Bathroom issues: So, I am now in this... - My MSAA Community

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Bathroom issues

palomino27 profile image
palomino27
β€’18 Replies

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?

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palomino27
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18 Replies
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twooldcrows profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
palomino27β€’ in reply tokycmary

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

kycmary profile image
kycmaryβ€’ in reply topalomino27

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 profile image
Kenu

Maybe a transfer board would work for you πŸ‘πŸ˜‰

pamgarner profile image
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 profile image
palomino27β€’ in reply topamgarner

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....πŸ™ƒ

TDonahue58 profile image
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 profile image
palomino27β€’ in reply toTDonahue58

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

TDonahue58 profile image
TDonahue58β€’ in reply topalomino27

Please define PT exercises?

palomino27 profile image
palomino27β€’ in reply toTDonahue58

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

TDonahue58 profile image
TDonahue58β€’ in reply topalomino27

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

#MSSucks

TDonahue58 profile image
TDonahue58

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

mrsmike9 profile image
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 profile image
palomino27β€’ in reply tomrsmike9

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

mrsmike9 profile image
mrsmike9β€’ in reply topalomino27

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

palomino27 profile image
palomino27β€’ in reply tomrsmike9

And which Rx do you take?

mrsmike9 profile image
mrsmike9β€’ in reply topalomino27

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

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