The story of a 32 year-old who became immobile, leaked urine and soiled himself after an unfortunate fall… and how he leads a normal life now.

I was a 32 year-old security guard when I climbed a wall to pick flowers for the chapel. Lying immobile in a hospital bed is the next thing I remember. I slowly discovered that I had lost control of both my legs, could not stand and could not walk. Worse, I continuously leaked urine, and was unaware of my bowel emptying. I had sustained a fracture in my backbone, and the nerves controlling my urinary bladder and bowel were damaged. My legs were paralysed. I had a tube that was draining my urine all the time into a bag. That was in 1994.

I was terrified, as I could not understand any of these things. I was afraid that the tube might cause internal injury. I did not know what connection my back had with my bladder and bowel. I was not sure if I could carry a tube wherever I went. I did not know if I could ever walk. I did not know if I could work to support my family. I was did not know if my married life would be the same, whether I could have any more children.

After initial care, I underwent Urodynamic evaluation to understand what caused urine to leak. It was found that my urinary bladder was generating high pressures and emptying inefficiently. I also had no sensation of moving bowels, or urine. I was given tablets to reduce the pressures generated by my bladder. In order to empty my bladder completely, I was advised to pass a plastic tube every 4 hours and remove the urine. I learnt to open my bowels in a controlled way by stimulating my bowel. By eating plenty of vegetables, my motions were easy to pass, and I had no constipation.

Doctors looking after me spoke to me over many days, clearing my doubts one by one. They showed me how to pass the catheter, how to clean it, and how to care for it. I was given exercises to strengthen certain muscles so that I could move with crutches. I learnt to use a mobile vehicle. Today, I am moving around on my own, and run a small-scale business profitably. I have provided employment to four more people. I do not leak urine any longer, and move bowels on my own volition.

I have had one more child, and my marital life is as good as it was. My wife and family support me in all my activities. My proudest moment came when my doctors called me speak to other people who were suffering from these problems. They think I am a hero. They come to me for advice and encouragement. I enjoy speaking to them, assuring them that they too can lead good lives.

I am a volunteer for the Indian Continence Foundation.