My boyfriend, who has Spina Bifida, not CP is COMPLETELY incontinent. He
wears Depends, and self-caths 4-5 times a day (external catheter) We've
actually been discussing surgery a little bit because he's had several
REALLY bad kidney infections, and is having some unexplained bouts of
diarreah, which gets so bad he ends up hospitalized a couple of hours from
dehydration.  I have a friend or two that have C.P. and are incontinent
sometimes, and they wear the diaper and the plastic pants, same as you.

Dan (my boyfriend) isn't big on the plastic pants unless it's an emergency
or he's having a bad day. He also uses crutches sometimes, and wheelchair
other times.

I'm interested in what everyone has to say, since Dan and I are trying to
weigh our options right now, he's VERY opposed to surgery, but it might
come down to that.

Joanne

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> From: Betty Alfred <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Incontinence
> Date: Friday, June 02, 2000 10:40 AM
>
> 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