www.incontinentsupport.org

Hi Folks, Well, I went to the specialist today and he diagnosed me with severe carpal tunnel syndrome. I figured it would be a simple operation and pretty quick. Unfortunately, I've waited too long and the problem has progressed to the point that basically my entire hand needs to be taken apart and ligaments rearranged.

So, I'm afraid I'm gonna have to bight the bullet and inform them that I won't be able to "hold it" long enough to make it thru the surgery. This is a new hurdle for me. I'm a little concerned about it.

I was wondering how you folks handled the situation the first time you needed surgery after becoming incontinent?

Ted,

So sorry to learn that you will need surgery for your hand.

During the surgery, it may depend on the time required for the surgery. If lengthy, you may find yourself to be catheterized with a Foley catheter when you wake up. If you can wear a condom catheter that is another option.

You asked how we handled "the situation" after surgery. In my case I would say poorly, despite my best efforts. After shoulder surgery it was nearly impossible to put on a tabbed diaper by myself, one-handed. However, I knew that pull-ups just would not be effective enough. So, my wife helped and we put on and pre-fitted a supply of tabbed diapers, but fastening only three of the four tapes. That way, later, I could pull up the diaper like a pullup, but then adjust the remaining tape for a reasonably good fit. I was very self-conscious if not embarrassed for my wife to have to put my diaper on "up close and personal" while I leaned against a wall to hold the back of the diaper up. I also was extremely appreciative for her support.

Another story is how to self-administer my daily preventive enemas for my fecal incontinence one-handed, but that story is best left for another time.

--John

Hey John, I don't believe the surgery will be more than an hour or two. Also I won't be sedated (heavily). The surgery is done with a local anesthetic. That said I don't think I'll be able to hold on that long. I guess I'll just ask the staff how they would like to handle the issue when I go in for testing. It's on my records that I'm OAB. Anyways, thanks, Ted

I guess, because incontinence is front and center on my medical record, all of my recent hospital tests and admissions have included either a diaper or a Foley or both. Tell them during your pre-admission appointment; they'll know what to do, and will be grateful not to have to discover it on their own.

If the procedure is only going to be an hour or two, and you'll be awake, then I would just wear a diaper and call it good. I had a ganglion cyst removed from my wrist about 10 years back. It was similar to what you're describing.

Agree with MSSpartan. Just go in wearing a quality diaper with a booster and keep it simple.

--John

If I'm reading you guys right, you're saying there's no need to inform the staff? I'm really new to this whole incontinence thing and I'm thinking I should inform the staff. I'd rather not, but then I wonder about a "scene" if I'm discovered to be wearing and a uncomfortable situation ensues. I'm pretty sure this is a situation that they've dealt with before as the patients that I saw there are ALL older. As uncomfortable as it makes me, I'm feeling like they should be informed. The only reason I'm bringing it up to you folks is I've never been thru a situation involving a medical procedure and needing protection before. It sounds like many here have. I have to say the surgery has me a bit apprehensive and the incontinence thing is just adding to the fire. Thanks for your opinions, Ted

I'm one who believes in fully sharing all relevant parts of my medical history and all information about my current situation with the physicians and others who look after my health care. You are having surgery. In my opinion, you should remind them about your incontinence and tell them that you would like to wear a diaper during the procedure. I think they'll agree unless there is some reason why you should not do so, in which case you should likely agree to whatever solution they say you need.

I'm about sharing relevant medical history as well, but incontinence isn't relevant to a 2 hour wrist surgery.

I was in the hospital in November. I didn't mention that I wear overnight diapers until the overnight nurse arrived. They had been monitoring my urine output, and I told her I wouldn't be using the urinal overnight. There was no problem, she just entered it as an unmeasured void in the morning.

Hello MSU, I'd say there'd be about a 75% chance of an oopsie if I weren't protected. So do I just bulk up and head in and don't bother informing them? Sorry if I'm sounding kinda dumb here....