Betty,
                I was never incontinent until the end of 95,  When I went to the doctor,
I found I had a benign fibroid tumor in my uterus.  We tried using meds to
shrink it,
when that didn't work I had an operation.  The tumor was so imbedded in my
uterus,
she, the doctor, had to take that out also which was a bit of a shock.
                I am sorry to hear of your mother's impending death and your illness.  Your
mother has an opportunity to die well, i.e. say good-bye to the perople who
are
important to her.  Don't sweat the relatives.
Vaya con la Diosa,
Mariana

At 07:40 AM 6/2/00 , you wrote:
>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
>