Colonoscopy with Urinary Incontinence

[Archives1]

I’m due for routine colonoscopy. It is unrelated to my incontinence though on rare occasions I do have minor fecal issues too. My father died in mid-50s from colon cancer. My last scope was 5 years ago and I’ve only had any issues with incontinence for less than 2 years. Never had to coordinate this before. I’ve got major OAB issues with unpredictable floods and have to wear thick diapers 24/7. I think I can manage the prep at home ok but very nervous about before, during, and after procedure protection while at the hospital and especially when medicated. Definitely not looking forward to the conversation with doctors and nurses that day either. And hopefully one of my few friends “in the know” will be able to escort me that day so at least I won’t have to lose even more pride and dignity by having to disclose further. Getting to and from my appt I’ll wear my regular protection. I’m comfortable with that part.

Any advice about how to address the rest?

 

[Archives1]

They will do an intake when you get there. Just let them know you have continence issues. They won't care.

 

[Archives1]

I had one done about a year ago. Because I was going to be sedated, I was not allowed to drink anything after midnight the night before. The doctor doing the colonoscopy knew about my incontinence, but there was no issue with the procedure.

 

[Archives1]

As the other person wrote above, they've seen everything. You won't be able to leave unless someone drives you because you will have been under anesthesia. At least that's how it is where u live in NJ.

 

[Archives1]

Literally just went through one last week. I would not worry about it at all. I was at a hospital that was vary nice about it. Follow the directions exactly and you will not have an issue. I mean all the laxatives make you piss out your other end anyways .

 

[Archives1]

I strongly recommend the two dose prep instead of doing it all in one.

 

[Archives1]

Yes, you are legally impaired after the procedure, so a ride home is a must have. They see incon issues all the time, so a diaper is nothing new to them, and they are always more then professional about it. Don't let it stress you, just wear what you need to , and tell them at the q/a session before the procedure. From what I hear, the prep is the worst part, the meds make the procedure not too big a deal.

 

[Archives1]

Certainly don't worry about conversations with nurses or other medical staff They will not be embarrassed or shocked by anything you tell them. With their guidance in asking questions, just tell them whatever you think they need to know.

 

[Archives1]

I can recall four colonoscopy procedures since becoming bladder incontinent and none of them fired up a reason for me to feel my dignity was compromised. Yes, I also need to wear thick diaper protection, 24/7. There was a scheduled consult with the doctor doing the procedure several days prior, and another consult with a nurse when I was prepped just prior to the actual colonoscopy. I relayed my concerns, which were routinely acknowledged. With all the rigid preparation to evacuate my digestive system, I did become dehydrated, too. No 'accidents' happened, no embarrassments and all was very professional each time. It's a fairly quick procedure, including the recovery time. After you get home, plan to relax the rest of the day and don't drive.

 

[Archives1]

Thanks to all for your thoughtful feedback. Of course I will have an escort to get me there and back home safely and will have zero plans after that except chilling out at home. I will, as always, be open and honest with my doctors and nurses. I think that I will stay fully protected until just prior to procedure and re-diaper soon as able afterwards. But will follow RN instructions with regards to that if otherwise. I’m hoping that with the relative dehydration and short duration and pre-procedure voiding that the whole thing will be a non-incident. Thanks again