Bladder Dysfunction


It was Christmastime and Target was as busy as ever. I had gotten everything I on my list, wrapping paper, tape, some presents. It was getting late and I was tired. I used to love shopping, but now it just takes it out of me, especially when the stores are busy. My husband said he would go get the car as he usually does and I wrapped up inside, getting a few last things, browsing for a few more minutes. Finally I got in line to check out. Obviously it was longer than normal during this time of year, but that usually doesn’t bother me, being a former Target employee, I know they handle the lines fairly well. I started chatting with the girl at the register when it was my turn. The usual conversation, about the crowds, if your shopping is done, etc.

Then, it happened. I didn’t notice it at first, it can be sneaky like that. But then I felt it, the warmth and urgency that I have felt so many times before.

I panicked.

Bladder Dysfunction in MS

Bladder dysfunction is one of the most commonly reported symptoms from MS patients, with up to 80% being affected. If an individuals system is working properly, urine will collect slowly in the bladder and cause it to expand. When enough fluid has accumulated nerves in the bladder will send signals to the spinal cord which will send signals to the brain that the bladder needs to be emptied. When the person is in the bathroom, the brain sends signals to the spinal cord which triggers the bladder and sphincter to open.

Dysfunction occurs when lesions are present and inhibit nerve signals from reaching their intended destination. With so many signals being sent in between the brain and the spinal cord multiple times, it’s no wonder bladder dysfunction is such a common problem! The specific dysfunction can happen for two reasons, the bladders spastic or the bladder isn’t emptying all the way because the sphincter is spastic.

Because of either cause, there can be many symptoms present including:

  • Urgency– The need to urinate may come on (very) quickly and suddenly
  • Hesitancy– The urge to urinate is present, but starting to urinate can take a long time or it’s difficult to keep it flowing.
  • Frequency– The urge to urinate happens much more often than usual, often times at night which can cause sleep disturbances (otherwise known as nocturia).
  • Incontinence– Either having a sudden urge to urinate and the flow starting immediately, or being unaware that there is leaking happening.

If bladder dysfunction continues without treatment, it can lead to severe symptoms and can lead to permanent damage to the urinary tract. This occurs when urine is left in the bladder and can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder infections, kidney infections or stones.  Also. these issues can also lead to emotional distress and avoidance of social situations or isolation.

Thankfully, there are many ways to treat bladder dysfunction with either lifestyle modifications, medications or procedures. Lifestyle modifications include both dietary and behavioral changes. Dietary changes include liming caffeine and alcohol (as these can be irritating to the bladder) as well as limiting fluids several hours before bed time if you struggle with waking up in the middle of the night.

Behavioral interventions include timing fluid intake as well as urinating on a regular schedule to help train the bladder. Other interventions include:

  • Pelvic floor physical therapy is also a great option. This targets muscles that are attached to the pelvic bone and sacrum that control bladder and bowel function. This method utilizes biofeedback, neuromuscular stimulation and home exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles which improves muscle control.
  • Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is another alternative option. This is where a very small electrode is inserted into the ankle which transmits a signal to the sacral plexus. This treatment does for 30 minutes per week for 12 weeks has been shown to reduce urinary frequency, nighttime urination and incontinence.
  • Intermittent self-catheterization is sometimes recommended for individuals who have difficulty fully emptying the bladder. With this treatment, a small tube (catheter) is inserted into the urethra to empty the bladder, then removed.

There are many medications available to help control spasticity and to promote the flow of urine. Some include baclofen, oxybutynin and terazosin. If symptoms persist after these interventions are tried, there are surgical options available as well.

Dealing with bladder issues during day to day life can be tiring and isolating, but there are ways to plan ahead.

  • Plan frequent stops. I am unapologetic about having to stop every half an hour to go to the bathroom and you shouldn’t be either.
  • Use protection. Some days are worse than others and I can usually tell what kind of day it will be early in the morning. On the ‘bad’ days, I add a layer (or two) or protection to my undies. It has come in handy more than I’d like to admit. And, I always carry a few pads with me just in case I need to add some in the middle of the day.
  • Have a change of clothes handy. For the worst case scenario, have an extra pair of everything on hand. I’ve been stuck without this, and it’s not fun. Worried about what others might say? Just say you’re a klutz and spilled water/tea/kombucha on your pants and you have to change pronto!
  • Have support. This is one of the most embarrassing, demoralizing, isolating symptoms we can deal with. Having someone to talk to about it changes everything.
  • Stay hydrated! I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but my bladder symptoms really act up when I am dehydrated. Plus, being dehydrated can bring on a whole bunch of other symptoms and issues, not good!

I always tell my husband, if I could make one symptom magically disappear, this would be it. But I’ve found that through lifestyle changes and paying attention to my body,  I am more able to manage my bladder dysfunction. I know that around my cycle, when I am dehydrated and when I drink coffee, my bladder symptoms act up. So being extra prepared on some days, really helps me both mentally and practically.

Bladder dysfunction is no joke, and can cause a boat load of other issues if left untreated. But thankfully there are many ways we can manage the symptoms and not let it run and ruin our lives.

My panic quickly grew to terror. ‘This has never happened in public before, what do I do?’ I thought to myself. I didn’t feel like I could run away from all of my things to the bathroom, I felt trapped. I rushed through the transaction as fast as I could in a socially acceptable way, and then ran to the bathroom. The damage was done and I began to cry. I gave myself a few more moments of pity before running from the bathroom to my awaiting husband and car. He could tell by my speed and tears that something had happened. Immediately he began asking what was wrong, “Just drive” was all I could muster. Eventually I was able to calm down to gesture toward my pants and said

“yeah, that just happened”.

I’M ALISSA!

I help women who have also been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis make specific and personalized diet, lifestyle & subconscious changes so that they can begin to heal their body, reduce disease symptoms, and return to a life they love.hey there,

follow along on Instagram:

This is what came through during my meditation this morning.

I’ve been feeling so BEHIND lately..
That I’m not doing enough..
That progress isn’t happening fast enough..

But that’s a lie.
I’m right where I should be.

I needed this message today… maybe you do too?

This is what came through during my meditation this morning.

I’ve been feeling so BEHIND lately..
That I’m not doing enough..
That progress isn’t happening fast enough..

But that’s a lie.
I’m right where I should be.

I needed this message today… maybe you do too?
...

14 4
This is how I slowly helped myself the most:
Making small changes to my life,
* Intentional awareness to my morning
* Noticing when I’m being mean to myself 
* Noticing when I’m reactive or in a state of fight or flight..

Some “small” ideas for you too:
* don’t grab your phone first thing in the morning, take some deep breaths, think about how you want your day to go
* drink an extra glass of water (bonus if it’s in the morning too)
* get up and move every hour
* say something nice to yourself when you catch yourself being mean
* step outside for a few minutes a few times a day

Small changes add up to big steps forward,
don’t get fooled by these not being “enough”,
they absolutely are. 

Wanna hear more about how Ive helped myself and my clients to lessen our MS symptoms so we feel better in our bodies?

I detail it in my chapter in Resilience Redefined.. comment “Book” and I’ll send you the link!!

This is how I slowly helped myself the most:
Making small changes to my life,
* Intentional awareness to my morning
* Noticing when I’m being mean to myself
* Noticing when I’m reactive or in a state of fight or flight..

Some “small” ideas for you too:
* don’t grab your phone first thing in the morning, take some deep breaths, think about how you want your day to go
* drink an extra glass of water (bonus if it’s in the morning too)
* get up and move every hour
* say something nice to yourself when you catch yourself being mean
* step outside for a few minutes a few times a day

Small changes add up to big steps forward,
don’t get fooled by these not being “enough”,
they absolutely are.

Wanna hear more about how Ive helped myself and my clients to lessen our MS symptoms so we feel better in our bodies?

I detail it in my chapter in Resilience Redefined.. comment “Book” and I’ll send you the link!!
...

21 5
You don’t always have to love the hard action you’re taking to reach your goals.

You just have to show up.

You can do this… keep going 🧡🧡

*after discerning there’s no *actual* issue (pain, injury, illness etc) preventing me from working out, only that I’m a toddler and don’t wanna.

You don’t always have to love the hard action you’re taking to reach your goals.

You just have to show up.

You can do this… keep going 🧡🧡

*after discerning there’s no *actual* issue (pain, injury, illness etc) preventing me from working out, only that I’m a toddler and don’t wanna.
...

27 4
“Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”

Resilience has become such a cornerstone word of the work I do this past year. 
It makes sense this book I collaborated on with 6 other awesome & resilient authors was destined to have resilience in the title.

Did you see??

Pre Orders are open!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here: 

https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!

“Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”

Resilience has become such a cornerstone word of the work I do this past year.
It makes sense this book I collaborated on with 6 other awesome & resilient authors was destined to have resilience in the title.

Did you see??

Pre Orders are open!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here:

https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!
...

14 0
Struggling to start with exercise?

Try this tip!!

Creating a new habit (any of them) necessitate us to become someone new, someone different than we were.

Because we’re trying to do something different after all.

This is gentle way of starting that identity shift process.

Become who you want to be in your mind first.

Does this help?
What other habits do you need help with? Let me know in the comments!!

Struggling to start with exercise?

Try this tip!!

Creating a new habit (any of them) necessitate us to become someone new, someone different than we were.

Because we’re trying to do something different after all.

This is gentle way of starting that identity shift process.

Become who you want to be in your mind first.

Does this help?
What other habits do you need help with? Let me know in the comments!!
...

31 3
It’s only fitting that I announce my 2nd book (along with 7 other authors) on my 14 year anniversary with MS.

This is a book that I would have loved to read early on in my journey.
It’s about how we moved through our diagnosis and came out the other side for the better.

““Resilience Redefined” is not just a collection of stories; it is a call to action. The authors challenge those living with an autoimmune disease to not only survive but to thrive”

So… drumroll please…
Pre orders are officially open!!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here: https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/ 

Or comment “book” below and I’ll send you the link!!

It’s only fitting that I announce my 2nd book (along with 7 other authors) on my 14 year anniversary with MS.

This is a book that I would have loved to read early on in my journey.
It’s about how we moved through our diagnosis and came out the other side for the better.

““Resilience Redefined” is not just a collection of stories; it is a call to action. The authors challenge those living with an autoimmune disease to not only survive but to thrive”

So… drumroll please…
Pre orders are officially open!!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here: https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment “book” below and I’ll send you the link!!
...

33 15
If you like being outside, check out the America the Beautiful Access Pass!

This is a pass for those with disabilities to get into National Parks, Monuments and more for FREE!!

You can get it online or at the entrance of a national park!

Share with anyone who also might like this!!

If you like being outside, check out the America the Beautiful Access Pass!

This is a pass for those with disabilities to get into National Parks, Monuments and more for FREE!!

You can get it online or at the entrance of a national park!

Share with anyone who also might like this!!
...

32 2
This is obvs one option of many on how to help yourself through these moments.

But when you’re stuck in negative worrying, don’t forget there can be a positive outcome too!

This is rewiring your brain in action.

You notice you’re doing something you always did,
Then do something different.

And boom! A new pathway is born.

It needs some love and attention to grow,
so keep practicing!

This is obvs one option of many on how to help yourself through these moments.

But when you’re stuck in negative worrying, don’t forget there can be a positive outcome too!

This is rewiring your brain in action.

You notice you’re doing something you always did,
Then do something different.

And boom! A new pathway is born.

It needs some love and attention to grow,
so keep practicing!
...

22 0
This isn’t a you problem, it’s your brain acting as it should.

Are you going through some change and upheaval right now too?

I see you.

Comment any questions on how to deal below and I’ll make a part 2!

This isn’t a you problem, it’s your brain acting as it should.

Are you going through some change and upheaval right now too?

I see you.

Comment any questions on how to deal below and I’ll make a part 2!
...

38 2
We have a new space for my (free) LissMS Healing Community!!

Come on in…

Let me show you around!

This is a space created by an MSer (me), for other MSers (you) to be able to come together and support each other, learn new tools to help manage MS and maybe find a few new internet friends!

Wanna join us?

Comment “community” below and I’ll send you the link!!

We have a new space for my (free) LissMS Healing Community!!

Come on in…

Let me show you around!

This is a space created by an MSer (me), for other MSers (you) to be able to come together and support each other, learn new tools to help manage MS and maybe find a few new internet friends!

Wanna join us?

Comment “community” below and I’ll send you the link!!
...

16 1
There’s so much buzz about everything needing to feel good if it’s right for you.

Sure, there’s a time and a place for alignment.

But, growth often happens in the uncomfortable moments.

Just a reminder.
Keep going.
❤️

There’s so much buzz about everything needing to feel good if it’s right for you.

Sure, there’s a time and a place for alignment.

But, growth often happens in the uncomfortable moments.

Just a reminder.
Keep going.
❤️
...

32 9

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