www.incontinentsupport.org

Next week I am planning on making my first appointment to see a chiropractor. I have been googling what to expect for the first visit and have seen several times to expect to undress down to your underwear for the first exam. I was wanting to know of this is what others have experienced and how professional have they been with working around our protection.

First visit is rather in depth, total history, possibly if he is on the ball X-rays, mine did. No issues with getting adjustments, never had to remove pants, but when I started going to the one I see now, only ever had to remove my shirt, now he does not need it taken off. Spoke to him about my night problems, and daytime urgency, he was glad I mentioned it, as he goes easier adjusting around my lumbar region but makes sure it is "right" when he is done. I SWEAR by mine, he has treated me for 20+ years now, and was the sole reason I am walking and such today after my rear ender accident, messed my back up some good, but it's part of life now. They all adjust differently, but should not be uncomfortable at all, just a "pop" if you even hear it move! I am usually wearing a guard or a Real-fit, and he has never said anything, if he even noticed at all? Puffy

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

I too am interested in that.

or, (not to thread hijack) I know my back is a mess and would like to go to a massage therapist. I have not had a massage since my problems started out of embarrassment. I am curious how one brings it up. I would love to get over myself...

Puffy is right. The first visit is pretty in-depth. With my chiro, you are in your "underwear" with a gown.

But they are healthcare professionals (or at least they should be). As part of their history intake, you should mention your incon condition and how you manage. It should be just routine.

Been to my DC for some 20+ years (actually started with the dad; now with his son). Only time my chiro brought up my condition was when he wanted me to talk with another patient of his that had a similar condition.

Over the years, I'v seen several different types of doc's, but I don't recall ever seeing a chiropractor? Like any health care professional I'm sure the first visit will be understanding all your health issues so be sure to tall him/her about your incon. I've had physical therapy several times and each time on my first visit they spent a lot of time taking notes and having me do things so they could check such things as my range of motion, etc. I would think it is very common for ANY health care professional to do the same on the first visit as understanding all areas of your health is important when trying to understand everything in the big picture. I would NOT withhold the fact that you are incon from ANY health care professional including the chiropractor that you are about to see. Besides,....there is a high probability that this doc will notice any protective incon clothing (pads, diapers, plastic pants, etc.,) that your wearing anyway, I wear diapers and I think I may have even told them that. I've been asked more times than not by a new doc how I manage my incon wanting to know if I used a cath, pad, or brief? When asked, I generally tell any new health care professional that asks,... I call it what it is,....a "diaper". In a private setting, I don't mine using the term of "diaper", but if there are other people around and I have to acknowledge the product that I use I like to call them "pads", and not diapers. I only like using the term "diaper" in private. I would much rather use the term "pad" in lieu of "brief", but I know this is very sensitive to some, but not so much to me in a private setting with just myself, and the doc.

My point is,....tell the doc about your incon and tell him/her that you also wear protective products so you don't show any leaks. Hope this helps.