www.incontinentsupport.org

So, as those of you who read my last post which is here viewtopic.php?f=7&t=2367 will know that I have been losing feeling of my bladder voiding recent;y and was due to visit my doctor to discuss the problem. My GP is aware of my incontinence issues and the last thing she mentioned on the matter was that I was still on the waiting list for the local NHS Continence Service. Anyway, I visited her on Tuesday and here's how it went;

I explained my symptoms and was then asked a few questions about my lifestyle and any changes etc. Based on the answers I gave and my history of incontinence, she didn't have much to say and thankfully did not seem too concerned compared the first time I brought the issue up, which is a relief. This wasn't a complete surprise but the awkward part of the appointment was still to come... I have had a weird sunburn/ rash looking stripe across my lower back for a month, which I needed to show her. This meant that I had to turn my bum to her and lower my jeans, with my nappy fully on display. Now as I said, this doctor is fully aware of my IC issues and very professional but this was still quite nerve-wracking for me because the protection I am wearing at the moment is very, very bulky (Abena M4 + 2 Abri Let Maxi boosters) and the waistband goes about 4-6 inches above my jeans. I know that most doc's don't care because they see it all the time and are usually professional, but it was still embarrassing all the same. Unsurprisingly, she didn't flinch or appear to react in any way but it was still something I wish I didn't have to do. Having said that, in the future it probably won't bother me if I end up having it on display to her again.

I got prescribed a shampoo and a steroid cream for my skin and I'm still on the waiting list for the Continence Clinic apparently. In the meantime, all feelings of my bladder seem to be diminishing. I think I'm about ready to let go of any hopes of this getting better. I've been in nappies long enough now so it's not much of a change to me, but more of a sign to just accept it and move on. Things could always be much worse though, eh?

With some notable exceptions, exposing our protection during a medical exam is more traumatic to us than to the medical professionals who treat us. Hopefully, the Continence Service will be of more assistance than your family physician has been. Good luck.

I can see that you might need the continence service to get products but would you not be better with a urologist or neurologist to find out what's wrong?

As I posted before, wearing a diaper in a doctor's office is a non event. Please try an not let it embarrass you. To a doctor, a diaper is just your underwear, no big deal.

_________________
RetiredRN

Jake,

Can relate to what happen. I was having a test done where they x-ray drinking a barium solution. The tech asked me to pull my pants down a little bit for some reason. I went into panic mode about the diaper being seen, but they handled it in true professional fashion. They saw that I was trying to pull everything down and I guess they heard me say I have to wear stuff for incontinence. They said don't worry about it and this part will only take a minute to get the shot. Nothing was else was said and they finished up the procedure.

Hey wait until you actually have to pull your diaper all the way down/off for whatever exam. If you think being seen in a diaper is embarrassing then wait till you unintentionally pee on the floor (or worse your doctor). After that you really don't mind being seen in a diaper any more just so long as you can keep it on.

hi jakejames -

when i had my 1st urodynamics test they couldnt get catheter in me. they tried 4 .times. i obviously didnt have a diaper on. on the 4th try i peed all over the floor. talk about embarassing. i have had many doctors see me with a diaper on and its still difficult. see my most recent er visit post. im sure it gets easier but its still awkward for me being seen in a diaper.

Do not worry about being seen in a diaper. The doctors have seen many people wearing them and they think nothing of it.

When you urinated on the floor, it happens. It WAS NOT your fault. The doctor and nurses know that you have urinary incontinence and have had this happen before. It is just part of their job.

Remember you are not in a public place, you are in a doctors office. These things happen. As I said before it is just part of their job.

_________________
RetiredRN

Hey, I actually peed on my urologist! How's that for embarrassing? He took it much better than I expected, just saying that it was "a professional hazard."

At the time I was post-surgical and had no control at all. Nonetheless...

--John