Last night I was looking at a Facebook Page that I follow relating to Parkinson’s. It has been a source of many topics over the years when writing my blog and subsequently in doing my podcasts.
I found a post by a woman called Donna Parkhurst, who has Parkinson’s and also has a podcast coming up, it looks like she has some good content and would be worth checking out. Try this link to explore what she has to offer https://www.donnaparkhurst.com/about/
So, she wrote a piece about continence in Parkinson’s and particularly Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) and the prevalence in people with Parkinson’s. I never realised that UTI’s could be a sign of Parkinson’s and also that a UTI does not always exhibit the classic burning when you wee and frequency. It can also show up in increased tremors, so if tremors have increased out of the norm and suddenly, it may be worth having yourself checked out by your GP.
She also spoke about how a UTI can also be partly responsible for constipation and neither of these conditions are things that should be ignored. While I was reading, I realised that this is a subject that is not often discussed. I am a woman of nearly 65 years – two weeks to go – and as we age frequency and leaking is not uncommon. Urgency can also be part of the delightful package that comes with an aging bladder.
I don’t think I have ever really talked about incontinence with any of my friends, apart from it seems to be the butt of many jokes. Subtle – or not so subtle – hints might be present for instance if watching children on a trampoline. Something like, ‘Well, you won’t see me on a trampoline, for obvious reasons!’ The women in the room would probably nod and we all know why we wouldn’t be bouncing, but not many people come out and say that they might spring a leak! But, it is a common thing for women – can’t talk about men, talk amongst yourselves – to have UTI’s and some form of incontinence from the mild to the extreme.
Why is it that we don’t talk about these things more openly? I’m not exactly sure why, but continence just doesn’t seem to be something that is discussed openly. It is a bit of a personal thing and it can feel like it is embarrassing and too personal to share. However, I wonder if I looked around the table at our next Peer Group meeting that there would be a significant number of people, whatever their gender, sexuality, culture or age that had some kind of continence issue even if only relatively mild. At least if it is discussed at a group, someone might be able to recommend a continence service that may be useful for subsidised products and support.
And finally, to end this post about embarrassing stuff, let’s talk about sex!
OK husband, before you freak out!
While I was thinking about writing this blog post and also doing the podcast, my thoughts turned to sex. I know talking about continence wouldn’t usually conjure up thoughts of sex, but my mind does work in strange and mysterious ways!
So, just for interest I tried searching for “Sex and Parkinson’s” or “Parkinson’s and sexuality” or even “Intimacy”. Nothing was coming up!! How strange is that! Surely, such an important part of our lives should rate some commentary or information?
Then, I saw this great headline and it said “Regular sex lessens the effects of Parkinson’s Disease!” If ever there was a time to encourage your partner in this direction, that’s got to be the best reason ever! Who knew?!? Maybe this is a gift that Parkinson’s gives to us?
So, continence and sex.
Two important topics.
Could make the next Peer Group meeting interesting!
My journey with Parkinsons 