Michael Yeakey Jr. age #
NEUROGENIC BLADDER
The Mishawaka family made their first trip
to Riley when Michael was just one year old.
He was suddenly unable to urinate, so they
brought him to their local hospital. Michael
was catheterized and was referred to specialists in the Riley Hospital Pediatric
Urology department. Riley Urologist Dr. Martin Kaefer discovered that Michael
had a condition known as Neurogenic Bladder. Michael underwent several
surgeries to try to restore his urological function. Dr. Kaefer ultimately performed
a Monti procedure, creating an external opening in Michael’s abdomen that
allows him to use a catheter.
A few years after his initial diagnosis, Michael began developing new symptoms.
He started walking hunched over and was losing feeling in his legs. Doctors
discovered that he had a tethered spinal cord, which likely was the root cause
of his urological problems. Michael has faced many obstacles during his Riley
journey. He has also developed Neurogenic Bowel, has recurring problems with
his kidneys, and continues to fight chronic bladder infections. Although the long
trips from Northern Indiana are challenging for the family, Shannon, Michael’s
mom, says they feel they are in the best possible hands at Riley.