Is he able to sit independently or sit in a high back chair with support? It is easier to void in a sitting position. Running water-the sound, often elicits spontaneous voiding, likewise placing hands in a pan of warm water. There are external catheters that can be applied, rather than an internal. So if he is able to relax the urinary sphincter to release urine, but has zero control over when it occurs, this will at least help prevent needing an internal catheter, which is a risk for introducing infection. Down the road, he can be taught exercises to train for sphincter muscle control. When, and if he is able to sit, sitting in a sitz tub (a plastic pan which holds warm water, fits on the toilet rim with the toilet seat up, and has a bag filled with warm water for a continual 10-15 minute flow of warm water) helps to result in spontaneous urine flow. Also sitting in a shower chair in the shower with the shower running over the body helps. (I assume he is either in a skilled care facility or rehab facility that has a shower chair and a shower large enough to wheel him in.) Also trying to attempt voiding on a regular schedule every 2-3 hours during the day helps, and then use the external catheter at night. Also crede of the bladder helps release urine-gently pressing over the bladder are while trying to void. Playing an APP with rain sounds functions similar to running water in the bathroom sink or shower. The sound relaxes one and facilitates voiding. I hope you find some of the suggestions helpful. I wish your son a full recovery. It takes time, but thinking in terms of baby steps is helpful. I have seen many patients make miraculous recoveries in the right rehab facility with caring personnel from physical and occupational therapy. I will keep you all in my prayers. Years ago, in my early nursing career, we would use spirits of peppermint on a cotton ball placed in a bedpan to facilitate voiding, rather than having to catherize. It often helped.

Is he able to sit independently or sit in a high back chair with support? It is easier to void in a sitting position. Running water-the sound, often elicits spontaneous voiding, likewise placing hands in a pan of warm water. There are external catheters that can be applied, rather than an internal. So if he is able to relax the urinary sphincter to release urine, but has zero control over when it occurs, this will at least help prevent needing an internal catheter, which is a risk for introducing infection. Down the road, he can be taught exercises to train for sphincter muscle control. When, and if he is able to sit, sitting in a sitz tub (a plastic pan which holds warm water, fits on the toilet rim with the toilet seat up, and has a bag filled with warm water for a continual 10-15 minute flow of warm water) helps to result in spontaneous urine flow. Also sitting in a shower chair in the shower with the shower running over the body helps. (I assume he is either in a skilled care facility or rehab facility that has a shower chair and a shower large enough to wheel him in.) Also trying to attempt voiding on a regular schedule every 2-3 hours during the day helps, and then use the external catheter at night. Also crede of the bladder helps release urine-gently pressing over the bladder are while trying to void. Playing an APP with rain sounds functions similar to running water in the bathroom sink or shower. The sound relaxes one and facilitates voiding. I hope you find some of the suggestions helpful. I wish your son a full recovery. It takes time, but thinking in terms of baby steps is helpful. I have seen many patients make miraculous recoveries in the right rehab facility with caring personnel from physical and occupational therapy. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Is he able to sit independently or sit in a high back chair with support? It is easier to void in a sitting position. Running water-the sound, often elicits spontaneous voiding, likewise placing hands in a pan of warm water. There are external catheters that can be applied, rather than an internal. So if he is able to relax the urinary sphincter to release urine, but has zero control over when it occurs, this will at least help prevent needing an internal catheter, which is a risk for introducing infection. Down the road, he can be taught exercises to train for sphincter muscle control. When, and if he is able to sit, sitting in a sitz tub (a plastic pan which holds warm water, fits on the toilet rim with the toilet seat up, and has a bag filled with warm water for a continual 10-15 minute flow of warm water) helps to result in spontaneous urine flow. Also sitting in a shower chair in the shower with the shower running over the body helps. (I assume he is either in a skilled care facility or rehab facility that has a shower chair and a shower large enough to wheel him in.) Also trying to attempt voiding on a regular schedule every 2-3 hours during the day helps, and then use the external catheter at night.