Real Talk: Bladder & Bowel Conversations with Coloplast® Care

When you have to go, you have to go! Your intermittent catheter shouldn’t hold you back or make your bladder management routine difficult. Luckily, closed system intermittent catheters can be used from virtually anywhere with comfort and can make planning ahead easier, allowing you to focus on what’s important. During this episode, guest Bob Vogel will do a deep dive into closed system intermittent catheters for men, which are all-in-one catheter and bag solutions. As an intermittent catheter user with a spinal cord injury, Bob will cover the most frequently asked questions and concerns about closed systems and offer his time-tested advice and best practices to make the cathing experience as convenient and comfortable as possible. If you’re new to using an intermittent catheter, Coloplast Care can help! You can sign up for Coloplast Care for free by clicking here or calling 1-866-226-6362. Access more bladder and bowel resources here. *** The material shared within this podcast is for educational purposes only and is based on the personal experiences and learnings of the presenter. Bob is a SpeediCath® catheter user who has received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. 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. Coloplast provides this information for your general reference related to the reimbursement of Coloplast products only. Reimbursement, coverage, and payment policies can vary from one insurer and region to another and may change over time. Coloplast does not guarantee coverage or payment of products.

The journey of life often includes obstacles, challenges, and difficulties – and there are many things that are out of our control. For Joe Delagrave, sustaining a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed nearly 19 years ago was an opportunity to foster the resilience and strength to continue pursuing his passions and regain his independence. For the first two years after Joe was injured, he needed the help of others to empty his bladder, which was very limiting. When Joe began playing wheelchair rugby, though, he met a community of other intermittent catheter users who had learned to self-catheterize with time and practice, which inspired him to begin trying to catheterize independently. Finding the right product enabled Joe to begin a self-catheterization routine that allowed him to pursue his passions, and he’s now a believer in rehabilitation through sport. A renowned wheelchair rugby player with a 13-year career, Joe is now the Head Coach for USA Wheelchair Rugby and travels the world competing and motivational speaking. During this episode, Joe will share his keys to building resilience and strength in your bladder routine and life, which can in turn promote developing more independence. If you’re new to using an intermittent catheter, Coloplast Care can help! You can sign up for Coloplast Care for free by clicking here or calling 1-866-226-6362. Access more bladder and bowel resources here. *** The material shared within this podcast is for educational purposes only and is based on the personal experiences and learnings of the presenter. Joe is a SpeediCath® catheter user who has received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. 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.

For Annijke Wade, mountain biking is more than a hobby, it’s an obsession – and it’s what she loves most in the world. A year and a half ago, Annijke rode on her favorite trail in Angel Fire, New Mexico – a route she’d completed more than sixty times – and lost control of her bike. The next thing she knew, she was on the ground and had lost feeling below her chest. Along with several broken bones and fractures, Annijke learned that she had sustained a T6/T7-level spinal cord injury and faced a long recovery ahead. Before her injury, Annijke was a relatively new face in the mountain biking scene but had already made a big impact. She was passionate about making mountain biking more inclusive for women and people of color, who have historically been underrepresented in the sport, and even organized the first bike event for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). While her accident was life-changing, it didn’t diminish Annijke’s spark, and she was determined to continue breaking boundaries. A passionate and resilient leader, she has continued her mission of making biking a more inclusive space for everyone and saw her injury as an opportunity to adapt the sport for others with spinal cord injuries. Alongside her advocacy work, Annijke is an active adaptive mountain biker, which also meant she needed to find an intermittent catheter that would fit into her lifestyle. On today’s episode, she will share how she’s coped with a recent spinal cord injury, how she found the strength to continue pursuing her passions, and how she established a bladder routine that enables her to continue the activities she loves. If you’re new to using an intermittent catheter, Coloplast® Care can help! You can sign up for Coloplast Care for free by clicking here or calling 866-226-6362. Access more bladder and bowel resources here. *** The material shared within this podcast is for educational purposes only and is based on the personal experiences and learnings of the presenter. Annijke is a SpeediCath® catheter user who has received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. 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.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides lifelong healthcare services to eligible military veterans at approximately 1,700 VA medical centers and outpatient clinics across the country. While there are many similarities between VA medical centers and any other healthcare facility, there may be some differences accessing bladder and bowel management products through the VA. Guests Dave Merhar and Diana de Avila are veterans with neurogenic bladder and bowel who use intermittent catheters and Peristeen® Plus Transanal Irrigation System to manage the conditions, and guest Danette Brooks is a Coloplast employee. Both Dave and Diana have extensive experience navigating the VA medical center to access their preferred bladder and bowel management products, and Danette is an expert on Coloplast products. In this episode, they’ll answer common intermittent catheter and Peristeen Plus product access questions, provide considerations for other veterans managing neurogenic bladder and/or bowel, and help explain veterans’ rights to products that meet their needs. Download the podcast guide, request samples,* and access more bladder and bowel resources here! If you’re new to using an intermittent catheter, Coloplast® Care can help! You can sign up for Coloplast Care for free by clicking here or calling 866-226-6362. *** *Samples available with valid prescription only. Limitations apply. The material shared within this podcast is for educational purposes only and is based on the personal experiences and learnings of the presenter. Dave and Diana are SpeediCath® catheter and Peristeen® Plus Transanal Irrigation System users who have received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information, and Danette is a Coloplast employee. 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. Coloplast provides this information for convenience and your general reference only. It does not constitute legal advice or a recommendation regarding clinical practice. Reimbursement, coverage and payment policies can vary from one insurer and region to another and is subject to change without notice. Coloplast does not guarantee coverage or payment of products and Coloplast makes no guarantee that the use of this information will prevent differences of opinion or disputes with Medicare, VA, insurers, or other payors as to the correct form of billing or the amount that will be paid.

School-age children are busier than ever making friends, playing sports, and excelling in school – and for the Gagnon family, managing neurogenic bladder and bowel is another important aspect of their busy schedule. Luke Gagnon is an active 9-year-old who stays busy with multiple sports, friends, and school. He was also born with spina bifida and neurogenic bladder and bowel. Early in their journey, Luke’s parents helped him use an intermittent catheter and they managed his neurogenic bowel using enemas – which his dad Stefan says was not only ineffective, but also resulted in nausea and vomiting. In their search for a better bowel management method, their family found Peristeen® Transanal Irrigation System (now Peristeen Plus), which they’ve successfully used for about 5 years. As Luke got older, his parents also wanted to empower him to self-manage his bladder routine, which included helping Luke understand why and how to effectively catheterize and practice with their supervision. By the age of 6, Luke had mastered self-catheterization, which helped him feel independent and confident. In this episode, special guests Stefan and Luke will share their advice for managing neurogenic bladder and bowel along with their tips for training and fitting it into a busy lifestyle – with the goal of providing hope, encouragement, and best practices to other kids and families. If you’re new to using an intermittent catheter, Coloplast® Care can help! You can sign up for Coloplast Care for free by clicking here or calling 866-226-6362. Access more bladder and bowel resources here. *** The material shared within this podcast is for educational purposes only and is based on the personal experiences and learnings of the presenter. Stefan is the father of Luke, a SpeediCath® catheter and Peristeen® Plus Transanal Irrigation System user, and they have received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. 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.

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. Access more bladder and bowel resources or request samples* here! 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. *** *Samples available with valid prescription only. Limitations apply. 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.

Intermittent catheterization shouldn’t get in the way of an active lifestyle, and neither should using a mobility device! Join guests Cheryl Angelelli, a 4-time Paralympic medalist in swimming and wheelchair ballroom dancer, and Neil Gustafson, a former USA Wheelchair Rugby and Texas Stampede Wheelchair Rugby athlete and Comfort Medical employee, who will share how they stay active on wheels and incorporate bladder management into their exercise regimen. Whether you’re an aspiring Paralympian or just exploring getting active, Cheryl and Neil’s tried-and-true bladder advice can help you develop more confidence. 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. Access more bladder and bowel resources, request samples,* and download the S1E7 podcast guide here! *** *Samples available with valid prescription only. Limitations apply. The material shared within this podcast is for educational purposes only and is based on the personal experiences and learnings of the presenter. Cheryl and Neil are SpeediCath® catheter users who have received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. 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.

Over 150,000 Americans live with spina bifida, a birth defect that mainly affects the spine and can cause neurogenic bladder or bowel. Sarah was born with spina bifida at the L4/L5 and L5/S1 levels, resulting in a neurogenic bladder and bowel. Sarah has been using the Peristeen® Transanal Irrigation System since 2015 and has recently started using the updated Peristeen® Plus system. She will share her journey through treatment techniques that ultimately led her to Peristeen Plus, along with her tips, advice, and best practices for using the system. If you have neurogenic bowel, you may have questions about how to manage your condition and what treatment options are available to you. It can be difficult – and we’re here to help! Our Coloplast® Care program can share information about managing a neurogenic bowel and help you become confident in your routine. If you have questions about Peristeen Plus and if it might be right for you, call 1-855-605-7594 or click here. Access more bladder and bowel resources here. *** The material shared within this podcast is for educational purposes only and is based on the personal experiences and learnings of the presenter. Sarah is a Peristeen Plus Transanal Irrigation System user who has received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. 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.

During this episode, guest Lori Neal will share her family’s bowel management journey after her son Julian was born with spina bifida. Early on, enemas were the only option available to manage Julian’s condition, and Lori recalls they were a nightmare. After they stopped working when Julian was five, Lori first tried to create a makeshift system to help her son, but this didn’t quite meet his needs. Desperation sent her to social media, where she learned about the Peristeen® Transanal Irrigation System – and the rest is history. Lori will share her and Julian’s journey and provide valuable advice, best practices, and encouragement for parents who are caring for a child with neurogenic bowel. If you or a loved one have neurogenic bowel, you may have questions about how to manage the condition and what treatment options are available. It can be difficult – and we’re here to help! Our Coloplast® Care program can share clinician-validated education about managing a neurogenic bowel to help you become confident in your routine. If you have questions about Peristeen® Plus and if it might be right for you, call 1-855-605-7594 or click here. Access more bladder and bowel resources here. *** The material shared within this podcast is for educational purposes only and is based on the personal experiences and learnings of the presenter. Lori is the parent of a Peristeen Plus Transanal Irrigation System user who has received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. 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.

Thomas Cloyd, a digital healthcare professional living in California, reflects on the road to independence after a spinal cord injury at the C5/C6 level left him quadriplegic. After his injury in 2012, Thomas went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and found a job in California away from his strong support network back home in Minnesota. Despite moving far from home, Thomas now lives independently and has been able to develop a routine to catheterize on his own – which he believes is a major reason he’s been able to live the life he wants. Thomas will share his catheterization best practices, tips and tricks, and advice to help others on the road to independence. If you’re new to using an intermittent catheter, Coloplast® Care can help! You can sign up for Coloplast Care for free by clicking here or calling 866-226-6362. Access more bladder and bowel resources here. *** The material shared within this podcast is for educational purposes only and is based on the personal experiences and learnings of the presenter. Thomas is a SpeediCath® Compact Set user who has received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. 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.

Being differently abled in the workplace can be challenging – you might face obstacles that make it difficult to achieve your full potential, which is why having the tools to advocate for yourself and your needs is so important. Guest Bianca Faith Johnson is an ambitious New York native who is also a lawyer, Master of Business Administration candidate, and ordained reverend. Since becoming a paraplegic at the T4/T6 level, Bianca has continued to pursue her diverse passions and excel in the workplace. She will share how she’s advocated for herself and for her needs at work, along with adjustments that helped her succeed. She will also share how she fits intermittent catheterization into her life as a busy professional and advice to help make it easier. If you’re new to using an intermittent catheter, Coloplast® Care can help! You can sign up for Coloplast Care for free by clicking here or calling 866-226-6362. Access more bladder and bowel resources here. *** The material shared within this podcast is for educational purposes only and is based on the personal experiences and learnings of the presenter. Bianca is a SpeediCath® Compact Set Female user who has received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. 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.

Nearly 1 million Americans live with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and for many, the disease may cause bladder or bowel issues. MS warriors Julie Stamm and Diana de Avila join us to discuss how their diagnosis impacted bladder and bowel function, their journey exploring treatment options, and how they’ve adapted today. When Julie Stamm was diagnosed with MS in 2007, one of the most troubling symptoms was bladder dysfunction. After the initial devastation of learning that she would have to use intermittent catheters, Julie’s perspective shifted as her catheterization routine helped her continue the activities she enjoys. For Diana, an artist and disabled veteran, finding a noninvasive option to treat neurogenic bowel was paramount. Diana will share how her current treatment regimen has helped her continue pursuing her passions as a digital fine artist working in fractal geometry, augmented reality, and algorithmic art. To try free samples* of SpeediCath® Compact Female mentioned in this episode, click here or call 1-866-226-6362. If you have a neurogenic bowel, you may have questions about how to manage your condition and what treatment options are available to you. It can be difficult – and we’re here to help! Our Coloplast® Care program can share clinician-validated education about managing a neurogenic bowel to help you become confident in your routine. If you have questions about Peristeen® Plus and if it might be right for you, call 1-855-605-7594 or click here. Access more bladder and bowel resources here. *Samples are available with a valid prescription only. Limitations apply. *** The material shared within this podcast is for educational purposes only and is based on the personal experiences and learnings of the presenter. Diana is a Peristeen® Plus Transanal Irrigation System user and Julie is a SpeediCath® Compact Female user who have received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. 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.

Adjusting to using an intermittent catheter can be difficult at the beginning – but it gets easier and can even improve quality of life and support independence. Join Bianca Faith Johnson and Thomas Cloyd as they share their catheterization journeys – from the initial shock of learning they’d have to use intermittent catheters, to how they were trained, and how they’ve incorporated it into their everyday routine. They’ll also share their favorite tips and advice for both male and female intermittent catheter users. If you’re new to using an intermittent catheter, Coloplast® Care can help! You can sign up for FREE by clicking here or calling 866-226-6362. Access more bladder and bowel resources here. *** The material shared within this podcast is for educational purposes only and is based on the personal experiences and learnings of the presenter. Thomas and Bianca are SpeediCath® Compact Set users who received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. 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.

The Real talk: Bladder & Bowel conversations podcast is brought to you by Coloplast® Care, a product and lifestyle educational support program for intermittent catheter and Peristeen® Plus Transanal Irrigation System users. Beginning to use an intermittent catheter or managing a neurogenic bowel may be challenging – you might have questions about your new routine, troubleshooting, and lifestyle – and we’re here to help. We believe having real, honest conversations about bladder and bowel management can improve wellness, reduce stigma and foster peer-to-peer support. Join us in conversations with community advocates and thought leaders to gain insights about lifestyle, products, and mindset. Let’s have a real talk. Click here for more product and lifestyle educational resources, or call us at 866-226-6362. *** Information from Coloplast Care is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be interpreted to contain treatment recommendations. You should rely on the healthcare professional who knows your individual history for personal medical advice and diagnosis.