Well, speaking as a mild-CP, who like Kyle, and Bobby, was ambulatory for most of my life, the bathroom thing has never come up as it's not an issue for me, either, and it's never been an issue in any of my partners as they've all been AB guys.

However the common thread I'm seeing in all this is communication.  You have to let your prospective partner know what works and what doesn't and explore the er, possibilities.

I'd suggest seeing a rehab doctor if these issues become overwhelming.

Kat


-------Original Message-------
From: "Cleveland, Kyle E." <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: 06/18/03 11:37 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: relationships

>
> Mike, I'm Kyle (45).  Like Bobby, who just emailed you, I'm also married to
an "able-bodied" woman and I have three kids.

When we were married, I was virtually able-bodied myself.  Now, twelve
years
later, my capabilities are diminishing rapidly and my wife has to pick up
much of the "physical" load I used to do.

Like Bobby, I'm not sure of what you mean by "relationship", but if you're
talking abouyt something like marriage, you have to be completely up-front
with your potential mate before heading down that road.  They say "love
conquers all", but the giddiness of a new relationship can fade pretty
quickly when the going gets tough.  Even now, I know that it would be
difficult for my wife, and myself, if she started having to take care of
my
sanitary needs.

Kyle Cleveland