Question Title: Recurring Bladder & Kidney Infections due to retention

I have a sister who is now 25 yrs old.She has had bladder/kidney problems since she was a child. She has problems ranging from wetting herself to not being able to go.Now she is constantly being hospitalized for bladder/kidney infection after infection because she's not completely emptyed her bladder when she does go.She has tried self catherization which is awful for her.One of her kidneys has been so damaged from infections it has lost a percentage of its functioning.She has been told the nerves of the bladder that tell the brain she needs to go to the bathroom aren't working very strongly.She's been told there is no cure and not much to do about it.Do you agree? Is there some sort of surgery or bladder transplant.Could it be more of a kidney problem w/the bladder problems stemming from the kidney problem?I hope this makes sense, I really would love to help her.I appreciate any information you can give!

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Dear Sharon P.
Thanks for your questions.
Urodynamic testing of the bladder under fluroscopy can usually pinpoint the problem. It sounds like a nerve problem from what history you have given. Has she been to a neurologist? or Has she been diagnosed with a neurological lesion? Treatment for a tethered spinal cord can help if caught early. Knowing the neurological lesion can help with prognosis and help direct follow-up. Incontinence, urinary tract infections and constipation can perpetuate each other. Fluid restrictions, avoidance of caffeine, scheduled voiding i.e. every two hours, clean intermittent catheterazitions, high fiber diet and prudent use of stool softeners/ antibiotics/ bladder relaxing medications can decrease the number and severity of leakage and infections. Sorry there is no bladder transplant available to date but bladder substitution is possible if the bladder if the kidney function lost is felt to be directly related to her impaired bladder function.More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its urban campuses by calling (1 800 653 6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any physicians’ notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.

This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Sincerely;
HFHS-M.D. MS
* Keyword: neurogenic bladder, urinary tract infections, clean intermitent catheterizations, behavior modifications for urinary incontinence and infections

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