www.incontinentsupport.org

Hello, I have been lurking for some time but am new to the group and would like to introduce myself. I’m John (or “JD”), in Virginia.

I recognize the names of some members on this group from other Yahoo incontinence groups.

As has been said, “Life is Not Always Fair.” I suffer from moderate bowel incontinence due to an old accident which left me with injuries to the nerves of my rectum, anus, and pelvis and caused me to lose most of my ability to sense an approaching bowel movement and much of my sphincter control.

With the approval of my doctors, I self-administer daily morning preventive enemas to clear out my colon in order to avoid fecal accidents later in the day. These are traditional bag enemas with saline and Castile soap, not Fleets’, and so are quite effective for the purpose.

The preventive enemas enable me to go about a fairly normal life, including extensive foreign travel. The most important thing was to get the effectiveness up to a level where it provided me with a high degree of confidence in a predictable length of time during which I would be protected from having a fecal accident.

Foreign travel while wearing diapers and having to take enemas can lead to some very interesting situations. Of course, when I get on a plane, I have to carry my enema bag, which is critical to my health, in my carry-on backpack, along with some diapers. I also bring a doctor’s certificate in case TSA or foreign customs give me a hard time.

I wear diapers 24/7 and add a pair of plastic pants on top when I leave the house. However, if you were to meet me on the street, you would never suspect either my medical problem or that I am wearing adult diapers.

I have learned a lot about how to cope with incontinence, diapers, and enemas from serious-minded support groups.

Best wishes to all,
--JD

Welcome aboard JD, sounds like you have a good handle on your medical woes, and just get on with life, I like that. Soulds like you are similar to me in that you could pass me anywhere and have no idea what I have on to deal with leaks, I have yet to be noticed, that I have noticed anyhow! Puffy

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Puffy
BC, Canada
Fighting the "Bladder Battle" since 1995

Puffy,

As I only began wearing diapers 24/7 about 1 1/2 years ago, I admit that I still am a little self-conscious. Initially I was really paranoid.

Today I do not hesitate to wear my main diaper - the fairly bulky Abena Abriform Level 3 - anywhere. Over my plastic pants I do wear a silencer in the form of spandex underpants or even better a pair of UnderArmour compression pants. They really smooth out the outline of the diaper. Also, they press the leg gathers of the diaper and the plastic pants more snugly against the thighs, further reducing the issue of leaks and odor.

Best wishes,
--JD

Hey JD, I have been using disposables, and now cloth for close to 20 years, along with the external catheter system, all depends on what my activities are, and how long I will be out for. Cloth mostly at night, saves some money in the long run. I think we all go through the "paranoid" stage, where we think everyone can tell we are diapered... not at all true, I have yet to be spotted, but as you have found out, a good pair of compression shorts overtop of everything else really helps slim things down and keep them hidden, wish I had discovered that a long time ago! Puffy

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Puffy
BC, Canada
Fighting the "Bladder Battle" since 1995

Puffy,

I learned about the compression pants from a posting on one of the incontinence forums - I forget which one. During my "learning phase" forum messages were invaluable, often providing me with information when I was too embarrassed to even ask the right question.

Now, when I post messages I often try to include information which may be of use to someone else later on. Of course, that can run the risk of being TMI.

I continually experiment with diapers, diaper covers, and my enemas. It has only been by "fine-tuning" many small things that I have reached a point where I can relax - almost

Research and experimentation became an emotional outlet for my personal stress and anxiety. As everything medically went downhill rather rapidly, and somewhat later in life, I still emotionally have some difficulties from time to time coming to grips with the situation. This is where this and other incontinence groups have been so helpful for me. I actually wish I had the opportunity for a face-to-face support group in my community, but there is none.

Also, my problems seem rather minor when compared to others in this group who have dealt with severe disability and severe incontinence for so long. Stiff upper lip and carry on.

Best wishes,
--JD