After reading about MS & incontinence on the Biorelief website I just had to share my
story. ~ Although I began experiencing bladder issues about a year after I was
diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (in 2000) it took me years - 5 years before I began
using a catheter. Like most people, I had some mental issues to work out about using
catheters.
To me, a catheter was a last resort. I tried the pills for spasms but I always ended up
with a UTI. I used the thick pads for bladder control when I would go out, but there use
became more & more frequent & I really didnʼt like them & they were quite expensive. I
found myself not drinking as much so I wouldnʼt need to ʻgoʼ as often-but that always
resulted in another trip to the urologist to find out I had yet another UTI & had to do
another round of antibiotics. I knew where every restroom was located in every store. I
found myself not doing things socially because I might have an ʻaccidentʼ. It became
more than a disruption in my life - it became a way of life. I seemed to be caught up in it.
Finally, I went to the urologist and had urodynamics testing. This told me that I not only
had spasms (which I knew) but I was retaining urine also. I was not able to fully empty
my bladder when I went to the bathroom. This is why I would end up with a UTI after
taking the Detrol LA, Ditropan, or Vesicare - these meds are for spasms only not to be
taken if you retain urine, it says so on the package but I didnʼt know I was retaining. It all
made sense after I found that out. The Dr. explained that my best option would be to
use a catheter. They are very safe for the long term use with no side effects to worry
about like with pills.
Iʼve been using a catheter for almost 5 years now & I can honestly say Iʼm so thankful
someone invented them! It truly gave me my life back~I hope this can be an
encouragement to someone out there.