Are these symptoms?

Hi,

I am worried about my almost 7 year old.  He's had a few occurances in the past 6 months where he's gone in his pants.  Once was noticed after his 1hr skating class (i.e. where he couldn't easily go to the washroom) and the other was while playing with his cousins (where he didn't want to take a washroom break).  The past few days as well though, he's had a bit in his underwear/pants.  Usually he goes normal but there are times when he'll go a lot...3 times within half an hour. And the past few nights he's had lots to drink (which Imay have just noticed cause I'm watching for possible signs).  He seems fine otherwise...not weight loss or weight gain, feels fine, etc.  It does not run in our families (maybe at his great grandparents level, but not closer)

Today I booked an appointment for a week today.  I'm freaking out though as I've been reading websites and esp how the onset is quick.  So first of all

1)  could my son have juvenile diabetes? 

2) when they say "onset is fast".  Does waiting for a week ok or should I try and get him in tomorrow?  Silly concern but his bday party is this weekend and I want to avoid bringing my kids to a doctor's office where everyone there is sick/

While it would not hurt to have him checked out I too think that it is probably not diabetes.

If he was diabetic he would probably be urinating quite often all the time.

As far as him drinking more lately, how has the weather been where you are at? Is it been getting a lot warmer and has your son been playing outside a lot more? Has he been drinking much while he is playing?

It is not at all uncommon for kids to somewhat dehydrate themselves during the day and then end up drinking quite a lot in the evenings to make up for it. Also it is not uncommon for kids to cycle where they will eat/drink normally for a while, go less for a time and then can't seem to get enough at others.

As far as the trace amounts or urine you are finding in his underwear this is most likely due to "mechanics". Your son is probably not taking a few extra moments to allow the urine to fully drain out one he stops actively going and then when he puts himself back together the rest leaks out into his underwear. Think about what happens with a garden hose after you turn off the water and then go to put it away.

In addition around your son's age is when boys tend to start becoming very self conscious about their bodies which can often exasperate the above situation.

Finally him fully wetting himself a couple of times sounds behavioral to me, and I think you have already explained what happened and why it happened.

Being a guy myself I remember what that age was like and I also have 2 sons. One will be turning 22 in a few weeks and the other is 6 1/2.