Ask the Doctor Archive - Spina Bifida Association

Programs / Services

National Resource Center Quality Of Life Prevention

Current
Date	Title
January 2010	Our son, age l7, has recently been diagnosed with Occulta. We were told by a specialist that if he was going to have Spina Bifida, this was the any type to have, and that he can live a normal life. However, my son still complains of back problems and recently he was at a Camp in the U.S. and put out his back again. My son is an excellent basketball player. His goal is BASKETBALL and he is very, very good. If he's already been complaining of back problems, what could we do? Is he making his back worse by playing in competitive sports? What can we give him nutritionally (supplements), other treatments, or clinical trials, to help him ease the pain?

Archive
Date	Title
December 2009	I am 65 years old and have just been informed by my "new" doctor that I have Spina Bifida. It was detected through blood tests ordered by this doctor. This news today was rather alarming that I would have had it since birth. I have had no indication or obvious signs over the years to indicate I had Spina Bifida. At my age, what should I be more informed or careful when I do things? Will it affect me to a greater degree later in life? Any information, pertaining to the discovery of this birth defect later in life, would be appreciated.
November 2009	I’m hoping you can help me with a question. I was told that there is a technique used at birth to lessen Spina Bifida. Can you tell me where I might find some information on this?
October 2009	I am a 21-year old-woman with Spina Bifida and just got married. We are looking forward to having a child soon. We were wondering about the use of Ditropan during pregnancy and nursing.
September 2009	My husband and I are using donor sperm for artificial insemination.
August 2009	I now have a colostomy and am in my chair full time. What should I do?
July 2009	Are people with Spina Bifida Occulta at an increased risk of osteoporosis?
June 2009	Spina Bifida, Shunts, and Hearing Sensitivity
May 2009	Is tethered cord release surgery going to cure me?
April 2009	How safe is chiropractic care and medical massage?
January 2009	I have a 3 ½-month old granddaughter who had a dimple at the base of her spine when she was born.
November/ December 2008	I am an adult with Spina Bifida that would like to have eye surgery to correct my near-sightedness. Is it safe for me? I have a VP shunt?
October 2008	I find it hard as a wheelchair user to do regular aerobic activity. Am I at greater risk for a heart attack?
September 2008	I am an adult with Spina Bifida. How often should I see my physicians?
August 2008	Can I go scuba diving with a ventricular shunt?
July 2008	I am a parent of a child with Spina Bifida. We are in the military and move often. Do you know what type of technology is available that condenses all of my child's medical history so we do not have to pay for films and carry huge files?
June 2008	I am a college student with Spina Bifida. My home is Indiana , but I go to school in New York. The University I attend has a health clinic for students. Can I go there for care or should I find an off-campus physician?
May 2008	I have a question regarding sex and Spina Bifida. My girlfriend has Spina Bifida and she has difficulty with bladder control. She wonders if she can have sex with poor bladder control. Can you please provide me with some information regarding this?
April 2008	I am 18 years old and need to find a doctor. What do I do?
March 2008	I want to develop a sexual relationship with my partner but I am afraid of losing control of my bowel and bladder. What do I do?
February 2008	When do I let my child with Spina Bifida catheterize?
January 2008	Can a person with Spina Bifida father a child?
December 2007	Folate for Woman Related to Child with SB
November 2007	Folate for Woman Related to Child with Spina Bifida
October 2007	Pregnancy in SB
September 2007	Adult tethered cord release and recurrance
August 2007	Delivery of baby for women with SB
July 2007	Adult Back Pain
June 2007	Risk Factor