Growing Pains: Raising a Teenager with Spina Bifida and Neurogenic Bladder

The teenage years are often fraught with new challenges for parents, like navigating changing social and interpersonal dynamics, but for families managing neurogenic bladder and bowel the obstacles are multiplied. For Carolina, a Coloplast employee whose daughter Maya was born with spina bifida and neurogenic bladder and bowel, helping Maya independently manage her bladder and bowel routine and live a full life was a primary concern after her diagnoses at the age of 6. In those early years, Carolina recalls the daily struggles of unsuccessful intermittent catheterization – which negatively impacted Maya’s social, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Eventually, Carolina found a new urology nurse who shared different catheter options and provided training and education, which was a turning point for Maya. Now, Carolina embraces Maya’s condition, and Maya is living her best teenage years. During this episode, Carolina will share the ups and downs of her family’s bladder management journey to adolescence and how she’s advocated for accommodations to support Maya’s independent, full teenage life.

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If you’re new to using an intermittent catheter, Coloplast® Care can help! You can sign up for Coloplast Care for free by visiting www.bladder.coloplastcare.us or calling 866-226-6362.

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The material shared within this podcast is for educational purposes only and is based on the personal experiences and learnings of the presenter. Carolina is a Coloplast employee and parent of a SpeediCath® catheter and Peristeen® Plus Transanal Irrigation System user. Each person’s situation is unique so your experience may not be the same. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether this product is right for you. Nothing within this podcast is intended to be used as medical advice or used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should rely on the healthcare professional who knows your individual history for personal medical advice and diagnosis. Please see complete product instructions for use, including all product indications, contraindications, precautions, warnings, and adverse events.