Urinary Incontinence Support Group
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary excretion of urine from one's body. It is often temporary, and it almost always results from an underlying medical condition. Stress, functional, and urge incontinence are the most common forms. Share with other support group members and learn from their stories and experiences.
Hi everyone, my name is Cheryl and I recently turned 28. I was involved in an accident when I was 19, with left me with spinal nerve damage and a chronic pain condition, which causes mobility problems. As the nerve damage has deteriorated, I have now become incontinent. I have my first doctors appointment tomorrow and I'm scared. I don't know what to expect, and I'm scared the Dr is going to judge me for putting myself into nappies, but as I have lost the sensation in that area, I don't know that I need to pass urine until it's already too late. I couldn't take having multiple daily accidents any more, so did the only thing I could think of to keep myself dry, if nothing else.
I already didn't go out too much because of the mobility problems, but becoming incontinent too took away the last little bit of self confidence I had left. I keep reminding myself that losing control of my bladder is much better than losing control of my legs, but right now, I just feel lonely and the heavy weight of depression is setting in. I'm sure eventually it will become easier, when changes in public places seem normal, and my brain seems to realise that actually, the fact that I'm wearing a nappy isn't obvious. That is in the future, but the right here- right now is a scary place to be.
Cheryl
I already didn't go out too much because of the mobility problems, but becoming incontinent too took away the last little bit of self confidence I had left. I keep reminding myself that losing control of my bladder is much better than losing control of my legs, but right now, I just feel lonely and the heavy weight of depression is setting in. I'm sure eventually it will become easier, when changes in public places seem normal, and my brain seems to realise that actually, the fact that I'm wearing a nappy isn't obvious. That is in the future, but the right here- right now is a scary place to be.
Cheryl
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In 2013 I had an accident resulting in spinal injury at the base of my neck with paralysis from there down, spasticity (muscle contractions and spasms) and double incontinence. Both my anus and my urethra have been left closed except with manual intervention. I hardly ever pass urine via the usual route (I have a suprapubic catheter passing directly into my bladder about 2 inches below my...
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In 2013 I had an accident resulting in spinal injury at the base of my neck with paralysis from there down, spasticity (muscle contractions and spasms) and double incontinence. Both my anus and my urethra have been left closed except with manual intervention. I hardly ever pass urine via the usual route (I have a suprapubic catheter passing directly into my bladder about 2 inches below my...
As for the doctors, some are reluctant to advise wearing protection but at the ond of the day it's your decision and your life so you manage it how you see fit. It may be worth letting them know beforehand by telephone. This way you may find it a lot easier to talk aout it and then when you get there, hopefully you won't feel as anxious about explaining as they will already know. There are many people of all ages who are in nappies and it's nothing to be ashmed of. At least you've taken sensible steps to managing your condition, preventing embarrassment and damaging other peoples furniture. I think what you have done is brave, sensible and considerate. Good luck :)
Like Jake said there are many of out here of all ages that have to wear nappies/diapers. The question you have to ask yourself is what will allow you to live a quality of life that you want to live. My doctors tried all they could to fix my incontinence short of surgery and nothing worked. Once I proved to them that wearing and using nappies/diapers has actually allowed me to continue living a quality of life that I want/need to live, they have finally given up trying to fix/cure something that can't. At first many of us feel shame about having to wear/use nappies but once we have learned which nappy works best for our needs we can start living again.
I have no bladder control and I don't let that stop me from living any more. Once I found the right diaper that doesn't leak and allow me to feel safe and confident wearing them, I am back to living again. I work, go out and about, and even speak in front of several hundred people at any given time and non of them know I am in a nappy. Once I accepted my nappy/diaper as my underwear it has made a huge difference in my life.
Don't let wearing nappies stop you from being you. Don't worry about what doctors and others might think, they are not the ones that are having to live with bladder incontinence. Keep our chin held high and be proud of yourself.
I have only once been asked if i was wearing a nappy to which i replied yes the alternative is pissing down my leg. the person looked shocked and i appologised to her and then explained my situation. She said "you poor thing" I replied that actually I was a lot better off now as i don't have to be bothered looking for toilets when i am out in public, and i never have that feeling of bursting for the toilet. I explained that wearing a pad is as unpleasant as you want it to be! and that actually I don't mind wearing as they are really comfortable. She then appologised to me. We see each other now and again on the bus and have become bus budies.
You see it is not all negative wearing pads. It is just a matter of time finding the right pad and getting into your routine. It will become as a matter of routine for you after a while.
I hope this helps you to cope and get over those first hurdles
Blessings to you and hope things get better.
Unbrella
I too have no sensation to let me know it's time to "go". When I lie down and sleep I am able to feel a full bladder..It is very weird. I don't need a nappy at night while sleeping..During the day is another story. I had a botched epidural with my second baby way back in 1976 and the doctor hit my spine. I have lower back pain constantly and the pain can run down my left leg to my foot. the nerve damaga has progressed now and during the day I don't feel the need to go..I just dribble away and the bladder never fills up.
I wear nappies too through the day..no one notices. no once cares..you get used to it after awhile. The one problem I have is with the fungal rash that can form around the anal area and also at the very front of the pelvic area. it can itch something awful..I have found cleaning with yellow original listerine helps a lot and applying a 3% solution of tea tree oil also controls the fungus type rash. it is very important to keep as clean as possible.
Nerve damage seems to be very common here..I thought I was the only one with this problem..I have tried the Kegel Queen exercise program.. You can learn about it at www.kegelqueen.com
She charges a fee of almost $300.00 U.S. for her program..you also get to listen to her seminars every month online..She has lots of tips and good advice in every area of incontinence. I highly recommend her program.
Hope your doctor's appointment went well..
I am new to this site, and noticed it has been a while since you went to see the doc. I wish you the best, and I hope you are doing well. When I first went to the doctors when I was young, I was told that nothing was wrong and I would grow out of it. After a year, I was told it could be physiological, several years later I was told I had a spastic nerve. Bottom line is that doctors are great, but they all have opinions, and they are all human and make mistakes.
With that said, wear protection that works for you and worry about the important stuff like making the best out of life. If wearing a diaper or pad is the worst thing that you have to go through in life, you are doing great!
You are strong and stay cool!