Bathroom issues

[palomino27]

So, I am now in this power wheelchair after breaking my hip in December. I have progressive MS with severe spasticity especially in my legs but elsewhere too. Since I got this power wheelchair I'm probably more independent then I have been in approximately 4 years. But, I'm so scared of bathroom issues in public. My bladder is spastic too and makes it super hard to manage. Virtually have a choice of either holding it or using my legs, not both. When I "hold it" my legs are just stiff like 2x4's and I cannot break the spasticity until after going where they start to relax. It's to the point I'm just afraid to go anywhere. It's a horrible, soul destroying feeling and as if the broken hip and wheelchair isn't enough. Before the broken hip I used Depends and that helped the anxiety a lot, but now nothing seems to help the anxiety. Anyone else have this problem and/or advice?

[twooldcrows]

oh my so sorry about the miss hap can't imagine the pain of breaking your hip wow ...i bet it is nice to be able to move around and not worry that your legs with give out but again the problems of getting around with the chair...wow things are just not always what they need to be ...if you can get the big restrooms is it hard to go across to the toilet or is it that the legs still are a problem to go across to the toilet ...i don't know about the transferring of going from the chair to the toilet ...so sorry ...if it was me i would depend on the depends when out in public for i know about the accidents ...wow so sorry hopefully someone else can give you some better answers ...take care and don't let it stop you ...love and happiness..

[kycmary]

I agree with twooldcrows continue to use Depends & I understand about the legs, when I have to go & put weight on my legs the holding of my bladder lets loose!

[palomino27 in reply to kycmary]

I'm a guy. The Depends do not always seem to work as well when sitting down....like in the wheelchair.

[kycmary in reply to palomino27]

Sorry but as pamgarner recommended use an additional bladder pad. If you have a Dollar Tree Store near you they have bladder pad pkgs of 10 for a dollar. or try walmart Poise pads. I know pad get expensive. I am praying for your problem as God has answers usually before I ask. Mary

[Kenu]

Maybe a transfer board would work for you 👍😉

[pamgarner]

at times depending what i am doing,i will use a depends with acouple of bladder pads also,like long trips, or my iv treatment which makes me go every 15 minutes,it is easier changinging a blladder pad than a depends.good luck

[palomino27 in reply to pamgarner]

Yeah been there to with the IV treatments. I tried IVIG for 9 months. About a 2-3 hour infusion. At least that one you can take the IV stand to the bathroom even though it's a pain. I also tried plasmapheresis for 6 months. That one you are locked in a bed or chair for 3+ hours. No getting up for anything. Probably why my bathroom issues are so difficult!😵

They are why I started wearing Depends.

The problem I have is that when I have to go and I'm sitting down that means I really have to go. When standing and you start feeling it I have time. Being in this power wheelchair 90% of the time there is the issue. Like it just happens more suddenly now....🙃

[TDonahue58]

Have you tried Botox?Also, search the internet for "Beat Urinary Incontinence with 7 amazing exercises"

The exercises aren't a cure all, but will help..

[palomino27 in reply to TDonahue58]

Yes to botox and PT exercises. Also had botox in my legs for spasicity. The results were crushing, especially once it wore off....

[TDonahue58 in reply to palomino27]

Please define PT exercises?

[palomino27 in reply to TDonahue58]

Pelvic Floor focused physical therapy at a women's health clinic they referred me to even though i'm a guy....

[TDonahue58 in reply to palomino27]

Just don't let MS win!Continue the good fight!

#MSSucks

[TDonahue58]

first things first, get your hips healed up...

[mrsmike9]

Have you told your neuro? It changed my life when I was prescribed med to help me not wet my pants! Don't have to use Depends anymore and don't have to worry about leaving the house!

[palomino27 in reply to mrsmike9]

You don't have any problems with UTI'S then?

[mrsmike9 in reply to palomino27]

Nope! I have to concentrate and make sure I completely empty, but I did that before the med.

[palomino27 in reply to mrsmike9]

And which Rx do you take?

[mrsmike9 in reply to palomino27]

I had to get the bottle as it's newer and I can't remember. It's called oxybutynin.