www.incontinentsupport.org

Thanks, Patrick. I don't see myself as exemplary, but who does? This is just my life, after all.

I just got done shaving. I need cleanup to be easy, odor and rash concerns aside. Obviously I'll need a proper razor for it if I decide that this is in fact a solution. A regular one doesn't work so well. But for now I'm trying not to pour tons of money in unless I'm sure this is something I'll be doing for the long haul.

I got a better fit the second time. When I switched off the Confidry 24/7, the plastic pants also started working better. Part of that was just adjusting them; part of it is that the 24/7 is a very tall diaper. My mentality here is find something that is absolutely sure to work and then downgrade as possible.

I would still appreciate a qualitative, nonvisual description of what it means for the diaper to fit properly, though I understand this is somewhat subjective in the first place. I'm now able to get much closer I think. My first attempt was just such a failure that I thought there has to be some secret to it. But I still find myself wondering if I'm completely there, and I don't have a way to find out that doesn't possibly involve the phrase catastrophic failure.

I hadn't thought of splitting the Nullo. Makes sense though. Is taking them with food important? The bottle just says take a maximum of 3 a day, so I've been taking the evening dose much later with some other medication.

What's the difference between plastic/vinyl and PUL pants? I've seen a few references to PUL pants around, but thus far haven't actually found anything that says what they are.

I've decided to just urinate in the diaper. I was surprised how well this actually works. I was expecting it to be much more uncomfortable and obviously wet than it actually is. At the moment, I'm afraid of anything involving the words learned skills, but I might investigate pulling it down or otherwise getting my penis out later, if that actually becomes a problem. There are additional concerns with doing that from the visual impairment side. One word: aiming.

Are there any tips for dealing with drooping besides wearing regular underwear on top of it or getting a bodystocking or similar? I'm noticing that the leak guards tend to lose contact with my skin at the first sign of urine. Maybe less baggy plastic pants, I guess.

Apparently ordering samples and then spending the entire week anxiously tracking the package and researching everything you might need or want to know does actually make you at least somewhat prepared for when it arrives. Who knew?

Hi Valthrin

Welcome to the group

Learning how to tape a diaper properly takes a bit of trial and error but after a few days it will be easier.

I find the dry 24/7 is one of the best diapers I have tried since being diagnosed with an OAB almost 2 years ago, to help keep my diaper inplace I use ducktape to help re enforce the tapes and keep the diaper snugger. I also wear underware over the diaper then plastic pants. then a plain white or black onsie (bodysuit) that ordered from my medical supplier.

the bodysuit helps hold the diaper inplace but more importantly helps hide the fact I am wearing protecton when I clime a ladder or bend down under a desk when working.

I have learned a lot from the members here and am very great full that we all support each other while we deal with IC medical issues.


Once you find the right diaper that works best for you always order by the case to save money I order 3 cases at a time and reorder when I open the first two bags of my last case this way if they are on back order I have a few weeks supply on hand so I don't run out.

Rob

Valthrin,
Welcome to the forum, the advice above is very good and yes not all diapers are the same. It takes sometime to find what fits your body and your needs.

Very generally speaking, a diaper should extend up to you waist line (near your belly button), both in the front and the back. Remember, they are designed to fit like a diaper, not underwear. Having on too short of a diaper will greatly increase the chance you will leak over the top of the diaper in the front, or get a poo blowout over the top back. Too tight and you will also get a lot of tapes popping off, as well as not allowing for enough room inside of the diaper for containing poo or allowing the diaper to swell up when wet.

When tapped on, the diaper should be snug, but not tight. Being able to easily get one or two fingers under the leg gatherers is about right, but any looser is inviting a lot of leaks. It should also not be so tight it leaves deep marks in your legs or cuts off your circulation. The top of the diaper should also be snug enough too, generally you will be able to easily get four fingers under the waist line in the front or sides, but not your whole hand. (without "sucking it in" or stretching the diaper any ways). Your back is different since the small of your back is concaved, here you probably will be able to get your whole hand under the back waistband.

Diaper covers also need to be at least one size larger than your diaper. If it doesn't extend over the top of your diaper then get one with a higher back. It too should be at least somewhat snug, but again not so tight it leaves deep marks in your skin or cuts off circulation. I wouldn't say you are shooting for a perfect water tight seal with any diaper cover. Their main purpose is more in line with temporarily stopping any pee from escaping so your diaper has a chance to absorb it. With disposables that have leaked, a diaper cover may not make the disposable re-absorb the pee, but it will at least help you notice it before it becomes a wet spot noticeable to others. Diaper covers are not going to be 100% water tight. They will leak if you get too wet, the key is to always change before pushing the diaper to the leaking point. Think of the cover more as a temporary backup, not as a secondary stop gap.

Like Robert mentioned, you could also wear underwear over your diaper but under the diaper cover. Any minor leaks will get stopped long enough for the underwear to absorb some of that pee. (personally I do not do this though as my confidry diaper work well enough for me I don't feel I need to). I myself do like the Gary activewear PUL pants. Their elastics bands are covered in the PUL material so they don't cut into my skin at all. Standard plastic pants will always cut into me unless they are just too loose to begin with. Everyone is different though, but luckily we have options. It's just a matter of finding what works best for each of us.

Plastic pants for use over diapers generally come in three flavors: PUL (polyurethane laminate), rubber, and vinyl. Experiment to discover what works best for you.

Valthrin,

Like many before me have said,.....WELCOME! Based on what I've been reading, you have been given a lot of good information, but I can't emphasize enough how many items your about to try that are trial and error before you finally find the product(s) that work best for you. Even thou you may have narrowed the search based on recommendations made by others, it is still trial an error for you until you find what works best for you. You should never forget,....what products work best for me, may not work best for you so don't be disappointed if 10 people recommend something and it doesn't meet your expectations. One of the things that I did as you described your situation and generally what you were looking for in a diaper was to make a list of the specific features, or requirements the diaper needed. What I came up was a diaper that featured the following;

* Absorbent
* No noticeable bulk
* Better than average containment - Some diapers are better than others and this is most important to anyone with bowel incontinence
* Odor protection - Some diapers seem to have better odor protection compared to others
* High quality refastening tape - I don't know of any brand diaper that does not have a what the manufacture describes as "refasten tape tabs", but the real question is, "Do they work, and if so, how well do they work?"

In my opinion, there are several quality diapers on the market that fit most of the features mentioned in the above, but the list of those diaper brands seems to lesson with a few of those desired featured and when you reach the last feature of tapes being refastened perhaps several times if you are able to use the bathroom for voiding. Many incontinent people have little use for tapes that refasten, while others what a quality diaper that can be removed easily with the task of using the toilet and then refasten maybe several times before discarding the diaper. If this is a "must have" feature, then the list of available diapers is very short. This type of diaper refers to the tape refastening area as a "landing zone". They give it this name because each diaper is made with an area approx. a 3 inches wide of special plastic across the front of the diaper known as the "landing zone". The diaper (Secure X-Plus) can be securely fastened, and refastened countless times anywhere in the "landing zone" with this type refastening tabs technology while offering all other desired features of the diaper you appear to be longing for.

Below is a link to the manufacture web site. I highly recommend you only purchase samples of ANY diapers until you find the product your looking for. In the past, I have purchased samples, and then once I have it narrowed down to a maybe just a few brands, I would then order a package of each BEFORE buying a case. I can't describe the feeling of buying a case of diapers only to regret your purchase before the case of diapers actually arrives because you tried out something better after making the purchase, but too late to cancel the order,.....been there and done that before. :>(

https://www.securepersonalcare.com/brie ... c-1_2.html

Diaper covers is another item that you just have to find what works best for you. I don't like a lot of "fluff" (excess material) in any diaper cover I wear. I am an Incomplete Paraplegic (I'm mobile), and I strive to not to have any bulk. If I were not mobile, and confined to the use of a wheelchair, I would be able to hide diaper bulk without too much of a problem. I feel that I can say this because on what I will describe as "bad days", I do make use of my wheelchair, and concealing what "I think shows as diaper bulk" is much easier done from the sitting position compared to a standing position. HOWEVER,.... I think most everyone that is incontinent and wears diapers is self conscious about anything that even look likes bulk. I have made other posts in this forum about my preferred choice of diaper cover, but I will also include it as a product you should try you like the idea of LESS fluff in the diaper cover you wear. Don't let the name fool you, but give a try to a diaper cover known as "Lowriders" available from babykins with a cost of $12, each expect the super big sizes. I maybe me dual, and boring, because I always buy the color every time I place a new order, but if you like the idea of having colored diaper covers these covers are available in a few basic colors. As for myself, I always buy the "white" color. However, these diaper covers do NOT come in what you think of as being "white". In stead, these diaper covers coming in what I will describe as being a semi-transparent color. Babykins may call this color "white", but I have yet to find anything white in color about them,.....semi-transparent is what you will receive if you order the "white" color. If you like, or want the extra fluff in your diaper covers,...then DON'T buy this cover. One other thing I should mention,......babykins makes several different products, and different styles. I have only purchased a few different products and found their vinyl diaper covers (all types and styles) to be among the very best on the market today, and their cloth diapers to be very low quality,.....at least in MY opinion. Over the years I have found the best way to dispose of any products I purchased in error, or just didn't like them and buying was eBay. I don't buy any used incontinence related item off eBay, but a large number of people do so this makes a place that is good for selling unwanted items compared to just storing them.

Lastly, I would recommend that you try a product called "Devrom" in lieu of Null. I used Null for a long, long time years ago, but I found Devrom to be just as effective and cost a LOT less. It might be worth a try. Below is a link to this web site as well;

http://devrom.com/internal-deodorant/

One thing I should mention is that I found the best price on this product by making your purchase from the manufacture themselves (Devrom). I am still surprised that many people don't know this bit of information and buy this product from many different companies on the Internet specializing in the sale of incontinence items. I have seen the price difference to be more than $5, PER BOTTLE at times. I generally purchase this over the counter med twice a year, and buy directly from the manufacture (Devrom). By purchasing more than 4, or more bottles at one time, I receive a small discount (50 cents off per bottle I think), plus free shipping (that is a big plus compared to other companies that charge for shipping). I favor the capsules (pinkish color bottle) so those are what I buy. I maybe wrong, but I "think" they maybe a tad more effective. If you try this product, it is IMPORTANT that you follow the instructions to a "T". Don't assume this med works the exact same way as Nullo, or any other product of similarity.

Hope this helps.

If I may suggest, one solution to the fit, odor and absorption issues might be a self-adhering booster pad inserted sideways (assuming it is rectangular or oblong in shape)along the upper waist of the diaper at the back. This will not only (theoretically) provide a tighter fit, but also add upwards of a quarter of an inch more padding and space between your skin and the plastic layer on the outside of the brief. If you end up choosing large instead of medium diapers, you will have more containment volume along with adjustability on the waist line. Good luck with this. Your hope- that using incontinence products will allow you an extra hour - is, I believe realistic.

Thanks, everyone. SO far so good. Diapers are less awful than I thought they would be. Certainly worse than not needing them, but livable despite that. We're going to have to wait for my next flare before I know if this will be a solution or not.

If I'm going to be urinating as well, how tight should the crotch be? I seem to be between sizes. I can get the mediums which hug the crotch but barely tape or I can get the larges which are quite spacious in that department but still form a tight waist and leg. I'm thinking large with some sort of compression pants or something.

I'm probably going to be going with Confidry 24/7 or Abena x-plus for now. I'm still expecting a sample of the Wellness Superio. Sadly they don't provide tracking numbers, so who knows when that will show up. In the long run I only expect to wear them when not home, so money is less of an issue.

With the continuing threat of a flare, I would recommend purchasing the large size(s), with compression shorts. Good luck, and keep us informed.