Hey Mollsy,

are you ok or is it S? (you know what I mean).

I'm sorry you are having such rubbish problems at the moment. Well. With me I have issues with both but obviously not to your extents...

bowel - constipation and diaroheea but that's probaly meds - I think it's associated with the sickness as well and the pain. Sudden urges to go. Not helped by back spasms! Incredibly painful. Issues with sensation.

bladder - can't empty it fully because of the dystonia. Burning when peeing, hesitancy etc. Issues with sensation

*nb I have dystonia so my muscles don't respond to me.. so spasms can be.. embarrasing*

I use a pee wee (I can't transfer to the toilet without hoist/ rugby players and this thing means you can pee sitting down in an inconspicuous way - very intelligent design! and if you get a sudden urge to go it's much easier). I watch my diet and fluid intake. You can pretty much work it out - mum tried to get me on a similar regime to those used with people with SCI injuries where you have to know what you have taken when and how long until you will need the bathroom.

Is there a specific time it occurs?

How heavy is the incontinence? there are several options. Depending on the cause (see the neurologist!!! and urologist!!!) you could have meds, surgery, catheterisation like with a leg bag, bladder training, use small pads, large pads, specialist underwear, stress/ diet/ fluid management or a mix of all. One lady I know with it chooses to wear long skirts rather than trousers and ensures she goes to the bathroom 2 hourly.

Don't feel embarrassed to discuss it... it's a topic that is embarrassing but... realistic unfortunatly.

On another note, I have large "changing pads" (like the ones you have if you are on a bed pan in hospital) that I sleep on when I am on my period - most embarrasing thing in my life trying to explain to Ben and some of the boys (who had gone through my room) why I had large incontinence mats!! LOL

Oh, can you feel it happening?

Love ya hunny

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