Your best tips and advice
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The psychological challenge of dealing with incontinence can be worse than the real thing. However, the rewards of dealing successfully with it can be considerable as well.
I use a combination of diet, medications, diapers, plastic pants, suppositories, and enemas. I shave my diaper area twice each week to facilitate cleanliness, and take Nullo to manage odor. When I travel, I always take along a medium-size gym bag with all the changing supplies I expect to need. When I'm in familiar territory, I keep a running mental tally of the nearest handicapped/family restroom at all times.
I use a combination of diet, medications, diapers, plastic pants, suppositories, and enemas. I shave my diaper area twice each week to facilitate cleanliness, and take Nullo to manage odor. When I travel, I always take along a medium-size gym bag with all the changing supplies I expect to need. When I'm in familiar territory, I keep a running mental tally of the nearest handicapped/family restroom at all times.
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First of all incontinence seems to impacts each person differently. Day to day living for me is almost as normal as before my accident. I'm completely bladder and partial bowel incontinent but I take a combination of oxybutynin 10mg (2 every day) and use disposable briefs (diapers) that fits me well and does NOT feel like a diaper.
As long as I stay on top of my changes everything is very simple. I highly recommend Calmoseptine as a great barrier cream and always do a good job cleaning yourself and there should be no real issues.
I travel constantly with work and I have no major problems.
As long as I stay on top of my changes everything is very simple. I highly recommend Calmoseptine as a great barrier cream and always do a good job cleaning yourself and there should be no real issues.
I travel constantly with work and I have no major problems.
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Whenever you wear a good diaper, it feels heavy and uncomfortable between one's legs. If you add on top plastic pants and onesie, it feels even thicker. Plastic pants and underwear on top makes it even bigger between your legs. BUt when you remove these extra pants it's like you feel this great comfort.
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Its important that you nearly always use a onesie or better a nylon smooth singlet over taped brief to keep it moving with you; second get some net pants which keep your penis stationary-like pouch. Then youll always be pointing in the right direction to pee. Third, use net pants between skin and taped brief for comfort and freedom from rashes,
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I'm using a combination approach with sipping instead of whole glass at once consumption, a pessary ring, anterior external Electronic Muscle Stimulation using a TENS right on top of the bladder on gentle massage settings available from Walgreens, timed two hour toileting, heat pad on the anterior to help me relax when I go, going double when I go - waiting for the second wave of flow to come down from the bladder, catheters from online medical suppliers, pull ups and pads from the dollar store for pads, Target, Wal mart, Walgreens, Rite Aid and online sources have pull ups, and biofeedback from my clinical psychologist. Do not use a tens on any injury to the back or within six weeks of a hysterectomy or on any other injury or where sutures are healing.
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In January 2013 I broke my neck at C4/5. Spinal injury left me with double incontinence. This is managed with a suprapubic catheter and bowel evacuation on alternate days by district nurses.
I wear a pad all the time. These are available in many shapes and sizes. In mine, the absorbent part is about 50cm. in length and 18cm. wide, widening to 24cm at the front and back. Inside are two elasticated expanding pockets about 2.5cm.deep 18cm. apart extending the whole length of the absorbent area to prevent spillage. The absorbent area is surrounded by a strong margin 1.5cm. wide for gripping to adjust the position of the pad.
The pad is held in place by net fixation pants. These are similar for both sexes. There is no front exit. I rarely pass urine through the normal route - occasionally just a small amount which is soaked up by the pad. I have faecal leakage only occasionally, most usually immediately after a bowel evacuation which has not fully emptied my bowel. Because the legs tend to be tight, I buy a size larger than what it says on the packet which are usually by measurement around the widest part of the hips. Perhaps the top of the leg would be a better measure.
My pad is normally changed each day, as part of getting up. The pads cost £10 - £11 for a pack of 34 and the pants 40p to £1 each depending on the brand and quantity bought. They are washable and last about a month each.
I wear a pad all the time. These are available in many shapes and sizes. In mine, the absorbent part is about 50cm. in length and 18cm. wide, widening to 24cm at the front and back. Inside are two elasticated expanding pockets about 2.5cm.deep 18cm. apart extending the whole length of the absorbent area to prevent spillage. The absorbent area is surrounded by a strong margin 1.5cm. wide for gripping to adjust the position of the pad.
The pad is held in place by net fixation pants. These are similar for both sexes. There is no front exit. I rarely pass urine through the normal route - occasionally just a small amount which is soaked up by the pad. I have faecal leakage only occasionally, most usually immediately after a bowel evacuation which has not fully emptied my bowel. Because the legs tend to be tight, I buy a size larger than what it says on the packet which are usually by measurement around the widest part of the hips. Perhaps the top of the leg would be a better measure.
My pad is normally changed each day, as part of getting up. The pads cost £10 - £11 for a pack of 34 and the pants 40p to £1 each depending on the brand and quantity bought. They are washable and last about a month each.
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First tip I'd give is to call your doctor and get checked out. Maybe it can be cured.
If you're stuck living with it though, like many of us the best tip I can give is to get good protection. go online and buy the premium diapers. they're worth it in spades.
Secondly I'd advise to be confident. Even a bulky diaper isn't obvious under normal clothing. A leak is more embarrassing than a thick diaper. Trust me. Lastly, change regularly. I could probably get 10 hours out of my chosen diaper, but I never push it past 5-6 hours (other than when sleeping). I do this to not only to almost completely negate the risk of a leak, but also as importantly, to clean my skin and let it air dry for a few moments. the importance of skin care CANNOT be understated.
If you're stuck living with it though, like many of us the best tip I can give is to get good protection. go online and buy the premium diapers. they're worth it in spades.
Secondly I'd advise to be confident. Even a bulky diaper isn't obvious under normal clothing. A leak is more embarrassing than a thick diaper. Trust me. Lastly, change regularly. I could probably get 10 hours out of my chosen diaper, but I never push it past 5-6 hours (other than when sleeping). I do this to not only to almost completely negate the risk of a leak, but also as importantly, to clean my skin and let it air dry for a few moments. the importance of skin care CANNOT be understated.
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When I started on this forum I was still trying to understand why I was incontinent and what I could do if anything for it.
I have three types of incontinence Urge IC, Stress IC, and Prolapse IC.
The Urge IC started from strong muscles that could no longer hold a bursting reservoir and an onset of cold exterior temperatures no matter what the tank fluid level. Subsequent hard gushing has eroded some of the lower tank receptors and has led to my Stress IC.
Next came a literal painful burning out completely of internal bladder receptors causing numbness to bladder receptors inside of the bladder.
After that mental health did the worst thing ever - physical shocks - have permanently burned and damaged the urethra and vulva so much that there is zero feeling of dry or wet to the urethra or vulva area. I had third degree burns to the vulva and external urethra from their shocks. I am white. The area looked like I was brown in skin color. It was terrible. They said I was psychotic. Wrong diagnosis. They began electrically shocking and burning me. That led to more loss of sensation.
Then it seemed everything gravitationally dropped around my waist and I started dribbling between Urge flood IC and spurts of Stress IC. My two general practitioner doctor people said I had a bladder prolapse. They recommended a pessary. The specialist said I had a slight prolapse but did not think a pessary would work because he is an aggressive surgeon.
I put a pessary in and it solved all of the in between dribbles.
This forum has helped me totally resolve a part of my incontinence. I have been able to resolve most of my Stress IC with timed toilet trips with spiritual meditation and relaxation exercises and fluid management along with menstrual pads with wings for side leak protection. Sometimes I use a catheter.
My Urge IC is managed with biofeedback, temperature regulation, heat pads and blankets, the above things, stress reduction, external anterior ems massage, and treating for shock like a person would do for any trauma patient. My urge IC proves I have strong pelvic muscles around my bladder.
My Urge IC can still happen if I drink fluid too fast without timing toilet trips or managing external cold temperatures around me. I can use a hand warmer or heat pad to stay warm if necessary.
These are not cures. They have reduced the amount of Urge and Stress IC incidents for me. The pessary is an absolute winner for prolapse and completely stopped all in between dribbles. Pessary is without surgery.
Let go but don't push your pee.
The rate of flow I guess matters from a prevention point of view.
I have three types of incontinence Urge IC, Stress IC, and Prolapse IC.
The Urge IC started from strong muscles that could no longer hold a bursting reservoir and an onset of cold exterior temperatures no matter what the tank fluid level. Subsequent hard gushing has eroded some of the lower tank receptors and has led to my Stress IC.
Next came a literal painful burning out completely of internal bladder receptors causing numbness to bladder receptors inside of the bladder.
After that mental health did the worst thing ever - physical shocks - have permanently burned and damaged the urethra and vulva so much that there is zero feeling of dry or wet to the urethra or vulva area. I had third degree burns to the vulva and external urethra from their shocks. I am white. The area looked like I was brown in skin color. It was terrible. They said I was psychotic. Wrong diagnosis. They began electrically shocking and burning me. That led to more loss of sensation.
Then it seemed everything gravitationally dropped around my waist and I started dribbling between Urge flood IC and spurts of Stress IC. My two general practitioner doctor people said I had a bladder prolapse. They recommended a pessary. The specialist said I had a slight prolapse but did not think a pessary would work because he is an aggressive surgeon.
I put a pessary in and it solved all of the in between dribbles.
This forum has helped me totally resolve a part of my incontinence. I have been able to resolve most of my Stress IC with timed toilet trips with spiritual meditation and relaxation exercises and fluid management along with menstrual pads with wings for side leak protection. Sometimes I use a catheter.
My Urge IC is managed with biofeedback, temperature regulation, heat pads and blankets, the above things, stress reduction, external anterior ems massage, and treating for shock like a person would do for any trauma patient. My urge IC proves I have strong pelvic muscles around my bladder.
My Urge IC can still happen if I drink fluid too fast without timing toilet trips or managing external cold temperatures around me. I can use a hand warmer or heat pad to stay warm if necessary.
These are not cures. They have reduced the amount of Urge and Stress IC incidents for me. The pessary is an absolute winner for prolapse and completely stopped all in between dribbles. Pessary is without surgery.
Let go but don't push your pee.
The rate of flow I guess matters from a prevention point of view.
Archives1
Staff member
First off, I agree that the first thing is to discuss a possible condition of incontinence with your primary care physician. I have suffered from urge incontinence for approximately four years now. I remember how scared and embarrassed I was at first to talk to my doctor about incontinence. However, he was very experienced discussing this condition with me - I am sure he's treated dozens of patients who also suffer from incontinence in the past as well. Originally, he prescribed pull-ups for me, though after all this time, I have found that the best solution for me is wearing high-quality, well-fitting, absorbent, and comfortable adult diapers daily to manage my condition of incontinence.
Another key point that I wish to make is the realization that incontinence is not just an "old-age" problem, nor is it a sign of senility or dementia/Alzheimer's. I am currently 49, and my research online has proved out that literally thousands of people like me, under 50, throughout the United States alone, suffer from some form of incontinence. Also, incontinence usually is not a separate medical condition in and of itself. Incontinence usually arises from another medical condition, like paralysis, a weak pelvic floor, or in my case, diabetic neuropathy that has affected the nerves of my bladder. Incontinence is highly treatable, manageable, and can be made just a small daily inconvenience, with a combination of personal strength, confidence, hope, and the right combination of absorbent products to manage the condition.
I do hope this advice has helped some of you manage your condition of incontinence. Have a great day!
Another key point that I wish to make is the realization that incontinence is not just an "old-age" problem, nor is it a sign of senility or dementia/Alzheimer's. I am currently 49, and my research online has proved out that literally thousands of people like me, under 50, throughout the United States alone, suffer from some form of incontinence. Also, incontinence usually is not a separate medical condition in and of itself. Incontinence usually arises from another medical condition, like paralysis, a weak pelvic floor, or in my case, diabetic neuropathy that has affected the nerves of my bladder. Incontinence is highly treatable, manageable, and can be made just a small daily inconvenience, with a combination of personal strength, confidence, hope, and the right combination of absorbent products to manage the condition.
I do hope this advice has helped some of you manage your condition of incontinence. Have a great day!
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Thank you, SMO1968. Your second paragraph is so wise and encouraging that I read it aloud to my husband so he can understand better what he's going through. (He has diabetic neuropathy which has damaged the nerves in the lower half of his body.) I am searching for the right combination of absorbent products to help him.
With gratitude,
Sharon
With gratitude,
Sharon
Archives1
Staff member
I think what MikeJames said is on point
find the appropriate protection you need and make sure it can handle your accidents without leaking
and make sure you change regularly enough to avoid rashes or anything that is the most important
it's also good not to get into bad sleeping habits and sleep too long in one brief
for us ladies long enough skirts are a great way to hide briefs so thats a plus
find the appropriate protection you need and make sure it can handle your accidents without leaking
and make sure you change regularly enough to avoid rashes or anything that is the most important
it's also good not to get into bad sleeping habits and sleep too long in one brief
for us ladies long enough skirts are a great way to hide briefs so thats a plus
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Here in Florida, our orange crop is at peak volume. I've found myself eating several a day. I go out to our tree, snip, peel and eat! They are quite juicy and loaded with fiber. I so enjoyed them and continue to do so as more ripen. I had forgotten how much citrus can affect incontinence in a negative fashion. I was definitely challenged by the acidity of these fine fruits. I was painfully having more frequent urges and leaks. Consequently, I went to work the next day a bit more padded. my layers included diaper shirt. It has a "tail" with 4 snaps and is great for keeping wet diapers supported. I had only worn it a couple of times. All the fiber had caught up with me at work and I had to poop, quickly. I was cramping and rushed into the public restroom. I dropped my pants, unsnapped my diaper shirt, pulled down my plastic pants and finally my Tranquility Slimline diaper. Instantly I filled the bowl. Suddenly I felt a cool wet sensation and realized the tail of the shirt was immersed in the bowl poop and all. "Crap" I said and proceeded to deal with this new mess. All I could do was laugh. I've never heard a tale of a shirt-tail dip such as this. I hope it brings a smile to your face, a chuckle to this moment and comfort knowing you are not alone. So the lesson here is tuck your tail and then have the runs.
Archives1
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Having recently flown while wearing protection I can offer these tips.
First off my incontinence is due to occasional bedwetting so I guess I am enuretic and not incontinent. I had a long cross country early morning flight and I was nervous about falling asleep on the plane, being over tired and stressed and having an accident. So I reached out to the message board and got a great response....
So Tip 1, use this message board with your questions. Many great people here to help you with any question you have.
So based on the suggestions I proceeded to the airport wearing my pull-up under my boxers. I also had a medical info card from TSA that explained my condition....
Tip # 2, if you are flying and need to wear protection go to TSA info pages and print out their traveling with medical condition card. You can put in your medical issues info. For me I put that I was enuretic and wore protection in case of wetting during flight.
So to the airport. Well all went well, no issues. Went through TSA check with no issues. Had the body scanner and not hold up. I did have my TSA medical info card with me with my ID just in case.
So yeah, live and don't let anything slow you down.
First off my incontinence is due to occasional bedwetting so I guess I am enuretic and not incontinent. I had a long cross country early morning flight and I was nervous about falling asleep on the plane, being over tired and stressed and having an accident. So I reached out to the message board and got a great response....
So Tip 1, use this message board with your questions. Many great people here to help you with any question you have.
So based on the suggestions I proceeded to the airport wearing my pull-up under my boxers. I also had a medical info card from TSA that explained my condition....
Tip # 2, if you are flying and need to wear protection go to TSA info pages and print out their traveling with medical condition card. You can put in your medical issues info. For me I put that I was enuretic and wore protection in case of wetting during flight.
So to the airport. Well all went well, no issues. Went through TSA check with no issues. Had the body scanner and not hold up. I did have my TSA medical info card with me with my ID just in case.
So yeah, live and don't let anything slow you down.
Archives1
Staff member
I have a question. Currently I'm using the Depends Protection with Tabs and they are a pretty good product. The only issue is that they don't last long. Can anyone recommend something similar that's more absorbent? I'm looking for a disposable diaper with a plastic back that's not noticeable under clothes? The depends are perfect for discreet wear just not as long lasting as I would like.
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