Question
Dear John,
Thank you for setting up & maintaining this sight. Eddie, 17 years old, suffered a spinal cord injury in an auto accident 18 months ago and was paralyzed from the waist down.  Shortly after the accident he suffered a blood clot that caused paralysis from his chin down.  He was in the hospital for 6 months.  I don't think he ever went to a rehab hospital.  He has been much sicker this summer than last summer ?constant urinary track infections (he is catheterized every 4 hours and has bladder reflux), trouble with his trach bleeding to name a few of his complications.CURRENT CRISIS is Eddie has horrendous pain in his throat, nose and mouth.  He can't eat, his nose is very dry, no sores in his mouth.  His mother has gone back to feeding him through the PEG tube in his stomach.    He saw an ENT who could find no reason for his pain.  His mother is at her wit's end and doesn't know where to turn.  Prior to these symptoms occuring he was put on the antibiotic, levaquin, that he is just finishing.  Any suggestions on what type of doctor to see or if this current pain is in any way connected to his injury?  
Thank you and God Bless You.  Susanne  

Answer
Hi Susanne,
Thanks so much for your question.

I know this is a very frustrating situation. The problem with his urinary tract infections and bladder reflux could be the result of the catheterazation because anytime a catheter is inserted it can introduce infection. The reflux will happen because the bladder is contracting in an effort to empty itself. When this happens, urine can be forced up the ureter to the kidney which can result in infection and/or stones.

In my case, because I had ureter reflux, they put a foley catheter in. This allows the bladder to empty constantly and allows the ureter to heal. My catheter is changed every 3-4 weeks. This might be something for his family to consult their doctor about.

I can't really say what the problem with his nose and throat could be. At this point I would consider having a neurologist check him. This doctor may be able to recommend an ENT that is familiar with spinal cord injury patients.

I am a little leary about levaquin because of my own personal experience which the doctors seem to think caused a reaction that resulted in liver and respiratory failure. But again, this was my reaction to this medication. It is commonly used by doctors treating infections. I would recommend that you talk to your doctor to rule out any possible connection to the levaquin.

I hope this has been some help to you and if you have anymore questions, please feel free to ask me anytime.

Thanks again,
John McKinzie