I am a new member and would like to tell everyone a little bit about myself. Incontinence has been a part of my life since the age of six when I was finally diagnosed with a tethered spina cord. I was potty trained around the age of two (according to my mother) and never had a bedwetting problem. Life started to change at age four when I began to complain about pain in my lower back and weekness in my legs. Numerous trips to the Doctor could not find any reasons behind these symptons. I did find out later on in life the Doctor had not done all the test he could have and the delay resulted in permanent nerve damage. It was during this time frame that I also began to loose bladder and bowel control. My parents took me for tests to determine the cause of my incontinence and once again, no definite answer. Over the next year, the incontinence became the major problem and my mother had to decide on a method to keep me dry and presentable. Her only recourse was the use of diapers as I was now experiencing constant pants wetting and messing. I was pulled from regular school because of my incontinence and enrolled in a school for handicapped children. Incontinence was not uncommon here and the nursing staff took care of the diapering issue.

It was upon enrollment at this school my parents finally heard the words tethered cord and took me to a specialist. His diagnosis was right on, however, a couple of years too late. Surgeries did correct the problem with the tethered cord, but the nerve damage to my bladder and bowels was now permanent. I still suffer with back and leg problems to this day, but the incontinence was the condition which set the course of my life.

My parents, a great psychologist, and wonderful school teachers, counselors and nurses allowed me to live a somewhat normal childhood. I did received a wonderful education at this school and graduated with honors. However, I was always known as the kid in the neighborhood who still needed diapers. It was the psychologist and school counselors who got me through the rough times and I finally decided in my early teen years not to let incontinence ruin my life. I became less and less embarrassed about my incontinence to the point that I was more comfortable in the house and playing in our backyard wearing nothing more than cloth diapers, plastic pants, and a T-shirt. However, I was always appropriately dressed when going to school and out with my parents.

I am now 49 years old and incontinence is still a part of my daily life. The use of protective garments have allowed me to be successful in my present occupation, afford a nice home and vehicle, and, marry a wonderful and understanding woman. I finally found the right woman and married at age 45, just a little to late to consider having children of my own.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to reading letters from other members who also had a tethered cord which resulted in the loss of bladder and/or bowel incontinence.