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Staff member
I'm a huge health advocate, but feel awkward at times in a public changing room setting. From using the changing facilities to sitting next to nude patrons at my co-ed spa, I've had to develop some hacks to get the most out of these costly facility visits.
Only over the past few years have I become at peace with changing out of my street clothes and wet brief, then doing a self-cath before showering and jumping in a jacuzzi or pool. My post catheterize cycle is about 20-30 minutes on a good day, depending on my liquid intake. That gives me 5 minutes to shower, 15 for jacuzzi, and hopefully another 5 in the dry sauna and a splash in the cold plunge.
During these 'dry times' I do make an attempt to avoid leaks by wearing a disposable swim brief from Swimmates. While they're not waterproof (is there even such a thing for adults?) I've noticed at times that I do leak, they at least absorb with a yellow tint near my pubic area. Although they're more for any IBS emergencies.
After soaking for a bit, I head back to the locker room and change into a light brief, such as a Unique Wellness or a FormaCare brief. Once padded and leakproof for gym or sauna settings, I'll head back in and start my normal work-out or sweat lodge routine. Cardio and the like.
I'll regularly hydrate throughout and start another set if I'm mentally or physically up for it. Otherwise I take a break in the lounge, changing into a dry brief before heading back to my repeat sessions. After recovery, I typically disrobe and dispose of my wet brief(s) in the locker room, before padding back up and heading back for more rounds.
When I'm done, typically towards the end of the day (when they're closing up) - I've grown confident and carefree when throwing on an ID Slip or BetterDry with stuffer and adequate powder or barrier lotions before changing out into my street clothes.
It's taken me 10 years of battling the anxiety of stranger's judgement, associated with my diapered disposition. Coming to terms and realizing that public changing is only as awkward and uncomfortable as you make it, was the hardest part. Beyond a look or two of disbelief, everyone is accommodating and copasetic to my situation.
The only comments I've gotten were supportive or inquisitive, and a few times I've been approached after the gym by folks who commended me for being stronger about my incontinence. Some admitted to changing in the shower stall or ADA restroom to avoid embarrassment.
One day, in a perfect world, disposable underwear won't be as taboo as "diapers" and the stigma that surrounds them as an adult user.
Only over the past few years have I become at peace with changing out of my street clothes and wet brief, then doing a self-cath before showering and jumping in a jacuzzi or pool. My post catheterize cycle is about 20-30 minutes on a good day, depending on my liquid intake. That gives me 5 minutes to shower, 15 for jacuzzi, and hopefully another 5 in the dry sauna and a splash in the cold plunge.
During these 'dry times' I do make an attempt to avoid leaks by wearing a disposable swim brief from Swimmates. While they're not waterproof (is there even such a thing for adults?) I've noticed at times that I do leak, they at least absorb with a yellow tint near my pubic area. Although they're more for any IBS emergencies.
After soaking for a bit, I head back to the locker room and change into a light brief, such as a Unique Wellness or a FormaCare brief. Once padded and leakproof for gym or sauna settings, I'll head back in and start my normal work-out or sweat lodge routine. Cardio and the like.
I'll regularly hydrate throughout and start another set if I'm mentally or physically up for it. Otherwise I take a break in the lounge, changing into a dry brief before heading back to my repeat sessions. After recovery, I typically disrobe and dispose of my wet brief(s) in the locker room, before padding back up and heading back for more rounds.
When I'm done, typically towards the end of the day (when they're closing up) - I've grown confident and carefree when throwing on an ID Slip or BetterDry with stuffer and adequate powder or barrier lotions before changing out into my street clothes.
It's taken me 10 years of battling the anxiety of stranger's judgement, associated with my diapered disposition. Coming to terms and realizing that public changing is only as awkward and uncomfortable as you make it, was the hardest part. Beyond a look or two of disbelief, everyone is accommodating and copasetic to my situation.
The only comments I've gotten were supportive or inquisitive, and a few times I've been approached after the gym by folks who commended me for being stronger about my incontinence. Some admitted to changing in the shower stall or ADA restroom to avoid embarrassment.
One day, in a perfect world, disposable underwear won't be as taboo as "diapers" and the stigma that surrounds them as an adult user.