Hi Michelle...happy to connect! I live in Boston and active in the community. Would love to connect w/you and your daughter. What's a good time to chat online? Have a great week. Talk to you soon. Christine

My 35-year old daughter is a C3-4 quad and has ALWAYS had problems with temperature regulation. Her "average" body temp runs several degrees below normal, and can dip into the low 90's ...

Due to the severe erosion of her urethra, the doctor closed it off during surgery to insure no leakage in that area. She may have occasional leakage from her abdominal stoma overnight when her bladder is full or spasms. But most of the time, cathing every 4-5 hours during the day suffices. As a high-level quad, she is subject to AD, and she can sense when her bladder needs to be emptied because her blood pressure rises. That is probably the biggest drawback for her.

Hi Michele,

Thank you so much for your posting on bladder augmentation. I really appreciate your insight. So all in all, has the surgery helped keep your daughter dry and prevent incontinence/leakage? And were there any significant drawbacks from the procedure?

Hi there. My 34 year old daughter (C3-4 quad) had a very successful surgery in Oct. of 2009. The procedure was recommended by her urologist due to severe urethral erosion and leakage problems caused ...

Thank you, Richard. I will pass that along to her.

Hi Michelle: I suggest your daughter join the National Association of the Physically Handicapped. I am a member and president of a local chapter. I know that members in this group can give your daughter a lot of support with disability issues. That is what we do. The NAPH is a 52-year old organizakion, with members across the country and several chapters located in the Midwest. Visit www.naph.net for more information. Richard

I am the mother of a 34 year old married woman who became a C3-4 quad 6 years ago. I am interested in a support group that will help me to help her deal with certain issues pertaining to her disability.