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