www.incontinentsupport.org

Hi all,

I am a 41 yr old man that is 6 yrs post of from Spinal fusion. The last yr and a half I have been experiencing very bad shacking and total muscles spasms in my lower leg at night. I all ready have very week bladder and bowls from 4 surgeries I have had. I was told I have fluid bulding in my lower back in my I sleep and it is causing pressure on my nerves. They think it is the very lower part of my fusion. It is very painful and when I get them I wet and mess myself. Now sometime there are little and not problem, but sometime I have had these happen all night 5 to 6 hours. When it happens, I cant use my legs or get out of bed because of the pain and stiffness. I am totally incontinent at night because of this. I where Tranquility ATN diaper and bed pads. When I go it gets all over me down there because until I stop I cant get up to change. I have terrible diaper rash now and it hurts really bad. I have a really hard time getting cream there cause of the fusion. My wife left me after my fusion in 2010 because I could not have sex anymore. I am really scared and lonely. Now I have this is there really nothing they can do. Been to 2 sleep studies, (that was not fun. how embarrassing that was) I have been to a neurologist and back surgeon and the incontinent people. Has anyone had anything similar and how do you cope. Right now I am paying a nurse $25.00 an hour there the night to change me and keep me clean. It is getting so expensive and insurance won't cover her.

thanks very very much

First, ditch the ATN's. They seldom last all night for most people- especially if you're staying hydrated as you should.

Second, they are known to cause rashes more than other diapers. You need something with a wetness barrier that actually works.

Third, if you use two ATN's per night, finding a diaper that lasts all night for less than the cost of two will actually be cheaper in the long run.

Fourth, if you have a diaper that's lasts all night you won't have to pay a nurse to come and change you in the middle of the night.

Fifth, why are you not using creams and ointments for your rashes? Apply and ointment (something similar to desitin creamy or triple diaper cream) and rub it in to heal a rash. Next apply an ointment (similar to desitin original or pretty much anything with zinc in it) to create a barrier on your skin and prevent new rashes.

Lastly, sorry to hear you're in such a bad position. Hopefully these tips will improve it some. And on that note, I prefer and recommend confidry24/7. They are exceptional performers, reliable and with a decently low cost per day (at least for me anyways).

Upgrade the diaper. If you get a system that works, you may be able to ditch the night nurse.

Hello all

Thanks for the reply and info. I do use ointments and creams. Since the nurse has been coming it has gotten better, a lot better. I cant reach there very well myself. I have tried several brands of diapers but I never tried 24/7. I just looked them up and ordered a bag. I have had good luck with tranquility diapers. I find them comfortable and very absorbent. I hope these ones are better. I just wish I could get the shaking to stop along with the muscle spasms to go away. It is already bad enough with the fusion and now incontinence along with everything else. I am so upset and frustrated about this. I don't feel like a man any more. I'm just like a helpless infant sometimes. I cant get off any more and wetting and messing myself totally sucks. I am sorry if I am so negative but I am having a hard time coping with this. I also don't like being alone. I need a person in my life. I don't think I will ever feel loved again like this.

Thanks for your all your inputs. It really does help

B

I feel for you. Double incontinence, and the medical conditions that typically cause it, are the pits. However, this is the place to vent, among friends who understand your situation, because they too have endured it. Hang in there, and report back when you can.

Have you been to a pain clinic yet? they specialize in what you are suffering from. They have helped me greatly and have improved my quality of life.

bspan27801, something that might help is Magnesium. Mussels need it to work properly. I have some mussel pain and when I started taking a supplement of Magnesium the pain went from a 10 down to a 1 to 2. You can try it and maybe it can help with your spasms. It is over the counter, and I bought mine at Walmart.

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RetiredRN