Parkinson’s disease is greedy. Just when you feel you got a handle on your symptoms, it dribbles into another part of your body. Sorry for the lousy pun but we are talking about peeing here. I’m just trying to lighten the mood. When someone is discussing Parkinson’s, it’s usually through the lens of balance and movement, but as we have learned, his sneaky little bugger can impact your autonomic system too.
What does my autonomic system do?
The easiest way to think about your autonomic system it controls all our “auto”matic functions. Its job is to manage all the things our bodies do involuntary, such as:
-Salivation
-Sweating
-Blood pressure
-Constipation
-Blinking
-Sleeping patterns
-Vision changes
-Sense of smell
-Urinary Incontinence
Wait… what? The audacity. PD has already gained control of your movements and now is grasping at your unconscious functions thinking that you wouldn’t notice. I am on to you! Seeing as I can’t discuss all the systems that could be impacted by Parkinson’s, I thought it would be best to narrow it down to one of the top humiliating symptoms. Right up there with bowel issues and sweating… it’s urinary incontinence. Let’s talk about it.
Although you may be nervous to talk about bladder difficulties with your movement disorder specialist, they will need information in order to properly assess and treat any issues. Some of the concerns you might have include:
-Frequent urination: Are you getting up multiple times in the night?
-Leakage of urine: Like when you can’t jump on a trampoline without a little droplet of pee sneaking out… am I right ladies?
-Pain or pressure when urinating: This can be due to other problems, such as a bladder infection (UTI), so bringing up any concerns is important.
-Immediate, urgent need to urinate: Which can lead to leakage.
-Inability or difficulty emptying the bladder: Even when it feels full.
How is my brain affecting my bladder?
Parkies can develop incontinence when the communication between the brain and bladder becomes jumbled. Let’s unpack that. The bladder is a muscle that expands to collect the urine your body is creating. At the opening of the bladder, you will find a muscle called the sphincter, which is usually closed except when you urinate. As urine accumulates in the bladder the body will alert you with small contractions signaling to you that it’s time to pee. The brain controls both muscles, but what happens when you’re diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You lose dopamine-producing cells which leads to the brain’s inability to have complete control over the sphincter.
These cells are vital in maintaining brain health in PD because they deal with signals controlling muscle movement. With Parkinson’s in the mix, those signals become faulty and overactive confusing the brain and causing miscommunication. This ultimately can cause Parkies to feel the constant need to empty their bladder, even when there is only a tiny amount available.
Tips and Tools:
-Let your Neurologist know what you’re experiencing so they can connect you with a Urologist who can help with medications that can help manage your symptoms.
-Hey, fun fact? They even use Botox for Parkies to relax the contractions that your bladder is producing.
-Pelvic floor exercises. Don’t forget to do your Kegels… I’m doing mine right now… overshare?
-Limit alcohol and caffeine intake, especially after 4 pm.
-Lower your BMI. Being overweight can cause a multitude of problems, including incontinence.
-There are a range of products to help with any leakage you might experience, from liners to adult nappies. You just have to see what works best for you.
CareZips Classic by Joe and Bella:
I found a great tool to help with the challenge of urinary incontinence. The company is called Joe and Bella and they make adaptive clothing you actually would like to wear. They have fashionable yet functional items, including sweaters, vests, everyday stylish tops, cardigans, and magnetic button-up shirts for men and women. I tried out their pants, CareZips Classic by Joe and Bella, and let me first start off with how comfortable they were. They have a soft but strong fabric that comes in multiple colors to choose from. With an elastic waistband, metal snaps, and zippers down to your knees, you have the convenience to take care of business. But what makes Joe and Bella’s CareZips different from other adaptive pants is that they have 3rd zipper from inside one knee all the way up and down to the other inside knee creating access for your down-there care.
Be sure to check out all of Joe and Bella’s adaptive collections at www.joeandbella.com
This is a ton of information I just dropped on you, but just let it trickle into your brain. Wee-wee need to understand the possible impact of Parkinson’s on the bladder. Only then can we relieve ourselves of any worries about taking a pee.
I’m sorry… I couldn’t resist.
I have key and pee syndrome and I don’t even have PD. My husband has PD, which is why I am reading your blog. I am a 77 year old woman. Don’t know whether that makes you Parkies feel any better about the problem. Am glad that you are willing to joke about this very annoying problem.
I’d like to mention that, for women, low estrogen after menopause can cause urinary frequency, urgency and incontinence that can be treated with vaginal estrogen cream.
Great point Laura!
Thanks for sharing.
Nice you didn’t let the advice dribble out. Good info!
Thanks for your brilliant insights.
I am getting accupuncture for my PD and it is helping some of my body’s systems to restart.
Hi George,
I haven’t had acupuncture before… I’m kind of nervous about the needles they put in you. Errr… but if it’s helping that is a great tool. Thanks for sharing!
A pharmacist recently recommended acupuncture to me, and I am going to look into it. It helped her with her frequent urination issues, although she does not have PD. Worth a try!
Thanks, Allison for bringing up this topic that many parkies may be unwilling to discuss with their doctors. For me, this is one of the PD symptoms that is one of the most annoying and embarrassing. I can only dream of a whole night’s sleep without having to go to the bathroom or driving several hours without stopping to do my business. I’ve had to rush to the bathroom while attending an event or flying (which can be a problem when the fasten seatbelt sign is on!). Of course, there are measures that one can take to deal with these sudden urges like adult diapers, “pee” bags, portable urinals, kegel exercises, etc.
Hi John,
Oh my Lord… the seatbelt sign is on and you’re flying! Ahhh! I get hives just thinking about it! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Allison. I’m 53 y/o, a parkie, and I go through the same. My urologist from a few years back told me “no matter how much you shake or dance, you will always get a little in your pants.”
On a more serious note, men should always get checked for prostrate problems because a lot of the symptoms can be the same as the inconsistency. Thank you for your blog.
Hi Chris,
Thank you for adding men and prostate issues. Great point!
My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s February 2021 and we started following your blog just after that. Love your take on Parkinson’s and life and your dogs. Keep it up, it keeps us smiling which we desperately need. We both attend Rock Steady Boxing which has been a huge support for us both, mentally and physically.
Hello Rhonda,
Thank you for your kind words. I am happy to hear that you’ve found Rock Steady Boxing. Such great people!
Not my favorite subject to discuss with friends and family but very helpful. Thanks for starting the conversation.
Happy to help!
Parkinson’s… the gift that keeps on giving. I thought that I was done with pads when I had a hysterectomy. Then along comes the “key and pee” syndrome, aka urinary urgency. You don’t feel like you need to go at all… until you get to the front door, where you engage in a desperate scramble to get the door unlocked and get to a bathroom before soaking your clothing, shoes, the doormat…. Ugh.
Hi Karen,
I never heard of the “key and pee” syndrome. Sounds much better than incontinence! Thanks for sharing!
in the UK it was known to me as latch key syndrome. Hahaha been at the door many times
Barbara,
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Been there done that many times ugh!