JDinVirginia,
I understand your thoughts since I am also bladder, and bowel incon. Using the right products makes the difference in the level of confidence. I am so confident in the products that I use I really don't have any worries any more and this of course means not having any stress. I really like the Abena M4's, and recently I started using the new Northshore brief (diaper), and now I like that even more than the M4. The cause of my incon is nerve damage at L5/S1 resulting in Cauda Equina (spinal nerve damage). Since I am mobile I'm medically classified as an "Incomplete Paraplegic". Being incon is secondary to all my medical issues, but at least I'm mobile. When I leave home for extended periods of time, or travel I wear plastic pants over the diaper for added protection just in case I were to have a leak sometimes cause by a broken diaper tape but that is very rare. I don't like to take the risk when out in public so better safe than embarrassed I say. I achieved odor control by taking Devrom. There are many other brands that will accomplish the same, but for price and effectiveness my preference is Devrom. Over the years, I've experience all kinds of situations that could have been very embarrassing include a BM while in flight and those seated around me NEVER noticed a thing because there was NO odor. That type of situation can obviously become devastating, or a real confidence builder in the products you use. I'm glad to say it was the ladder of the two that I experienced. Without question, I would have been mortified beyond embarrassment had there been a noticeable odor. That truly was a confidence building experience,....I know it was for me anyway. I don't fly often, but for those times when I know I will be around large groups of people I sometimes carry a very small bottle of air neutralizer in my pocket as an added precaution. Just one, or two small sprays can do all lot since the brand that I use is concentrated,....a little dab will do it, and since the bottle is so small its easy to forget its in your pocket. I don't worry about being incon when in public any more,...whatever happens, happens and there is nothing that I need to worry about. Been there and done it so I really don't care. Don't worry, be happy.
