Managing continence for a better quality of life

MS Continence Nurse, Fiona Easton, has worked in the MS field for 12 years, helping thousands of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to live confidently with bowel and bladder control issues.

Up to 80 percent of people living with multiple sclerosis experience bladder and bowel issues. This can have a huge impact on people’s entire lives – including their social life, relationships, employment, sleep and mental health.

'People feel huge embarrassment around it. They think it will go away. Then it starts to really affect their life, and they become housebound.

'But there shouldn’t be any shame around it! It’s a basic human need. It’s not even about quality of life – it’s just about life. I’m here to help gain control,' said Fiona.

Liz was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2016, more than two years after having a relapse so bad it left her paralysed on her left side, hardly able to walk or speak – on the same day her marriage broke up, and she had an interview for her Masters. By this point she had a second relapse, and significant bowel and bladder issues.

'I had absolutely no control whatsoever. I was too scared to leave the house and I relied on my mother to drive me everywhere,' said Liz. 'I had gone from an academic and a professional, to only leaving the house to go to rehab. Even doing that, I had to bring three changes of clothes.'

When the time came for Liz to think through her NDIS plan, she decided her goals were to increase her confidence to connect with the community to reduce isolation, and to live independently for as long as possible. Part of this plan included a continence assessment. Liz went to see MS Continence Nurse, Fiona Easton at our Blackburn office.

'Fiona has been superb. She made me feel ok about a topic that can bring shame. She normalised it for me. The way she engaged with me made me feel like I could just be myself and feel accepted,' said Liz.

'I have a gel mat for my bed now which has been a lifesaver. Fiona helped me by recommending products and strategies which have been fantastic.

'Most importantly, she helped me change my attitude. I don’t care anymore, I just get on with it. I have the confidence and support now to go to my art class every week and it makes me feel normal, the new normal,' said Liz. 'I would say to anybody else in this situation – don’t sweat the small stuff. Just tidy yourself up and move forward.'

More information on our Plus Continence serviceopens in new tab.