to keep to no matter where I am. That is the only way to keep my kidneys healthy. When I am out, I wear adult diapers to prevent accidents just in case a disabled toilet is not available.

Foley Catheter
A latex tube of about 18″ in length. It is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine. If indwelling, water is used to inflate a balloon inside the catheter to keep it in place. A bag is attached to the flared end to store urine. Male

External Catheter
Also called the urinary condom. It is made from latex. Worn over the penis and secured with either the catheter’s own self-adhesive band or an adhesive tape. A bag is attached to the outlet to store urine.

Disposable Adult Diaper
Made up of 3 layers: A sheet of permeable material to allow urine to flow through but not back, a layer of fluid-absorbing gel and cotton, and plastic to prevent leakage.

Related Link: Spinal cord injury solicitor Brian Camp & Co. Solicitors, a UK based personal injury solicitors specialising in spinal injury claims.