[Judy2]

BLADDER ISSUES!!!!! Help!!! Please, what do you all do -- mainly women who are spms and in a "chair" all the time??? Currently I'm taking oxybutynin and the LDN helps somewhat......in the past I've tried enablex too. However, being I can't feel those muscles I don't realize that I have to "go" until it's too late. Even when wearing the latest in disposable underwear, it's not enough to hold back the flood when I stand up. This keeps me from going places, like to a mall, out to dinner once in a blue moon or to an up-coming concert I'd really love to go to. For men they have those little "baggie" things, but what's up for us?? Also it's a big problem when I'm sleeping. Even if I don't drink any fluids anywhere close to bedtime, you'd think I'd had a case of Pepsi before sleeping!

I thought with so many with MS, just the opposite was true. Why is my system so odd?? Many MS people deal with constipation -- nope, just the opposite most of the time. Any suggestions??

Thank you all for being there since the docs don't seem to have a clue where this is concerned!

[SallyC]

I'm so sorry, Judy.. Have you seen a Uroligist(sp) You probably have a neurogenic bladder? There may be something they can do?

I have a problem both ways, but not as severe as yours and, like you say, LDN helps a lot.

[Foggy Brain]

Hi, Judy. Sorry to hear about your troubles! Because of my MS I suffer the same symptom, but not always as severe as yours.
I agree with Sally, see an urologist. I had an urodynamics (sp) procedure done which showed my bladder wasn't emptying completely. The doctor prescribed a medication that helps the bladder relax and empty completely so I hardly ever have a leakage problem.

As you know, everyone is different and maybe after seeing an urologist you will find an answer that will help you.

[snoodles]

Hi Judy,
I don't have any advice or answers, just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and hoping you find some solutions soon.

I too have recently had a bladder issue but nothing like what you are experiencing.


Snoods

[kicker]

I'm in a chair, can toilet myself, on Vesicare (4 years now?), had some accidents before I went from walker (S.....l.....o.....w) to much faster chair, although I'm PPMS, seems a little better now (1 year), see a urologist, self-cathering not end of world - Easy I hear-and I do go out, but drive home I always wish we were closer and going faster. MSers always seem to go either way, too much or too little. Everyone so different. See a Urologist!!

[Harry Z]

Judy,

When my wife was alive, she had the same problem as you do. Using the Tena underwear and then placing two Poise ultra absorbent pads (slightly overlapping)in the Tena worked quite well. Hope this suggestion helps.

Harry

[lady_express_44]

I have the same issue, but I suspect not as extreme or constant as you.

I agree with everyone else about going to the urologist. That's what I have to do in the new year . . . so if I beat you to doing that, I'll let you know what I find out.

Cherie

[gonnamakeit]

Originally Posted by Judy

BLADDER ISSUES!!!!! Help!!! Please, what do you all do -- mainly women who are spms and in a "chair" all the time??? Currently I'm taking oxybutynin and the LDN helps somewhat......in the past I've tried enablex too. However, being I can't feel those muscles I don't realize that I have to "go" until it's too late. Even when wearing the latest in disposable underwear, it's not enough to hold back the flood when I stand up. This keeps me from going places, like to a mall, out to dinner once in a blue moon or to an up-coming concert I'd really love to go to. For men they have those little "baggie" things, but what's up for us?? Also it's a big problem when I'm sleeping. Even if I don't drink any fluids anywhere close to bedtime, you'd think I'd had a case of Pepsi before sleeping!

I thought with so many with MS, just the opposite was true. Why is my system so odd?? Many MS people deal with constipation -- nope, just the opposite most of the time. Any suggestions??

Thank you all for being there since the docs don't seem to have a clue where this is concerned!

Are you drinking any caffeine containing drinks such as coffee, tea, or sodas? When I drink even one caffeinated drink, I cannot control my bladder.

Oxybutynin works for me and without it I would not be able to leave the house. However, any type of non decaf beverage will override the positive effects of the med.

gmi

[Judy2]

Thanks sooooo much you all for the many suggestions and encouragement. I'll write each of you later. It's about 3 am and I'm having my son and his family here later today so have to hit the sack. He was on call at the hospital Christmas, so we're celebrating today.

Thank you all again!!

Hugs.........

[tamiloo]

I know you wanted responses from women but my Olhipie had the same problems. He did the self cath thing for a while but eventually went to using an indwelling catheter all the time. He didn’t mind much at all. He had used this for about four years before we met. About three years ago he has a suprapubic catheter put in. He was having so many leakage problems that we had to do something. Things have been great! I know these are very huge actions to take. I would do what everyone else has suggested…talk to the urologist.

My honey tells me all the time when we travel that I need to use a catheter with a leg bag so we can make better time and less stops…lol. I told him then he wouldn’t get as much ice cream treats and candy when I stop for a bathroom break…silly guy!!!!