I had 5 accidents today

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Fuck. I hate this. Everything about it.

This week has been stressful to say the least - and when im stressed or my PTSD is casing issues mentally and physically- my bladder and kidney functions do not understand how to cooperate.

I work for a call center. From home. 10 hour shifts. We only get a half hour lunch and two 15 minute breaks during it. We are timed accordingly and can only leave for short bathroom breaks in between breaks - basically 5 minute variances.

I probably urinated over 15 times today in the course of my ten hour shift. But i didnt make it for 5 of them.

I wore a diaper. Fuck. Because i knew i wasnt going to make it - and i didn't want to get in trouble for not being on the phones...what else was i supposed to do?

I hate it. My bladder ached the whole day. The urges hit suddenly and at those points the feeling of not being in control hit and I just went.

I havent really had any daytime issues except for this week - and I'm normally pretty good about timing my voids. But today i just couldnt stop going. I was screwed.

I hated the feeling. I felt so helpless. I'm normally just a bedwetter - but i don't think i really realized how many times i urinate in a day until I'm stuck in a situation where i cant.

So here in bed - I lay. Thinking to myself. I have a urologist appointment on Thursday and that's on my mind too.

But anyway.

Im 27 years old. Why.

 

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Hang in there my friend! Be strong! Thursday will be here soon. Praying that you will have a better day today.

 

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Hey, I hear you and sympathise having had the same before... did anything like Coffee overload cause this by any chance?

 

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Praying that you find a solution.

 

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@Honeeecombs Feeling for ya brother. Tough situation to be in, but remember you are strong in mind and can overcome anything, even feelings of frustration. Gotta remind yourself that what is happening is something not unique to you alone. Other deal with it and worst. Now I totally understand that those words are no comfort during times when you are directly dealing with trying to to hold on and struggling. But what you are going through is the same issue that other people go through.

Think of the positive things, yes there are a few. First you are working from home so coworkers do not know about your situation, no need to be embarrassed. Wearing protection is a big issue for you I know, but it is doing what it is designed to do and you are using it for its purpose. You are taking advantage of what is available to manage your issues. Given your stats you are making it to the bathroom in time was more than not. Only 5 wets out of 15 is a pretty good stat given the severity of how fast and strong the need to pee comes on for you. I doubt I'd be able to stay as dry as you do given the same situation.

So your. feelings of total frustration and probably some anger too are completely understandable and well warranted. However you are doing awesome despite all of it. It will bug you, it will frustrate you, but you are the stronger side of this and can overcome these feelings.

Best to you Buddy.

 

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Honeecombs,

Since you work at home you can manage your excessive urinating with the use of this particular spill proof pee bottle. It is plastic and the screw cap takes a few uses to smooth out. It is your perfect solution. It will hold 2000 ml and has a secure cap. Use a rubber band to secure the lid to the handle. Set the bottle with hose and cup into a small waste basket next to your chair. As you chat you can pee; no one the wiser. One unit should suffice for a calm day. To handle your stressful days, buy two or three units to have on hand for extra urine output. A small washable rug beneath your chair will catch any leak as you get positioned. Empty it into toilet on a break or end of shift. Wash out with a swish of water. Occasionally make a solution of white vinegar and water (1 part vinegar 2 part water) to swish inside.

We have used this since early August and it has been a prayer answered, both at home and away. My guy is now wheelchair dependent and we take unit in tote bag with us for doctor appointments, etc. We are in our 80s and thanks to this forum and the internet, there are solutions.

My prayer and love to you.

Portable Urinals for Men, OOCOME Men Urinal Bottle Spill Proof Reusable Male Pee Bottle Camping Toilet Thicken Men's Potty 2000 ml 45.2" Long Tube with Lid

Amazon.com

 

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You might want to consider an incontinence clamp which permits you to time when you urinate. There are a number of them available for purchase, and they are not expensive. I use one on days I go to work and about every hour or 90 minutes go to the restroom to urinate. Nice temporary solution while at work.

 

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HI @Honeeecombs, good to see you back! It's been awhile! I'm sorry that you're having a hard time of it physically but we will help you with ideas to manage it. It sounds like you're having bladder spasms and I have them too from time to time, more usually in the winter. They are very uncomfortable so I know where you're coming from there! With me it's like I just keep on going and going and going, just like that battery ad with the wind-up rabbit beating the drum! And times like those literally keep me on the edge of my seat!
But the thing that really struck me is your working from home and that is a big plus for you. You have no coworkers who raise an eyebrow if you go to the bathroom more often than they think you should, and no one is there to say anything snarky to you. So you are free to use what works best for you. But please know it's okay to handle your situation with a diaper. That's what just about everyone here does so you are not alone! Since you are working at home you can wear as much protection as you think you need and still be able to comfortably do your work within the allotted times. In this way you are kind of your own boss in how you handle your needs. I like the suggestion up above from Visible to use a portable urinal that you can empty at your allotted breaks. If I were you I would really seriously consider that as an option. You can get them at a medical supply store or even a pharmacy like a chain pharmacy or an independent one. So you see, there are things you can do. You are not powerless to help yourself and I think what you are doing now shows you're on the right track!
I'm glad you have a urologist appointment on Thursday so please do not hesitate to ask any questions that are on your mind. After all, the doctor can't read your mind! So ask away and tell him how you feel!
Please know we are here to support you and as always we wish you the very best!

 

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@Honeeecombs I have days like this too, particularly if I get anxious about something. As I don't know when the spasms are going to happen, I have got used to wearing protection all the time and just see it as underwear now. If the same product lasts all day, that's a bonus. If I have to change frequently, then I just remind myself that it is better than being in wet clothes. Anyway, try not to get worried about it as this makes it worse. I hope your appointment goes well, take care, Phil. PS, feel free to message me if you want

 

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I just started to use Northshore booster pads, and would recommend them to you. You just have to change the pad if the diaper itself stays dry. Another easy layer of protection. Wish I had tried them years ago.

Northshore will send free samples to you in different sizes, if you ask.

Breathe deeply to calm yourself as you wait for your Thurs appt.

 

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You might want to talk to your work about accommodations as well. You would be covered under the Americans with disabilities act. Talk with your HR, and they can help you complete paperwork so you get accommodations and are allowed more bathroom breaks.

 

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@Honeeecombs I can relate. I'm a teacher in the state sector over here and I've been really struggling with finding the time to go to the toilet and/or change. It's such a relentless schedule. I've been managing it better this week as I made more of a concerted effort to look after myself. The last couple of weeks I was insanely dehydrated from under-drinking to avoid accidents and had really bad skin issues from not changing regularly enough. I've been hydrating better and not killing myself over prepping the classroom during break. There have been some very close calls but so far so good. I'm still probably a bit dehydrated though.

I completely get about not thinking it was an issue until you can't use the toilet. When I was teaching in the private sector abroad we had at least a fifteen minute break in between each class and I always gave the students a five minute break halfway through the ninety-minute classes. The toilet was never an issue and the frequent access was a godsend when I had a prolonged period of massive IBS flare ups. Plus, pretty much all my classes could be left alone briefly if I had to do something. Now, I regularly have two hours without a break and even finding the time to change at break or lunch can be a nightmare. Plus, it's a very rough and ready place so leaving the kids even for thirty seconds is a no-no.

I'm plucking up the courage to talk to HR about it as another issue is that the opening of the sanitary bins in the staff toilets are too small for my products. However, it's embarrassing enough to talk to a doctor about these things, let alone someone at work!

I'm 29 so get how frustrating it is having these problems when you're young. Hope your urology appointment goes well!

 

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Maybe thinking about the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz will help you to pluck up your courage. All the best to you in your efforts to improve your work life.

 

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Praying for you- that you find peace while you wait for a resolution. The only thing I can assure you is that you are not alone- by looking at the numbers, it's safe to say that someone else in your circle is dealing with this as well. In the same way you that you will probably never know who that is, you can rest assured no one will ever figure it out about you either.

If this turns into a long-term issue for you, you can also expect it to get easier to cope with. Incontinence products allow and help you to get on with your life. I wish you well and will continue bringing you before the Lord.

 

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Update:

I had my urologist appointment yesterday. I finally let it all out and cried during it. It felt so relieving. I'm going to try myrbetriq and DDAVP. We will see how they work.

He also recommended if medicine doesn't work for the overactive bladder I could try Botox. But that's down the road.

I'm just relieved I finally got it off my chest.

 

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Hey, you just took a big step and that is super-great! Congratulations! It's really okay to cry and just let it all out. You needed to do that and there's nothing at all wrong with it. You did fine! I know once those feelings and emotions come bubbling up to the surface there's just no stopping it. And that should really clear you mind so it's easier to put things in perspective. And you're right it is a big relief. Trying out the myrbetriq and DDAVP is also a positive step. But the important thing to know is there are options and if one doesn't work out then we can try others. It sounds like your urologist really knows what he is doing and it's good you found him.
So, @Honeeecombs, good going!!!!

 

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Thanks for the update. I hope this is effective. Please keep us informed as to what works for you.

 

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@Honeeecombs I'm pleased to hear that you had a good appointment. Just as a matter of interest, what is DDAVP? Cheers Phil

 

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@physlink: DDAVP is called Desmopression. It is supposed to cause less kidney production of urine throughout the night thus leading to less nightime episodes.

I am catiously optimistic that this will work for me. I dont know. Im worried hearing all of the side effects - and i have to get blood work done in a month to see if it is causing any issues.

 

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Hi @Honeeecombs. You're doing the smart thing by getting blood work done in a month. That way they can see if there are any undesired effects happening and then can take corrective steps. I think you are wise to think about potential side effects, but you shouldn't get too stressed about it at this point. They list all the side effects that have EVER been reported for this medication from the day it was first prescribed. And I think the chances of you getting such effects are quite remote. Assuming you already have your prescription in hand, do read the little brochure that comes with it. And if something about the side effects jumps out at you then call your doctor and/or pharmacist by all means and ask them for advice. Or go on line to a reputable, reliable site like Mayo Clinic or Cleveland Clinic or Harvard Medical School and see if they talk about side effects. Something like WebMD or the other online medical advisors may not be quite so reliable. After all you've been through lately you do want this to work for you.
I would be worried about side effects, too. But your doctor knows what's going on with you and he prescribed this medicine because he thinks it will do the best job for you. As a doctor sees it it's a matter of whether or not the benefits of a medication outweigh the potential risk of side effects. If that's the case then he will go ahead prescribe the medication.
Now take me. I was on a beta blocker (atenolol) for blood pressure. It worked very well for a long time. But one day I noticed my fingers turned almost a bright blue. I had been dipping water in a bucket at the nature center where I work and thought it was because the water was a little colder than usual. NO such luck! I had an appointment coming up in a couple of days and I mentioned the blue fingers to the doctor. He immediately put me on a different med, Lisinopril, simply because I was having an undesirable side effect from the old medicine. As a result they told me to say I can't have Atenolol, sort of an allergy. So side effects can happen but please go ahead and consider those chances somewhat remote. I hope this helps!