Managing incontinence working as a paramedic
Sun May 03, 2015 11:25 pm
I'm a 21 yr old female and just about to graduate from medic training (2 weeks from now!) I've had urinary incontinence my whole life, currently mostly at night, used to be frequently during the day too. My problem is, most full-time medic positions require overnights at the stations and going on calls during the night. I'm pretty used to waking up wet, and that really won't work out with needing a quick response time... no stopping to shower and change clothes.
Just recently I've been trying the Always Discreet ladies' maximum protection diapers. They're the first incontinence products that I've worn since I was 9ish and have worked OK, though they did leak through once. However, I feel as though they would be noticeable if I wore them in public. So here's what I need -- some product/product combination that I can use for nighttime incontinence that won't leak through, will be invisible/inaudible under a uniform even if wet (not gonna take time to change if we get something major), and can handle very active movement (e.g. lifting patients, providing care in a moving vehicle).
Basically I want to look professional and feel comfortable. I'm new to wearing diapers, esp. in public/work environments, and I'm rather nervous about ending up wet on a call or in front of my peers. Would be quite grateful for any input.
Just recently I've been trying the Always Discreet ladies' maximum protection diapers. They're the first incontinence products that I've worn since I was 9ish and have worked OK, though they did leak through once. However, I feel as though they would be noticeable if I wore them in public. So here's what I need -- some product/product combination that I can use for nighttime incontinence that won't leak through, will be invisible/inaudible under a uniform even if wet (not gonna take time to change if we get something major), and can handle very active movement (e.g. lifting patients, providing care in a moving vehicle).
Basically I want to look professional and feel comfortable. I'm new to wearing diapers, esp. in public/work environments, and I'm rather nervous about ending up wet on a call or in front of my peers. Would be quite grateful for any input.
Re: Managing incontinence working as a paramedic
Mon May 04, 2015 12:28 am
Welcome to the group rabbitish, the other gals on here will be happy to see another one of them for sure! If you are looking at a tape on product for overnight use, and one that you can just get up a nd go out with in the middle of the night, it will most likely be noticeable if someone was to look close enough. That is the problem with the top end incon products, they tend to show a tad and people tend to wear a bigger pant to compensate for that, moreso when wet, especially the high SAP ones. Abena, Molicare, Dry 24/7 are all possible products for you. A snug pair of compression shorts could be a big help as well. In your position, I would not use anything less! Once again, welcome! 
Puffy
Puffy
Re: Managing incontinence working as a paramedic
Mon May 04, 2015 6:21 am
As a fellow emergency service worker, welcome to the group. Believe me, I get the anxiety this can bring have to work overnight shifts, especially 24 hour shifts. I have been in emergency services for over 20 years and the last 5-7 dealling with leaks.
A few points if advice. First you will need to sample different products to find what will work with you and your level of leaking. Next, when you get that job and they get uniform sizes to order for you, get a size or two larger then what you wear without protection. This will help hide the added bulk if needed. But something you will learn is it is not as noticeable as you may think. As for the sound, if you are working on an ambulance you will need to keep a set if keys on you at all times. Most medics have a belt clip they keep theirs on. The keys jingling will help mask any sounds. Last trick is they should issue you a rain coat or a parka. These usually hang well below the waist line and will do an excellent job hiding anything and also masking any sounds.
You will need to try to keep some supplies in the truck just in case. I don't know how busy your area will be but it is not uncommon to get a call first thing in the morning and not see your quarters for several hours. Dont get freaked out by this though, unless you pull a long stand by you should make trips to the hospital and will have plenty if time to change and clean up there.
Working as a paramedic and dealing with incontinence is VERY doable. Oh, one last thing, once you get on and get your truck assignment you should have an assigned partner. You will need to think about letting them know about your problem at some point for two reasons. First the stress of keeping something like this will be a lot to bare till you truly know you are safe and your protection is not detectable and will work. Secondly there may be a time where you will need a little back up. Now I am not saying you will need them to change you or anything like that but if you have an extended call and are in desperate need to find somewhere to change, they will be in a position to help and be of some support.
Good luck with the job and I hope you stick with it. If you have any other questions feel free to post on your thread or you can send me a private message here.
Rope.
A few points if advice. First you will need to sample different products to find what will work with you and your level of leaking. Next, when you get that job and they get uniform sizes to order for you, get a size or two larger then what you wear without protection. This will help hide the added bulk if needed. But something you will learn is it is not as noticeable as you may think. As for the sound, if you are working on an ambulance you will need to keep a set if keys on you at all times. Most medics have a belt clip they keep theirs on. The keys jingling will help mask any sounds. Last trick is they should issue you a rain coat or a parka. These usually hang well below the waist line and will do an excellent job hiding anything and also masking any sounds.
You will need to try to keep some supplies in the truck just in case. I don't know how busy your area will be but it is not uncommon to get a call first thing in the morning and not see your quarters for several hours. Dont get freaked out by this though, unless you pull a long stand by you should make trips to the hospital and will have plenty if time to change and clean up there.
Working as a paramedic and dealing with incontinence is VERY doable. Oh, one last thing, once you get on and get your truck assignment you should have an assigned partner. You will need to think about letting them know about your problem at some point for two reasons. First the stress of keeping something like this will be a lot to bare till you truly know you are safe and your protection is not detectable and will work. Secondly there may be a time where you will need a little back up. Now I am not saying you will need them to change you or anything like that but if you have an extended call and are in desperate need to find somewhere to change, they will be in a position to help and be of some support.
Good luck with the job and I hope you stick with it. If you have any other questions feel free to post on your thread or you can send me a private message here.
Rope.
Re: Managing incontinence working as a paramedic
Mon May 04, 2015 6:32 am
Welcome rabbitish,
You can save some time and rapidly accelerate your learning curve about wearing diapers by looking at two resources right here on this site. These are the excellent and extensive "The New Diaper Primer" (from the Home page just click "Primer") and my own briefer "An Introduction to Adult Diapers - Their Selection and Wear" (from the Home page click Articles and Other Articles).
The guys and gals here have a tremendous amount of accumulated experience and, as you will see, will eagerly answer your questions.
--John (jdinvirginia)
You can save some time and rapidly accelerate your learning curve about wearing diapers by looking at two resources right here on this site. These are the excellent and extensive "The New Diaper Primer" (from the Home page just click "Primer") and my own briefer "An Introduction to Adult Diapers - Their Selection and Wear" (from the Home page click Articles and Other Articles).
The guys and gals here have a tremendous amount of accumulated experience and, as you will see, will eagerly answer your questions.
--John (jdinvirginia)
Re: Managing incontinence working as a paramedic
Mon May 04, 2015 1:13 pm
Hi, rabbitish. Welcome to the Forum. I'm a 63-year-old woman, and I've had wet nights for most of my life. I also have daytime urge incontinence. I recently discovered (on the advice of another woman here) Abena Abri-Flex pull-ups for night wear. I work as a legal support professional - a sedentary office job - I haven't tried them during the day under business/business casual clothing. They work great for my overnight needs. I prefer a smooth-line absorbent panty (like Silhouette) under work and dressy clothes, but I recently switched to Prevail pads and big-girl cotton panties to reduce costs. Abri-Flex just might work well for you on the job - not as bulky as a diaper, but moderately high capacity. They come in sizes small, medium and large. You can get sample packs of 3 online from XP Medical. They are a fantastic company to work with, and few if any folks here have anything bad to say about them. The owner is very customer service oriented (he's also incontinent).
Wetters
Wetters
Re: Managing incontinence working as a paramedic
Mon May 04, 2015 8:31 pm
Welcome Rabbitish. You have found a very helpful and resourceful group. Good luck with your job.
Re: Managing incontinence working as a paramedic
Mon May 04, 2015 9:41 pm
Welcome to the forums Rabbitish, I too am an emergency services provider (firefighter/AEMT) in my full time fire job my crew and I cross staff an Engine and an ambulance. I am new to incontinence/leakage for the last year and a few months. I've been wearing pullups with pads to work and it has worked well for me. I have worn regular tape on diapers to work before, though I don't like to (Tena Classic diapers are very discreet and easy to hide) I usually wear boxer briefs over them for an extra layer of protection. At home I just wear regular tape on diapers. You definitely need to try some different products to see what may work for you. Have you considered wearing a poise pad inside your Always pullups?? If the Always pullups don't work, try Attends or Depend pullups with a pad inside them. Or as Wetters suggested the Abriflex pullups, though I've never worn them. If you want the ultimate protection, a tape on diaper is preferable. As Rope offered, I will also offer my help in private if you'd like to pm me, I'll do my best to help you out. Oh, and congratulations on your upcoming graduation from medic school, it's no small accomplishment. Good luck and be safe out there!!!
Re: Managing incontinence working as a paramedic
Wed May 13, 2015 5:50 pm
Thank you for your for your input, everyone. Sorry I've not replied for so long; I plead schoolwork.
Wow, it's nice to hear from people who are used to talking about incontinence and even people who are in my own field!
One questions -- Puffy Pants mentioned compression shorts. That's honestly the first I've heard of them, can anyone give me more information?
Wow, it's nice to hear from people who are used to talking about incontinence and even people who are in my own field!
One questions -- Puffy Pants mentioned compression shorts. That's honestly the first I've heard of them, can anyone give me more information?
Re: Managing incontinence working as a paramedic
Thu May 14, 2015 5:47 am
Hi rabbitish and welcome. Compression shorts and compression pants are very stretchy garments originally designed to improve athletic performance. The also do an amazing job of supporting a wet diaper and preventing sag. In addition to providing support they hold everything in place, reduce leaks, reduce friction with the thighs, and smooth out bumps.
You can buy them in any sporting goods store or order online. I use and like the Underarmour brand.
--John
You can buy them in any sporting goods store or order online. I use and like the Underarmour brand.
--John
Re: Managing incontinence working as a paramedic
Thu May 14, 2015 12:42 pm
Hi, rabbitish - I just want to give you my congratulations and best wishes. It looks like you have a very meaningful and satisfying career/life ahead of you!
Wetters
Wetters