importance of water spinal cord injury

Importance of Water

Determined2Heal Tips:

The human body is 70% water.  Drinking is essential.  In order for the body to function, it needs its main ingredient.  Lack of water can leave one dehydrated.

Water Facts:

• regulates body temperature
• makes up 83% of blood
• removes waste
• composes 75% of brain
• helps carry nutrients and oxygen to cells
• moistens oxygen for breathing
• helps convert food to energy
• protects and cushions vital organs
• helps body absorb nutrients
• accounts for 22% of bones
• cushions joints
• makes up 75% of muscles
• makes up 90% of lungs
• Your body is roughly 70 % water!"
• click here to learn more

Why is it important with a spinal cord injury to drink water?

Kidney failure is the leading cause of death for people with spinal cord injuries. Many people are reluctant to drink lots of water because of the hassle of catheterization. If you don't drink a lot of water, you will get dehydrated and your kidneys will begin to deteriorate. You need water to heal.

If I drink a lot of water, how often should I catheterize if I do intermittent bladder catheterization?

The lesson is to drink lots of water and get on a consistent catheterization schedule. For most people, catheterizing every four hours is about right, but you will get a feel for what is best for you. The normal bladder holds between 300-500 cc of urine (10-16 ounces). Each catheterization should yield about this amount of urine. If you catheterize and get 150 cc of urine you probably could have waited a while longer and if you get a 750 cc you should have catheterized sooner.  Frequency of catheterization varies with amount of water intake. Learn what's best for your body, it's better catheterized too soon then too late before an accident occurs.  If the bladder fills up with too much urine, it could cause you to experience autonomic dysreflexia (AD).

How can high-level quadriplegics drink water without asking?

The Beauty of a Camelbak

The Camelbak water pouch comes and a wide range of sizes and colors.  I recommend the Camelbak that holds 70 ounces of water.  The Camelbak's insulated water pouch keeps the water cool throughout the day.	This is the tube director which has a metal wire running through the outside which can be shaped or molded to a specific individual's needs.	The camelclip attaches to the tube director and can clip on to any tangible surface.
The Ergo Hydrolock creates a 90° angle that allows for easy access when it comes to drinking from the Camelbak. The ergo hydrolock has a yellow on off lock.	The Big Bite valve attaches to the ergo hydrolock.  With a simple bite the valve opens and water then can be sucked out.	The Camelbak cleaning brush kit has certain brushes back including both the director to and the Camelbak water pouch.

You can position the Camel clip on the headrest and then bend to the tube director so that the bite valve is directly in front of the mouth.  This is the perfect setup for an individual who is a high-level quadriplegic.
You can position the Camel clip on the shoulder of your shirt and then bend to the tube director so that the bite valve is directly in front of the mouth.  This is the perfect setup for an individual who is a high-level quadriplegic and is without a headrest.
You can position the tube director underneath the armpit and just have it sit in your lap.  Whenever you want a drink pick it up with your hand or fingers.  This works well for low-level quadriplegics and paraplegics.

Putting a Camelbak Together

Attach the tube director to the bottom of the Camelback water pouch.  You'll have to cut away the original tube that is on the water pouch.  Be careful to not cut your fingers.
Attache the Ergo Hydrolock to the tube director.
Attach the Big Bite valve to the ergo hydrolock.  Pinch the mouthpiece to open up the precut water slit.
Attach the camel clip 12 to 18 inches away from the mouthpiece end.

Other drinking devices click here

Disclaimer: This page contains observations and information from the personal experiences of Josh Basile. It is not intended as a substitute for the guidance and advice of trained medical professionals. Determined2Heal recommends that you always seek out guidance from healthcare professionals before partaking in any treatment.