By Ed Lash
One of the most common complications with multiple sclerosis (MS) is a tricky bladder, primarily regarding frequency and urgency. This may cause some people to limit their fluid intake, thereby reducing the flushing action to eliminate waste products through the urinary tract and often resulting in a low-grade bladder infection, which only makes their bladder problem worse. An average of three pints of fluid goes out through urine daily. If the infection persists, a full-blown bladder infection may occur, which could not only bring on further MS symptoms, but may even lead to a life-threatening kidney infection. The symptoms of bladder or urinary tract infection may include more frequent urination or urgency, burning or discomfort when urinating, fever, or foul- smelling urine. To avoid bladder infection, experts recommend that we drink enough fluids to have at least one reasonably-clear urination each day. Prevention is the key to avoiding bladder infections, but it’s always wise to seek medical attention at the first sign of infection.
An interesting story came to us recently from Sharon of Staten Island who experienced a bladder problem a few months after being diagnosed with MS. “I was running to the bathroom a hundred times in twenty four hours, including at night. My husband chose to sleep on the sofa at that time,” she explained. Her doctor diagnosed a bladder infection and recommended vitamin C tablets and six to eight glasses of water each day. “This,” she said, “brought my bladder back to normal and my husband back to bed.”
There are a number of sources that can help your bladder problem aside from medical attention. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has booklets and folders on the subject. I recommend their booklet entitled “Urinary Dysfunction and MS” by Rosalind C. Kalb, PhD.
One book which also may prove helpful is Staying Dry: A Practical Guide to Bladder Control available from The Johns Hopkins University Press (1-800-537-JHUP). Although MS is only mentioned once as one of many conditions that may result in bladder problems, it is one book that can help many people with MS solve their bladder problem. One woman with MS, who successfully tried one of the recommended strategies in the book, told us at our MS support group that, for the first time in a great number of years, she can now go comfortably through a full religious service without having to visit the restroom.
Urge incontinence can be a common bladder problem with MS. Urge incontinence is the loss of urine when you have a strong urge or desire to void and are unable to make it to the bathroom in time. Urge, or urgency, is an uncomfortable feeling that is telling you to empty your bladder. It may indicate that your bladder is full and ready to empty. On the other hand, your bladder may not be full but may be contracting and trying to empty anyway. Do you have to obey? Not necessarily.
Many people with MS will be delighted to know that there are exercises (’Kegel’-type exercise is the most popular) to strengthen weak muscles which they can do in the privacy of their home that are safe and effective. Others will be pleased to find that they can actively “Prevention participate in their own care and assist their doctor in finding the cause and the proper treatment for their condition. Wearing a pad may help until the problem is resolved. is the key ”
But no one will benefit from any of the successful strategies described in these sources until they admit they have a problem, explore the cause and nature of their problem, and participate in their care to the best of their ability. Combining expert medical advice with a step-by-step plan that has the potential to help solve bladder problems, often in a matter of weeks, will really help.
Self-help is not intended to replace medical treatment, but should be used together with the help of all appropriate professionals in a team effort.
Ed Lash is a United Spinal member who lives in Trumbull, Connecticut. This article is adapted from his book, Multiple Sclerosis…A Patient’s View (Vantage Press 2001), which is available by e-mail at edlash.ms.selfhelp@juno.com, or by phone at 203-445-0118.
