Hi everyone.
Two weeks ago I was diagnosed and I'm quite worried atm about it. I'm 35 and feeling ok right now and doing what I can to prepare, just living each day fully.
I guess what I am worried about now is from like a year or two from now will I be getting signs of incontinence.

I haven't discussed it fully with anyone for now, I'm trying to come around start too, but will everyone that gets diagnosed end up with incontinence?.... In most cases does it always require huge protective wear or in most cases can a catheter or small pads be enough?....
If you don't mind...how long did it take to realize your first signs of incontinence?.... Do some of us not have any troubles like that?....

I guess what I want to know is.... will I be in diapers within two years?
I'm not sure if that is something I can deal with.....

Sorry for the sudden post, but I just need to know.

thank you from my heart.

I have ZERO incontinence. None, zero zip. Well, every now and again I have a weird dream that I need to pee really bad, and in my dream always find a strange place to go, where I have to work at it, and then wake to realise I am going! run to potty...I know loads of MS and non MS folks that do that.

I have a friend that was dx 10 years ago that has a kidney issue and incontinence was an issue right out of the gate for her.


MS affects all patients differently. Some of us will have pee running down our leg, and others will be dry till the end.

Why do you worry about this? Is there a history? family history or just a personal fear? urinary retention "can" be an issue in MS, but the MS doctors, and centers are pretty big on screening, and getting to these issues before they become a problem. there are also a host of drugs on the market that help prevent this. Vesicare and the like.

What other question do you have?
Have you been to NMSS.org ? the national MS society has a great KIP program (knowledge is power) and they will send it to you free. Please go register.
What meds are you on? Have you started injections?
We are happy to answer just about any question you can think of.

Welcome aboard. Nice to meet you.

Don't fear what hasn't happened yet. It may never happen as Dej said.

and welcome to the boards.

That is great to see

I am just worried from what I have researched that incontinence was unavoidable. The only other one in my family that has MS is my mom's aunt and she is in a electric chair that is pretty neat lol. It's just that what I read on the internet, incontinence is part of it, but I really haven't talked in depth about any of this with anyone yet.

Thanks for the website link.

I won't!..lol

Hi Eric and welcome to NeuroTalk! Sandy and Dej are right.....don't worry about what hasn't happened. It may never happen. I've been diagnosed since 2005 and I don't have a problem with incontinence. I may later in life....and it might or might not be because of MS. Lots of different things cause it.

I'm glad you joined the group here. There are lots of really great folks in our MS community. Hope to see you around the forums!

Welcome to NeuroTalk, Eric. I'm glad you found us. I hope you decide to stay.

What Dej said is true. I have had MS for more years than you have lived and, although I have had accidents, I am not incontinent and do not wear diapers/depends.

So don't buy any yet, although keeping a stash is not a bad idea..

Again, Welcome..

Sally! I had no idea! You rebel!

When I first got DXed for MS, I read and read on the Internet. Got terrified and waited for all to happen with my eyes closed. Most things never happened. Every MSer is so different. I have no tingling, no numbness yet I can't walk. I can feel the need to pee and nurse at urologist amazed as in her experience it was rare in MSers. Take it day by day I was DXed in 2002 but with hindsight see stuff in 1994 were the beginning.

I was dx three years ago and have not experienced a problem with incontinence. I do not know what you are reading, but Dej's suggestion is a good one.