Toilets 　I am afraid this is a bit of a tailgating story. But it is a very important story. 　I ask every patient who comes to my clinic if he or she is defecating okay. 　I haven't kept proper statistics yet, but about half of them tell me they have various problems. 　Some of the ladies apologize to their husbands first because they couldn't tell their husbands before, and then they talk. 　Well, most brain-injured people had bladder cannulas put in and were diapered for urination while in the hospital, so this is something that many of us experience in the process of getting better. 　The most common is "frequent urination," which is an increase in the frequency of urination. 　It is difficult to say, since various factors, such as beverages and stress, play a role in the frequency of urination, but if you go to the toilet more than three times during the night, you may be urinating frequently. 　While some animals, such as birds and monkeys, urinate in the area without concern, fierce beasts such as lions and humans have gained some control over urination. If a lion urinates in the vicinity, deer and other animals will run away, saying, "Oh, there is a lion," so lions hold their breath, hold their pee, and approach their prey. 　If we humans cannot control urination to some extent, we cannot do our job, and it is very difficult because of the smell all over the place. 　For frequent urination, there are medications that reduce bladder sensitivity. 　The phenomenon of urine leakage is a common problem for women these days. After a brain injury, many people, especially women, have severe urinary leakage. Pelvic floor muscle exercises are effective, but many people also seem to get better by walking well. If it bothers you, wearing pads or rehabilitation pants may make your daily life easier. 　In addition to this, there are many other symptoms, such as difficulty in urinating, no sensation of retention or output, and in some cases it may be necessary to see a neuro-urologist. Recently, some people have been calling themselves leaky urine consultants. 　Defecation is another major problem. If a person cannot control it well, taking too many laxatives can cause diarrhea, which can be very difficult. On the other hand, some people tend to be severely constipated, and it is a pity that they have to pick their bowels every time they defecate. 　Many people need the help of a home care nurse to use laxatives, enemas, etc. 　People who don't have much sensation to urinate or defecate have to go to the toilet on a timed basis! 　The important thing to remember is that toilet problems are a common symptom after brain injury, so don't hesitate to talk to your doctor or nurse first.