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Continence
"If incontinence is a problem, you can get lots of help."
Some people have difficulty using the toilet after a stroke.
There can be a number of different reasons for this:
- Injury to your brain makes it difficult to control the bowels and bladder.
- It may be hard for you to get to the toilet if you can't walk or need help to move, or can only move slowly.
- You may not be able to tell someone you need to go to the toilet.
- If you are constipated you may have 'overflow' leakage. (It's a bit like diarrhoea.)
What you can do:
Your local Continence Adviser can provide advice, information, practical help, exercises, services and equipment.
If you have problems passing water:
You may need to wear a catheter.
This is a tube which drains the urine away into a bag to that your skin stays dry.
Your skin will get sore if it's always wet.
You may find using a commode or bottle easier than getting to the toilet.
Be careful to drink plenty of fluid.
If you have problems with your bowels:
You may be constipated.
A high-fibre diet and drinking lots of water will help with constipation.
If you don't drink enough, you'll get constipated.
If you are at home, you may want to ask about:
- a raised toilet seat
- a commode
- bottles
- disposable sheets
- pads
- help with laundry
- disposal of waste.
Getting more help
Your doctor
- Can refer you to a Continence Adviser
Health visitor and district nurse
- Can advise you at home
Occupational therapist
- Can provide you with equipment and aids
Physiotherapist
- Can help you practise using the toilet
- Can give you exercises to increase your control
Help the Aged
- Have produced a leaflet describing some self-help methods and the support available
(020) 7278 1114
207-221 Pentonville Road
London N1 9UZ
Continence Foundation
- Offers information, advice, literature
- Can put you in touch with a Continence Adviser
(0845) 345 0165
9.30am -12.30pm
307 Hatton Square
16 Baldwin Gardens
London EC1N 7RJ
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