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Reply To: | St. John's University Cerebral Palsy List |
Date: | Fri, 2 Jun 2000 10:40:15 EDT |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
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Lovely subject heading, no?
I have been reluctant to discuss this issue plainly due to its sensitive
nature. Since urinary urgency has come up on the list as of late however, I
have decided to speak forthrightly.
I do not really know how much of an issue bladder/bowl incontinence is with
cerebral palsy. I have had the idea that constipation was more of an issue,
I am confused about the whole picture though with respect to CP and
incontinence. I would like to learn more if anyone is inclined to share.
I am, for all intents and purposes, completely incontinent; bowl incontinence
is sometimes the case as well -- that part of it is intermittent. That is to
say that I have about a minute or so to get to the bathroom. If I cannot, it
all just happens and I have no control. My neurologist and urologist were
reluctant to order an indwelling catheter due to the increased incidence of
bladder infection, and I don't want the additional equipment if I can get
around that.
This has become increasingly worse over the past three years, and I have
discovered through trial and error that the best course has been to wear the
incontinence products such as Poise (industrial strength -- ha) and plastic
pants. Unfortunately, the pants make noise and there's no getting around
that, but they do contain everything. That's the straight-up skinny.
In the wheelchair this obviously makes no difference but If people I meet
when I am walking on crutches are disturbed by that -- tough nuggies. I like
me and if they don't like my noise they can meet people who's underwear
doesn't make noise. I wish them well in their lives of misplaced priorities.
So far, nobody seems to notice or care. I don't care. I intent to live
well as I only have this one corporeal life.
I wanted to share this in case anyone else has this concern. If they do and
would like to know about the products I use that work best for me, please
send me a private e-mail and I will be happy to share about the specifics.
Betty "So what about incontinence" Alfred
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