Continence and You
Wouldn't you like to be in control?
Not being able to control your urine or faeces is probably one of the hardest problems you face.
The problem arises from not having control over the emptying of your bladder or bowels - the places where urine and faeces collect before leaving your body.
Many people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus do manage to work out a routine which helps them stay clean and dry.
Bladder
There are lots of reasons why your bladder needs to be emptied regularly. Most important is the need to prevent infection and to keep your kidneys healthy. A routine which works well will keep your skin dry and so help stop pressure sores.
And remember, it's not very pleasant to smell of urine - either for you or those around you.
Helpful hints
- Drink plenty of fluids to keep your urine clear and your kidneys healthy.
- Don't have too many drinks which contain caffeine such as coffee, tea or Coke. Caffeine upsets the bladder which may lead to more infections. Drink fruit juices, particularly cranberry juice - they are better for you.
- Drink less beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks. If you drink too many of these, they can play havoc with your bladder management. If you drink too much alcohol, you may forget to empty your continence bag and this might leak - causing you and your friends a lot of embarrassment. When you go drinking with friends, order low-alcohol lager or wine. These give the taste without the alcohol.
HELP!
Different ways to empty your bladder properly can include:
- Using a catheter. Some people use a catheter (or tube) to empty their bladder every three or four hours. You may hear this called Clean Intermittent Catheterisation (CIC).
- Indwelling catheter. This stays in the bladder all the time and drains into a bag.
- Penile sheath (for boys only). This fits over the penis and also drains into a bag.
- Medicines from your doctor.
- Operations. There are several different operations available to help bladder control. Ask a continence adviser or your doctor if you want to know more about these.
Bowels
Emptying your bowel will help stop you from becoming bunged up or leaking on your underwear.
Helpful hints
- Drink plenty! This helps keep the faeces soft, so going to the toilet is easier.
- Eat a high-fibre diet - lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals.
- Exercise helps to keep your bowel fit!
- To help you go at your usual time, sit on the toilet after a meal or hot drink, take a big breath and push hard. A continence adviser could explain this more fully to you.
HELP!
Different ways to empty your bowel properly could include:
- Enemas or suppositories. These have to be prescribed by your doctor or continence adviser. They are put inside the bottom as high as possible and help to get things moving.
- Medicines from your doctor.
- Sometimes just stroking the entrance to the bottom can help you get the urge to go to the toilet.
- High bowel washout. Your continence adviser will show you how to put a special tube into your bottom and then put water up the tube to help the faeces come out.
- Operations. There are several operations which may help control your bowel. Ask a continence adviser or your doctor if you want to know more.
Daily Check List to Improve your Bladder and Bowel Routine
- Always drink lots of fluids. Cranberry juice is good for you.
- Try not to drink too much coffee, tea and Coke.
- Make sure that your bladder empties properly.
- Eat a good diet. If you don't know the right kinds of food, ask.
- Do some exercise every day.