International continence week

 There are times in my life when I think it’s time to be open and honest about how things are for me. On my feed came up that it’s International Continence week 2025 this week. Below is the website that is full of tips and tricks of ways to manage your continence.

https://wfipp.org/event/world-continence-week-2025/


Now back to my own continence, it’s been a gradual precess, as regards to the various stages of help I have needed and continue to need. My District Nurse has always played an integral role. Unfortunately at the time I was diagnosed to have MS (the late 1990’s) it went without question that I would need assistance regarding my continence. It started with trips and falls when trying to get to the loo, there were plenty of times I failed and I had my fair share of accidents which always resulted in a change of clothing. My District Nurse suggested I had an indwelling catheter which I had for abut six years


Diagram of a indwelling catheter 

 

 I had my indwelling catheter for a further five years, it was at this stage my urologist recommended I have a suprapubic catheter. Having this type of catheter is far more hygienic and should reduce the quantity of UTI’s, which is the reason my nurse recommended it to me.




Having an SPC does involve a small operation, where the catheter is inserted at the top of the pubic area and then into the bladder. I have to admit how the procedure is carried out for men I am not sure of.

After experiencing years of constipation and bloating I was in severe pain one night and I phoned 999. In A&E the conclusion that the consultant came to was that I had a blockage in my colon. After consulting me it was decided I should have an emergency ileostomy, I had it explained to me what was involved, I was in such pain I think I would have agreed to anything.

I was laying in my bed when the stoma nurses came to see me 


and that was the beginning of my stoma journey, don’t get me wrong, it took a while to get used to it. I had my fare share of leeks until I found the right stoma bag to use. 

My stoma


This is a confidence BE bag (made by Salts Healthcare)

My stoma nurse was with me every step of the way either in person or at the end of the phone.I am today another six years on and I have settled in well to having my stoma, my nurse said to me name it as it will help with the acceptance, at the time I called him Steven. Now years later I am so comfortable with my life stoma I have renamed her, she has even had a sex change and is now known as Paloma the stoma. Paloma has changed my life, as long as hubby and I remember to empty her regularly plus provide her with three square meals but most importantly avoid those windy foods like mushrooms or lettuce in the first year of having a stoma then all should be fine.

I joke about being the bag lady, honestly though let’s talk about continence whether it is UTI’s or leaking-stoma bags - there are many places to turn to, start with the doctor, or if you’re not feeling up to a human the internet has plenty of information. If you are dealing with MS like me speak with your MS Nurse or the doctor MS Trust/Society either way enjoy your freedom.

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