INCONTINENT
Incontinence is caused by damage to the nervous system.
Due to Multiple Sclerosis loss of bladder and bowel control is common. Bladder and bowel issues vary from person to person. In some cases, there could be a sudden need to use the toilet, which can be difficult.
Frequent need to use the toilet specially at night, and difficulty in beginning to urinate is some of the problems of incontinence in MS patients. Inability to hold in urine and constipation could surface. This is caused by damage to the nervous system which results in slow movement of stools.
How to manage incontinence
Urine incontince
For urine Self-ccatheterization,
Medication to minimise occurrences
Bowel incontinence
To manage constipation, increase fiber intake, increase fluid intake and regular bowel movement is required. In extreme cases stool softeners can be used.
catheterization
Lifestyle changes have to be made to manage Bladder and Bowel issues. Intake of fluid intake, diet or routines and medication.
Fluid intake
The fallacy that drinking less water will reduce going to the toilet is not true. It only makes the symptoms worse. By holding it in, urine gets more concentrated and the bladder becomes irritated and this could result in reduced capacity which in turn will increase frequency of urination and urgency to go to the toilet.
When taking the sample urine for testing, make sure that the urine is collected directly while urinating or from a catheter.
Do not take urine from the urine bags for testing.
If any infection is present it could cause stiffness, spasms or fatigue.
Kidney infection (male and female):
• Fever
• Lumbar pain
• Burning sensation when urinating
CONSTIPATION
When there are damages to the nervous system it could result in slow movement of stools. Bloated or painful abdomen could also be caused by limited mobility contribute to constipation.
The loss of sensitivity in the rectum could result in uncontrolled bowel movement.
Constipation occurs when the stools progress slowly in the colon. This will cause the stools in the rectum to get dehydrated and hard, therefore it will be difficult to expel it from the rectum and causes constipation.
Limited mobility could also cause constipation.
Bowel dysfunction can have an adverse impact on daily life in that it could cause disturbance of sleep and bloating which could lead to discomfort.
Toilet Management:
Helpful tips
Pelvic floor exercises
Simple steps to exercise the pelvic floor:
1. Identify the correct muscle – While you are pass urine, stop in mid-stream. If you can do it then that’s the correct muscle.
2. Empty bladder before exercising
3. Do the exercises in 5 to 10 seconds
4. While exercising breath normally.
5. Concentrate and isolate the pelvic floor muscle but do not flex muscles in the buttocks, thighs and abdomen.
