I know this is a delicate topic, and applaud you for asking. The answer -- it varies.

Many of the higher absorbancy pads and undergarments can hold 8 to 12 ounces of fluid. A "normal" bladder usually holds between 8 and 16 ounces of urine before you feel the need to void, so you should be OK, should you have a full-fledged accident.

The thinner/shorter pads are for those who have leakage due to stress incontinence, or are in the earliest stages of bladder dysfunction -- you tend to lose smaller amount of urine in these situations -- though they can certainly buy you time when you "gotta go" and can't get to the bathroom in time.

As for brands, in the US, Serenity makes a soft, close fitting brief that is very good. It is the brand that I wear most often, especially when traveling for an extended time with no rest stops in sight. Depends is a common brand, and their refastenable underwear is also discreet, though not as soft to me as the Serenity brand. They also make pads designed to be used inside a disposable undergarment for extra security. During a flare up when I had minimal bladder control, and so much stiffness that I couldn't get to the bathroom in time even if I wanted to, I used those, and felt a little more secure. Poise and Serenity also make pads.

Store brands can be OK, but you have to watch the fit at the legs, as they can gap if they don't fit well. There's nothing worse than standing up to get to the bathroom and then "leaking." You can find other brands online -- both disposable and reusable. You may have to try a few brands to find out what feels best to you and fits you well.

Good luck with this. Bladder issues aren't the end of the world. Some 80% of MSers will experience them in the course of the disease. If you can keep a sense of humor and become very practical, you can cope. Just DON'T let your world become smaller out of embarrassment!

-Karen (who never knew she was such an "expert" on bladder issues!)

HDIS & I are good friends! They deliver a case of super absorbent pads every 3 months. I have a supra pubic catheter & still have to wear them. UCK! I have bladder & bowel problems so use it for both issues.

They come in a "plain brown box" & they leave mine on the doorstep.

1-800-2MY-HOME

I also have these issues. I wear a pullup brief from depends. They fit me well and come in different sizes. They are very absorbant. I have had accidents of both bowel and bladder and they have never let me down yet. Good luck to you and we do have to keep a great attitude about all this don't we.

Im starting bio-feedback therapy next Monday for my bladder issues. my urologist feels it will help with strengthening my bladder muscles. good luck to you.

April, keep us in on how it works. Wish I could do it. Have no feeling so Muscles can't be trained.

I really dont have any advise, except plan all your sneezes, laughing and lifting. I am the one person in town that frequents every bathroom available. Between the Book nooks and the bathrooms you will find me. LOL