Although it may seem embarrassing to discuss at first, most people very quickly become used to discussing continence issues. Believe me, your HCP has seen and heard it all before and they are more than happy to help.
Little continence issues can easily become big continence issues, so early intervention is key.
Lines of questioning can help your HCP to decide if your bladder continence issue is a failure to store urine, a failure to empty urine or a mixed problem.
In the case of bowel incontinence, questioning may include the consistency and frequency of bowel movements, colour and smell. Each specific dysfunction has specific management strategies and it is imperative that the correct diagnosis is made. This may necessitate keeping a bladder or bowel diary and a fluid intake diary so that your HCP can see exactly what has been happening.
Management strategies for continence can be relatively simple for some issues and more complicated for others. Sometimes trial and error is the way to a solution, but your HP can provide the guidance on the path.
Additionally, there are continence advisors in the both community and hospital and clinic systems who are experienced in all forms of continence, bladder and bowel, and across many conditions. They are usually highly trained registered nurses with specific and particular expertise in bladder and bowel management and can be accessed through your HCP. In some cases, people living with MS may be referred for more specialised help or specialist procedures or investigations to a urologist.
There are many aspects to selfcare and personal care when living with MS. These include attention to general wellness, exercise, a healthy diet, mental health, work and home life balance, healthy and fulfilling social relationships, sexuality and continence.
Continence is part of the all over plan to have people living their best life possible, with quality of life at the forefront and not in the background. There is help for incontinence and that help is just around the corner. Make continence part of your personal care plan.
