Doydie,
Wow...you're a gem for allowing MIL to exit the store the way she wanted to...it's so hard to deal with the elderly when they have their minds set, even though we know the "right" way to deal with a situation.

It's amazing how many of us deal with these types of sxs with MS...and yet, we "look so good" to the outside world. Even my DH doesn't know the problems I really have with bodily functions--it's so humiliating to me that I don't want to share even with him when I have accidents.

It's weird how many of us also downplay these things too...I was talking to a neighbor who has MS. She told me her only real sx is foot drop. I was discussing having bathroom issues, and she said she has both kinds of bathroom problems as I do. So why does she think that foot drop is her only sx then? IMHO bathroom issues are much more limiting than foot drop...

Glad we all have this place to share...it really is so isolating thinking you're the only one who deals with these things...too bad we all have these things in common...

out of curiosity. Anyone know what kind of diaper to buy a 70something year old man who is having issues with making it to the bathroom? My dad has been having issues, and I'm wondering what to get him to hopefully help him not get messy, and keep my mom from screaming at him because she's the only person capable of cleaning up after people making a mess here now. (my dad doesn't have MS, he's just getting older, and isn't as fast as he used to be). My mom really screamed at him this morning. I don't like that. He couldn't help it.

My husband knows when I tell him that I NEED TO GET HOME, that he better get home. And when he unlocks the door, let me in first

We bought the Sams adult diapers I think they are the same as Walmart's brand. I'm not sure how well they work for people who actually change them as needed. My MIL used them while she lived in her apartment and didn't change them as often as needed, sometimes only a couple of times a day, if that.

I think I'll suggest some diapers to my dad. I think he'd feel better that way, even if it means wearing diapers. It might not make him feel so stressed out...and our floors would stay cleaner.

You may not thank me.....but I thank you for posting this thread. Reading this made ME feel better - knowing that I am not the only one that lives in fear. This has happened to me - but not on an irreparable scale in public. But I live in fear.

Two weeks after I started on 4Amino Pyridine (cheaper version of Ampyra) I nearly 'lost everything' in the middle of a crowded shopping centre. I have no idea how I got there in time - I just did, and that was only the start of the side effects from that drug....which I have now sworn off forever....in any form.

Prior to that, I have had this problem, but on a smaller scale and usually at home. The shame I felt was incredible and being 'out of control' was a massive injury to my sense of...well .....'me'.

I am so sorry that this has happened to you - I have another friend with MS, and she told me about a similar incident with an MS friend of hers. Just remember, and saying this to you is reinforcing it to me - this is a b!tch of an illness and we can't control it...

We can only control our reaction to it.

Thanks again for sharing something so personal - I feel your pain, and I offer you my wholehearted care and sympathy.

Lynn - Very good post! Accidents happen even to people without MS and it is embarrassing and humiliating whether we are out in public or at home. I really think it has a lot to do with when we are potty trained. Either way, I have had my share of close calls and only 1 slight accident. I am sure with us MSers it's a combination of nerve issues and muscles. I just had my 1st urological PT session and learned so much about the muscles that control bowel and bladder. My PT does this whole teaching session at the 1st visit. It was truly informative and I can see now how muscle spasms effect both bowel and bladder dysfunction.

Being in a wheelchair I'm obviously handicapped and find while people can say such stupid things (like a receptionist to DH, not me "Can SHE fill out forms?" "Listen sweetie", I said "I'm smarter than you.") most people try to be kinder. (which I find kind of insulting, but that's me) When I walked and went out and didn't wear "Pee" pads (what was I thinking?) I had some accidents and just walked on thinking that I'll never see these people again. Now in a chair I always wear a diaper out. Of course knowing I have it, I never use it! Just insurance.