GP Opinions on Diapers

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I never know if I can let my guard down about my diapers with my GP. I think she might think it’s weird to wear a full brief, so I wear a pull-up. But do they care? People say medical professionals do t care, but I feel like they do judge.

 

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It often depends on the provider. I have had some who were 100% against an ambulatory adult using diapers to manage incontinence. I have had others (including my current ones) who are more understanding, and leave it up to the patient.

 

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If GP means General Practitioner, ie, general doctor, why on earth would one be against a patient wearing protection while he/she is out and about?

 

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My PCP see's all my history and even referred me to the urology provider I use, she also recommended and helped a Nurse PA that comes to my town, so I see here regularly and when needed. I have worn whatever protection I needed to all my providers. One calls them depends, others briefs or diapers. It is a non-issue to me and my providers. As I'm diagnosed with urinary retention and incontinence.

 

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I think it's a mixed bag. Some want to keep trying various other treatments, in hopes that something or another will cure the incontinence. Others are more pragmatic about doing whatever works and is acceptable to the patient.

I do think that there's more acceptance among general practitioners of shields and guards than of pull-ups or briefs, at least for ambulatory and alert patients. I suspect that has to do with the recognition that some of the meds may help but may not solve the problem completely. But then, they're not the ones who have to deal with the effects of not having the right level of protection.

 

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I look at it as, they are the professional. They should act like a professional. What you do to make your day run a lot smoother is your option. If you want to wear a diaper to help you along from day to day, then so be it. No one can tell you different. I told my doctor. He had no issue with it. Every time I visit, he asks how things are going. I keep him up to date as much as I can. I have come a long way. Now, its not that hard to tell friends and family that I have to wear diapers for medical problems. So with all this said, you do what's best for you.

 

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In Ireland my gp didn't say anything about it as once I started having issues I got onto my local public health nurse who got my gp to write a letter to say I've incontinence issues.
Before she prescribed them for me and so I'd get a regular supply of them trough the company the hse(health service executive) in Ireland use.
My gp did do tests to see what could be causing it at a young age.

 

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I sometimes think this problem may stem from doctors who have 'seen it all.' A good example is someone a doctor suspects of Munchausen Syndrome- a complex mental disorder in which a person deliberately pretends to be ill or injured for the purpose of garnering sympathy and attention. I suspect that some doctors are just tired of the nonsense. When I had a head injury, I was accused of 'malingering' - because it was easier to be sick than to recover. My own doctor never treated me this way, but more than one specialist did- and one of them prescribed medication- Prozak of all things- because he didn't believe the things I was telling him. Another rolled his eyes when I told him I was having bladder control problems.
Now, some decades later, any doctor I see is aware of the problems, sees what I'm wearing under my regular underwear and rarely has anything to say about it. You'll see that doctors, like the rest of us, run the gamut.

 

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Not telling you what to do... but if my doctor (either a specialist or regular internist) was judgmental about what I needed to wear to control bladder problems.. he or she wouldn't be my doctor much longer. Your GP will probably be fine with your issues, but if not - consider finding a real professional.

 

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Thanks, guys. I feel like so many assume that if you are wearing a diaper, you must want to do anything you can to get out of them. But compared to the alternatives, I’m managing fine with the diapers.

For some doctors, though, especially men, that is enough to deem you certifiably insane.

 

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It often depends on the provider. I have had some who were 100% against an ambulatory adult using diapers to manage incontinence. I have had others (including my current ones) who are more understanding, and leave it up to the patient.

This.

I think this one by Draconic is a good example of how I've been treated in the past and present. My urologist was the one that recommended using briefs (even though I was already using them but not wanting to due to PTSD reasons) - but slowly but surely after some time spending with the good group of people on the NAFC and meeting others such as @billliveshere - has helped me in terms of coping with needing protection.

The thing with my condition is that it unfortunately is neurological in nature - and sometimes there is physical pain; sometimes not. Bladder spasms which after some research with OAB Syndrome which i was diagnosed with - I am leaning towards that I may have a chronic condition known as "Interstitial Cystitis" - however have not been properly diagnosed yet other than what others have related to on the messages boards.

The leaking of urine sucks in its own right as it is a constant battle of having to run to the bathroom on days when it is bad. At night though; prior to sleeping - the spasms almost feel like urges and surges - so I wish I wasn't dependent on a brief or pant at night; and having episodes during the course of the night with no control is something I wish did not happen - but is an unfortunate harsh reality to those suffering from Nocturnal Enuresis.

And with no support system from family - I have found peace and support through the NAFC and past and present in a support community for men.

The same can be said for myself in regards to daytime urgency and leakage as well. At the end of the day - I struggle with the fact that I need protection. It is a daily struggle; that yes, I have had the help with others on here with - but something due to PTSD may never fully go away until the condition itself improves or is cured.

Doctors, Urologists, etc - know the toll that urinary conditions with the symptoms of Incontinence can have on anybody - so I've found the ones who are accepting of those who wear briefs to be the ones who have helped myself in dealing mentally while hospitalized or seeking medical care.

A medical professional should not disapprove of a patient needing protection due to medical issues - especially when It is those professionals who have to talk to patients in regards to those options for managing there medical condition.

Blessings In Christ,
Honeeecombs

 

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I think it varies from medical professional to medical professional to be honest. The osteopath I saw when I had to start wearing taped nappies all the time never mentioned it and given my Long Covid symptoms, I guess it made sense I was wearing protection. Also when I was admitted to hospital nobody batted an eyelid. The same goes for my neuro-physio.

Weirdly, it's been the continence team who were dead against them. The first person I spoke to there said "I was far too young to be wearing nappies" and should try other solutions. Well, I tried and none worked for me. I really wish I could get on with a urinary sheath or products which aren't full on nappies but the sheath was too difficult due to my neuro issues affecting my dexterity and lesser pads leak.

I think really it boils down to the fact they should respect the patient's wishes and what they're most comfortable with. My experience with the continence team was that they were basically telling me how I was feeling about wearing nappies ("it must be really embarrassing", "it's awful someone your age having to wear them," "most men don't like having to wear a pad" etc. etc.). Whereas, I'm very matter of fact about it and having realised people can't notice when I'm out and about then I don't feel any embarrassment or negativity towards my situation. Given I wore them for bedwetting as a kid until relatively late, it wasn't a massive step using them again when it became apparent I needed them and having suffered without protection for so long for my pre-existing chronic conditions, it's actually boosted my confidence.

 

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Thanks, Sci. I think because I’m young and don’t have a big-name illness (that I know of), some folks can’t get why I wear a diaper. Nothing about the incontinence I experience is clear cut, and I’ve been told many things could be behind it.

Frankly, I’m done trying to dig into a cause, and I just want to go on with my life. I don’t want to keep doing tests.

I just wish they would leave it alone and let me manage my issues with the diapers.