Adult Diaper Care
Living with Incontinence: How To Get Your Confidence Back
by
Gretchen Hendricks
on
May 21, 2021
Living with incontinence and adjusting to this new life can significantly impact your confidence and quality of life. Going from being worry-free and independent to not knowing when you won't be able to control your bladder or bowel is life-changing. Research has shown that many people suffering from this syndrome are often depressed and lose their zest for life.
We are here to assure you that there are solutions to help you lead a fulfilling life again.
Life Changes, But There Are Solutions If You Willing To Adapt
As harsh as it seems, reality has changed, and it probably won't entirely go back to the way it used to be. The sooner you accept this, the better.
The good news is that there are solutions for your conditions. You are not alone, and times have changed so much that hundreds of products on the market can help you get things back on track.
We will discuss a few relatively inexpensive products that can help make your life easier and cope better with your condition.
What Is Incontinence?
Before we delve into solutions, let's discuss incontinence a bit more. Incontinence is a loss of control over your bladder and or bowel movements, often resulting in involuntary or accidental leakage.
The severity of incontinence can range from a small leak to a complete loss of your bladder or bowel control. Consult with your doctor to determine what type of incontinence you have and find the proper treatment specifically.
The 4 Types Of Incontinence
There are four general types of urinary incontinence; let's take a closer look at each.
1. Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence is the most common type of urinary incontinence, caused by actual pressure on the bladder and not by emotional or psychological stress.
Movements like bending, jumping, lifting, exercise, and even sneezing or coughing can all cause strain. Pregnancy and childbirth can cause the pelvic floor muscles to weaken, which puts pressure on the bladder, causing urine to leak. This type of incontinence is more likely to occur in women.
2. Overflow Incontinence
Overflow incontinence is essentially caused when your bladder is filled beyond its normal capacity. This causes frequent urinating in small amounts and constant dribbling. There are two reasons this overfilling could take place. An outlet blockage, usually associated with an enlarged prostate. An inability to contract your bladder caused by damage to the brain. This type of incontinence is found to be more common in men.
3. Urge Incontinence
Also known as "overactive bladder", this condition causes the bladder to contract before it is full. It causes an overwhelming urge to urinate immediately and contract when you are not ready. At times you may even leak on the way to the toilet. Urge incontinence can be caused by physical problems like damage to the brain, spine or the nerves between the bladder and the spine. This type of incontinence is quite common in patients with dementia. It can, however, also be caused by a bladder infection.
4. Functional Incontinence
This has nothing to do with your bladder or the associated problems but with the physical issues which could hinder you from getting to the toilet in time.
This means that if you;
- have any difficulty reaching the toilet
- are unable to remove your clothing
- or struggle to get out of your wheelchair on time
You may be suffering from functional incontinence.
Psychological Impact Of Incontinence
There are so many emotions and feelings that go together with incontinence. If this is not managed well, you may experience feelings of rejection, social isolation and dependency. Equally, if you are a carer, you may feel overwhelmed with the stress from the change in your relationship with the person you are caring for and the financial burden that comes with continence care.
4 Inexpensive Incontinence Products That Can Help You Get Your Confidence Back
The good news is that incontinence is an extremely common problem, and you don't have to suffer alone. The key is to consult with your doctor sooner rather than later to understand better what is happening with your body and discuss the best way to manage your incontinence.
The incontinence products available on the market today are guaranteed to help get your confidence back, especially when you're out and about.
Let's have a look at a few of these products;
1. Adult Nappies
If your bladder and bowel movements are pretty unpredictable and your flow is very heavy, these are probably the best solutions for you.
Adult nappies come in a wide range of sizes to fit any body shape and are usually worn as super absorbent underwear. Choose from tabs or pullups, wear them beneath your clothes, and no one will be the wise. Adult nappies will give you the confidence to be out and about in public without worry.
2. Unisex Adult Pads Liners
These liners are discreet and are worn on the inside of your regular underwear. Liners are specifically designed for adults with minor incontinence issues, so if your leaks are minor and more urinary, then these will work for you.
3. Bed Liners
Bed liners are placed over a bottom sheet and tucked in on each side. They are absorbent and provide discreet bed protection and assurance throughout the night—ideal for anyone suffering from regular leakage or occasional incontinence.
3. Mattress Protectors
Mattress protectors provide an effective and discreet shield between yourself and the mattress; they are waterproof and breathable, so if leakage does occur, your mattress will still be protected. These will save you lots of time with scrubbing and airing your mattress.
Get Your Independence Back
Managing everyday life with incontinence can be challenging, but that doesn't stop you from living your life to the fullest. Make use of these simple solutions, and they will help you define a new normal for yourself.
Have Anything To Add?
Do you or a loved one suffer from incontinence? We'd love to hear from you! Comment below and tell us how you have managed to navigate through this life-changing process, or share any tips or trick you may have to increase confidence.
And if you need any advice on Adult nappies or buying them in bulk, simply contact us here.
Our Adult Range have great solutions to assist with Incontinence. Buy Adult Nappies from only R70 per pack or purchase Adult pull-ups from only R75 per pack if you prefer. We also stock a range of wet wipes and tissues and Bendliners and Linen Savers for your convinence.
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