With World Cerebral Palsy Day on October 6, we're here to share tips on managing incontinence and connect you with valuable support organisations.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong neurological condition that can affect how a person moves, their muscle tone, and posture. It usually starts from brain damage that happens during or before birth. One of the symptoms that often comes with CP is incontinence, making bladder and bowel control a bit tricky.

In this article, we’ll share some practical tips and helpful resources to make managing the incontinence side of things a little easier.

How does Cerebral Palsy affect bladder and bowel control?

Cerebral Palsy can interfere with how the nervous system communicates with the bladder and bowel, making it harder to hold and release urine and stool.

This might show up as needing to go to the bathroom urgently, more often, or dealing with leaks, constipation, diarrhoea, or even faecal incontinence.

Getting an early diagnosis and starting treatment can make a big difference in managing these challenges.

Tips for managing bladder and bowel incontinence

Managing Bladder Incontinence

There are a few approaches that can help manage incontinence related to CP. For bladder management, techniques like bladder training, double voiding, and scheduled toileting can be really useful.

Bladder training focuses on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, while double voiding means going to the bathroom twice in a row to make sure the bladder is fully emptied.

Scheduled toileting is all about using the bathroom at regular intervals, even if you don’t feel the urge.

Managing Bowel Incontinence

Managing bowel incontinence with CP means making a few simple changes.

Eating more high-fibre foods can help keep things regular, staying hydrated makes stools easier to pass, and sometimes, a bit of medication might be needed to keep everything on track.

Taking care of your skin

Along with managing bladder and bowel incontinence, it's also really important to take good care of your skin to prevent irritation. Start by gently cleaning the skin around your private area with warm water and a mild cleanser or dermatologically-tested hygiene wipes, then carefully pat the area dry.

Using a protective barrier cream can also help keep your skin safe, and don’t forget to change incontinence products regularly to keep moisture under control. Taking these steps can make a big difference in keeping your skin healthy and comfortable.

The role of support in your journey

Living with incontinence can be emotionally and socially difficult, but it's important to know that you don’t have to face it alone. Reaching out for support - whether from healthcare professionals, family, friends, or support groups - can make a big difference.

Having open conversations with your healthcare provider is a great first step. They can guide you through treatment options, recommend medications, and suggest helpful incontinence products. Plus, connecting with support groups can link you up with others who understand what you’re going through.

If you’re finding the emotional side of incontinence hard to handle, it might be worth chatting with a therapist. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to can make a big difference in navigating the ups and downs. Remember, you’ve got a team behind you, ready to support you.

If you need immediate support, you can call Lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14. For emergencies call 000.

Where to find help and support?

There’s no shortage of support in Australia for people managing cerebral palsy and incontinence. Here are some you might find helpful:

Cerebral Palsy Alliance

The Cerebral Palsy Alliance provides information, advocacy, and support services for people living with cerebral palsy. For more details, visit cerebralpalsy.org.au or contact them at 1300 888 378.

Continence Foundation of Australia

Continence Foundation of Australia offers comprehensive information and resources on incontinence management. For more details, visit continence.org.au or call the National Continence Helpline at 1800 33 00 66.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

NDIS may provide funding for incontinence products and support services. For more information, visit ndis.gov.au or contact them at 1800 800 110.

Connecting with these organisations can provide people with cerebral palsy the resources they need to better manage incontinence and keep their independence.

Finding your way with incontinence and CP

Dealing with incontinence when you have cerebral palsy can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, you can still live a full and rewarding life.

By getting to know your condition, trying out some practical tips, and reaching out for help, you can boost your well-being and keep your independence.

Keep in mind, there’s plenty of help, resources, and support available to assist you through the challenges of incontinence. With a little patience, perseverance, and the right support, a better quality of life is definitely within reach.