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Dealing with incontinence as an active person.

I've been dealing with incontinence due to a nerve injury for more than 20 years. I am 48 now and my...

Posted by nwsnowrider

I've been dealing with incontinence due to a nerve injury for more than 20 years. I am 48 now and my incontinence began at age 25. However, I was a bed wetter as a child also until the age of 14. In short, I've been dealing with bladder issues for a long long time!!! Expert on the subject? yes probably!

I have tried many products, techniques and medications to manage my issues and have found that most of the products available, such as absorbent products or cath/bag systems, just don't address the needs of active people. On top of that, most of them don't work well when you're lying down either. With medications come side effects. So what is the best management? I believe that a combination of diet, urination management and absorbent products is the best solution. Diet is easy and there are many diet resources available that are specific to incontinence.
Urination management works well when you have access to a bathroom but can lead to other problems, such as decreased bladder capacity.
Absorbent products, more plainly described as diapers pose some other challenges. Most of the name brand and store brand absorbent undergarments just don't cut it for active people. Leaks, noise and excess bulk are big issues that most products just don't adequately address. I have tried dozens of brands and models of these products over the years and nothing has really compared to cloth diapers and waterproof pants in terms of absorbency and quietness. Problem is, cloth diapers for an adult are inconvenient and not at all discreet.
BUT, finally I have found 2 products that really do work!!
The Providers Choice Active Ultra Plus absorbent brief is my number 1 pick. They have a fluid capacity of over 120 fl oz, velcro fastening tabs, standing leak guards, and are quiet enough to wear undrer shorts or under light clothing. They are very thin and all white with a soft elastic waist and leg gathers. They advertise as a 12 hour diaper. I have used these now for about a month and I am very happy with them. I haven't had one incidence of leakage either in bed or during the day.
I bought these at http://www.activewithincontinence.com . They ship in very discrete plain shipping boxes. They are a bit more expensive than the mainstream products but you get what you pay for.
I also tried the Unique Wellness Super Absorbent Brief which they also carry. Its also a very good product, with dual layer tapes that allow for refastening, and standing leak guards. The only issue I have with the Unique Wellness brief is that they are somewhat noisy. So if you don't mind the noise, they are a good choice as well.
I hope this info is useful to someone else!!!!!!View Thread

Posted by nwsnowrider

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5 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Dealing with incontinence as an active person. I've been dealing with incontinence due to a nerve injury for more than 20 years. I am 48 now and my...

How to calculate your BMI

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an accepted measure of weight status and is calculated by...

Posted by Diane K Newman, RN-C, MSN, ANP

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:How to calculate your BMI Body Mass Index (BMI) is an accepted measure of weight status and is calculated by...

How to increase fiber in the diet to regulate bowe...

A good way to increase fiber in the diet is by using a "special bran recipe". Mix...

Posted by Diane K Newman, RN-C, MSN, ANP

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:How to increase fiber in the diet to regulate bowel activity A good way to increase fiber in the diet is by using a "special bran recipe". Mix...

How much fluid should you drink in a day?

A formula for calculating proper fluid intake (in the absence of fluid restriction, and...

Posted by Diane K Newman, RN-C, MSN, ANP

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:How much fluid should you drink in a day? A formula for calculating proper fluid intake (in the absence of fluid restriction, and...

How to Cut Your Caffeine Intake with the Fewest Wi...

When people use caffeine every day, their bodies get used to it, and they don't get the...

Posted by Diane K Newman, RN-C, MSN, ANP

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:How to Cut Your Caffeine Intake with the Fewest Withdrawal Symptoms When people use caffeine every day, their bodies get used to it, and they don't get the...

How to prevent UTIs

Changing some of your daily habits may help you avoid urinary tract infections. Drink...

Posted by Diane K Newman, RN-C, MSN, ANP

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2 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:How to prevent UTIs Changing some of your daily habits may help you avoid urinary tract infections. Drink...

Chronic pelvic pain and sexual abuse

Studies have shown that women with chronic pelvic pain are more likely to have a history...

Posted by Diane K Newman, RN-C, MSN, ANP

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Chronic pelvic pain and sexual abuse Studies have shown that women with chronic pelvic pain are more likely to have a history...

Urinary Incontinence after Prostate Surgery Can Be...

During the first two to three months after prostate cancer surgery, some men (from five...

Posted by Diane K Newman, RN-C, MSN, ANP

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Urinary Incontinence after Prostate Surgery Can Be Managed During the first two to three months after prostate cancer surgery, some men (from five...

Includes Expert Content

Am i becoming incontinent?

Hi there! Just passed by and i see this may help me. So as i am portuguese, my english may sound poor. Last...

Posted by Hugooooo

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2 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Am i becoming incontinent? Hi there! Just passed by and i see this may help me. So as i am portuguese, my english may sound poor. Last...

Tips for Keeping your Bladder Healthy

Like so many parts of our bodies, your brain, your bladder and the muscles that control...

Posted by Diane K Newman, RN-C, MSN, ANP

Like so many parts of our bodies, your brain, your bladder and the muscles that control your bladder are always communicating. When your bladder is full, your brain signals the bladder muscles to contract and push the urine out. Usually these contractions are voluntary, or under your control. It is important that you keep your bladder healthy and develop some good habits.

I suggest you use good toileting or voiding habit. It is normal to go to the toilet about 5-7 times per day and no more than once at night. Your bladder should be able to hold up to 2 cups (400 - 450ml) of urine. You can usually pass between 1 to 2 cups of urine each time you go. Don't get into the habit of going to the toilet 'just in case'. Try to go only when your bladder is full and you need to go. Going to the toilet before you go to bed is fine. Not drinking any fluids 2-3 hours before you go to bed may prevent you from awakening during the night to go urinate. Also, take your time so that your bladder can empty. Women should sit to go to the toilet. Do not crouch over the toilet seat. If you rush and do not empty your bladder fully, over time you could get a bladder infection.

You should drink enough water. Adults should try to drink at least 1.5 liters (six to eight cups) of water each day unless your doctor says this is not okay. Cut down on how much caffeine and alcohol you drink as they may cause you to go to the bathroom more often. So don't drink too much coffee, tea or cola. Instant coffee has less caffeine than brewed coffee. Tea contains less caffeine than coffee.

Keep good bowel habits. Hard stool or constipation can put pressure on your bladder causing you to experience urgency, frequency and even urine leakage or incontinence. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables and stay active to keep your bowel regular. A regular soft stool passed without straining from one time a day to every third day is considered normal. Do not strain when using your bowel as this can weaken your pelvic floor muscles (the muscles that help keep bladder control).View Thread

Posted by Diane K Newman, RN-C, MSN, ANP

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2 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Tips for Keeping your Bladder Healthy Like so many parts of our bodies, your brain, your bladder and the muscles that control...

Specific Foods that May Worsen Incontinence Sympto...

The effect of foods and beverages on the bladder is not understood but elimination of...

Posted by Diane K Newman, RN-C, MSN, ANP

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Specific Foods that May Worsen Incontinence Symptoms The effect of foods and beverages on the bladder is not understood but elimination of...

Chronic Pelvic Pain – Finding the Right Help

Chronic pelvic pain and vulvodynia, two frustrating pelvic disorders seen in young adult...

Posted by Diane Newman, RN-C, MSN, ANP

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10 of 19 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Chronic Pelvic Pain – Finding the Right Help Chronic pelvic pain and vulvodynia, two frustrating pelvic disorders seen in young adult...

Overactive Bladder – Don’t Suffer in Silence

Considered abnormal at any age, overactive bladder is a very common condition that affects...

Posted by Diane Newman, RN-C, MSN, ANP

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8 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Overactive Bladder – Don’t Suffer in Silence Considered abnormal at any age, overactive bladder is a very common condition that affects...

Diet and Incontinence

Did you know that dietary changes like avoiding chocolate and soda can help reduce incontinence?

Posted by Louise_WebMD_Staff

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0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Diet and Incontinence Did you know that dietary changes like avoiding chocolate and soda can help reduce incontinence?

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Helpful Tips

Tips for Keeping your Bladder Healthy

Like so many parts of our bodies, your brain, your bladder and the muscles that control your bladder are always communicating. When your ... More

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