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Urinary Incontinence

I have bladder urgency and sometimes do not make it to the toilet in time. I work full time and teach classes for adults. This is very embarrassing when I have to make an excuse, practically run from the room and then return in different clothes. I take medication but it does not work very well anymore and I know that most of the drugs can cause “brain fog”. My brain is foggy enough already. Does anyone know of, or has anyone tried anything that works well? I feel that I am too young to be wearing adult diapers and MS makes me feel old in too many other parts of my body, I would love to be able to do something about this one if possible. Thanks.

  1. I am sorry. I have that problem as well as bowel problems. I take bladder control pills, anti-diarrheal pills, and gas relief pills. I think taking those pills is more of a psychological relief than an actual physical relief. I always make sure that if I am going to be around people any length of time that I will make sure that I put on my "Depends." I am a baby boomer. At what age is too young to be wearing adult diapers?

    1. Yes, There is no age too young to wear adult diapers. I know even typing these words and knowing I require them IS embarrassing. However for me there is no other answer. I started out noticing a slight leak, so would put a washcloth in my underwear. This worked for awhile, then it continued to get worse and I kept getting bladder infections that would not go away even with antibiotics. So I was finally referred to a Urologist and took a couple of tests including an ultrasound, and found out I had neurogenic bladder. I could no longer control my urine flow any longer and was asked if I would like to order adult "undergarments". I said yes and thank God my insurance pays for it. I got to choose a name brand and am surprised at how much liquid they hold. Believe me it is a royal pain to change them several times a day, and I curse the skies for having a hereditary neurological problem, but it is what it is.


    2. Thank you for chiming in and sharing your experience.
      It may provide a bit of comfort to others who are going through the same thing.
      Additionally, it's great to hear that your insurance covered the cost.
      ~Doreen (Team Member)

  2. I'm the wife of a man with MS but have suffered from bowel and urinary incontinence due to a traumatic injury during the birth of my daughter. My work involved travel and standing in front of people presenting. Here's how I coped: I don't eat or drink before going out to do my presentations except for a sip or 2 of water. I wear the heaviest Tena long pads. The underwear is too bulky for me. I wear only black pants and long tops/jackets that cover my bum. That way if I have an accident I have cover as I make my way to the restroom. I carry extra pads and wipes and an extra pair of undies in my purse. I also carry a tiny bottle of 'poo away' that I sprinkle on my undies to ensure nneutralizing of odor Most importantly I have a wicked sense of humor! I refused to give up my active life style and I often laugh to myself when I'm having an accident thinking "If 'they' ever knew that this smiling woman wiggling her way to the rest room is leaking ....!" There are more people than you may realize suffering from incontinence.

    1. I feel extremely self conscious about bladder and risk of leak in public so I hardly leave the house. So I love your outlook on it and will try to think more like you. I think I have to try and have a sense of humour living with my body. I very often get my words out wrong and find it so funny watching my family trying to work out what I'm saying.

    2. I'm so happy to hear that the conversation here resonated with you - it's wonderful to talk to people who "get it" isn't it? Urinary incontinence is one of those symptoms that isn't easy to talk about with others, because it's not just the physical side of it, there feels like there's an emotional component to it too. I'm glad that you were inspired by womaninlove's perspective and mindset.


      I also love your reminder to have a sense of humor with this wild ride of MS. I find humor to be one of the best medicines for us and for our family members who are in this with us too.
      Best
      Alene, moderator

  3. Thank you for sharing your personal experience with this issue, womaninlove! And yes, you do have a great sense of humor! Thank you for sharing it with us. We're glad to have you here! Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.

    1. Bahunt, I am a male. I can't tell if you are also male or are female. I too have "peepee" problems. I use a condom that is also designed to catch urine via a tube that flows into a retention bag strapped to my inner thigh. VERY user friendly. It would store maybe 2-3 ounces of urine. It would then be emptied in a restroom as time dictates. Medical supply shops will either stock this or order for you. The condom will probably leak since you are not working with an erection, therefore you will also need to use an adhesive to seal condom to shaft. Go into a local nursing home and discuss this with an employee ( preferably a nurse) who has the knowledge of this device. Best of luck and STAY HEALTHY

      1. , thank you for expanding on the type of product may have used.


        And, I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband. Cancer sucks and I am sorry for you loss.


        Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.

      2. bowel and bladder incontinence is a real drag. I suggest abena m4 briefs and gary active brief cover. I also suggest enterosgel which creates more solid stools.

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