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Living with Incontinence

Updated on December 23, 2012
When you have to go, you hope you can get to the restroom on time.
When you have to go, you hope you can get to the restroom on time. | Source

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence -- a partial or complete loss of bladder control --is a common but very annoying condition to have. According to the National Association for Continence, it affects 200 million people worldwide. Yet, because of the stigma that is associated with this condition, it is rarely discussed, and people suffer with it alone. Since one-third of men and women ages 30-70 believe that incontinence is a normal part of aging, they rarely discuss the issue with their doctors or attempt to find the cause or treatment for it.

Source

Shame and Quality of Life

Even though incontinence rarely causes physical pain, it causes a significant decrease in the quality of life of the sufferer. Because he smells like urine from time to time, people may avoid spending time with him. Or he may voluntarily stay away from people to avoid the embarrassment. After all, people should be potty trained by the time they go to grade school. He may feel that his employers will not be able to trust that he can manage an account when he can't even manage his own bladder. Ultimately, many people become shut in their own homes as a result of this condition.


Urinary incontinence is an uncomfortable and oftentimes embarrassing issue, but there are many ways you can increase comfort, and even increase bladder control. Here are some suggestions for ways you can live more comfortably with urinary incontinence.

Incontinence Supplies From Amazon

TENA Serenity Heavy Long Pads, 42 Count
TENA Serenity Heavy Long Pads, 42 Count
When sanitary napkins no longer work for incontinence, it is time to find products specifically for that issue. They come in a variety of sizes and levels of absorbency. These Tena pads are very absorbent and are long enough to keep your clothes from getting soiled. They also help control odor.
 

Talking to Your Doctor about Urinary Incontinence

The first and foremost thing you should do about urinary incontinence is to discuss it with your doctor. Your doctor can rule out other conditions that cause this issue. There are several different types of incontinence and different methods to treat them. Your doctor can help you decide among the many treatments that are available for this condition.

  • Kegel exercises have been found to provide relief for many patients. Your doctor can teach you how to do the exercises properly, and provide cones and other devices that can ensure that you do them directly.
  • There are medications you can take that help relax the bladder muscles so you have enough time to get to the bathroom.
  • Surgery is also an option. There are several different types of surgeries that are used to treat this issue.

Pads for Incontinence

Since sanitary napkins are readily available at drug stores, grocery stores and department stores, and do not identify the buyer as incontinent, they are generally the first method people use to manage bladder leakage. They keep your clothes dry and keep the moisture away from your skin. For more leakage, it is necessary to use incontinence pads. They come in a number of strengths and sizes. There are even pads that resemble diapers which are useful for bladder and renal incontinence.

You can buy these online and get them in plain boxes that do not identify what is in the package.

Rashes

People with incontinence can get rashes, not unlike diaper rashes. To avoid this, make sure that the skin is kept dry. Be sure to clean thoroughly, from the front to back to avoid contamination. Diaper rash medication can be helpful to alleviate the itching.

The card may be a joke, but incontinence is no laughing matter.
The card may be a joke, but incontinence is no laughing matter. | Source

Urinary Smells

When you have bladder leakage, you may worry that you will smell like urine. You may have walked by someone who you can quickly identify as incontinent simply because of the smell.

There are several ways you can avoid the tell-tale ammonia smell. Drink plenty of water so that your urine is not concentrated. This may mean that you will have to go to the bathroom more often, but it will be clearer and won't smell as strong.

It can be frustrating to change your pad only to get up and cough and have more leakage. Even if you can't change your pad every time you have a leak, be sure to change the pads regularly so the smell does not have a chance to become strong.

Identify the Cause of Bladder Leakage

If you notice that a certain food is triggering your bladder to spasm, you can avoid eating that food or try a substitute. Foods that may cause bladder issues are acidic foods, spicy foods, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and sweeteners. Some medications, such as high blood pressure medication, antidepressants, muscle relaxants and sleeping pills can also cause issues.

If you notice that your problem is exacerbated by coughing and sneezing, you need to identify the cause of the coughing and sneezing and find a way to control that.

Work and Incontinence

Most people are able to work normal jobs when they are incontinent. You may be able to ask for an office or work location that is close to a bathroom. Carrying a change of clothes in your car or desk will help you avoid having to go home to change. There is a chance that people may notice that you changed your clothes, but they would do that if you went home to change. In this way, at least you can avoid missing work.

Source

Relationships

Many people with this condition become withdrawn and stay home instead of going out to avoid letting their secret becoming public. They don't go out with their friends and avoid making new relationships. Just the thought of having to explain their condition to a new partner makes them dread starting new relationships.

With the internet and phone, they can have arms length relationships with people they don't have to meet in public, but wind up becoming recluses.

While there are people who will shun you and stay away from you because of the possibility of the smell, this condition is common enough that there are many people who understand what you are going through. As long as you do your best to keep sanitary, many people who you expect to shun you may be quite willing to remain friends and help you through your issues. I recommend letting the friends decide whether they want to continue the relationship instead of assuming that they do not. Yes, the rejection will hurt, but you won't have any friends left if you reject them preemptively.

Meet them in outdoor or in open areas where smells can easily dissipate. Be sure to choose areas, like parks, where restrooms are readily available.

Shopping and Other Activities

Most people with incontinence scan any new area they visit and identify the location of the restrooms so they are ready. Even though the goal is to train their bladder to hold urine longer, they may go as soon as they spot a restroom "just in case". In this way, they are able to enjoy the rest of their shopping through the rest of the store.

In the video, the woman has had surgery for urinary and renal incontinence. It shows how drastically the condition affects her personal life.

Suffering from Incontinence

You do not have to resign yourself to a life as a hermit, tucked away from public eyes, when you find out you have this condition. There are many ways to treat it, and there are many products on the market that help you stay dry and comfortable. Be sure to talk to your doctor and find a solution that works for you.

© 2012 Shasta Matova

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