www.incontinentsupport.org

As I've said before, I have mental health issues. I see a therapist regularly about 2x a month. We talk about my Bipolar Disorder but we also talk about my other health issues. I talk about my incontinence on a regular basis with my therapist. We talk about diapers and basically how I deal with my incontinence day to day. Talking to her makes me feel good. I talk about all the tests I have to go through and she is very understanding. She knows I wear diapers (she calls them briefs) and I have discussed all my treatment options with her regarding the interstim, botox, and medications. I told her I am now trying Sanctura for bladder control. I discussed all the side effects of the interstim and botox with her. She says she has other patients who have incontinence who also have the interstim device and they have numerous side effects and problems with their device. They are constantly having to get the device adjusted and are also having numerous surgeries. I told her I didn't want to live like that. I don't want surgery for the interstim and I don't want to have to cath myself because I can't pee because of botox. I told her it just isn't worth it to me. She definitely agreed that diapers were the way to go. I told her the diapers cause me no pain, they do not provide any discomfort, there are no bad side effects (except diaper rash) and even though I have bladder and bowel incontinence, I can still live a happy and full life and wear diapers. She agreed. She knows what side effects I've had on my bladder medications. I told her if this Sanctura did not work...I quit. I am just going to resort to diapers until they can come up with a better cure. Because what they have nowadays just doesn't work for me. She is totally supportive. I am grateful to be able to talk to her about my incontinence amongst other problems.

Sounds like you are doing rather well with your choice of therapist, Don! Someone who takes an interest in you as a person and not just the one problem they are dealing with.

More to the point, I reckon you are right about how you deal with the incontinence. There are lots of ways that take time and are fiddly and can go wrong whereas your diapers will not cause you any significant problems. (self cathing can end up with you in hospital dealing with infections!) Your diapers mean you can go about your ordinary life with slightly less worry that the average person as you never had to dash to the loo!

Get on and enjoy living!

Don wrote: She definitely agreed that diapers were the way to go.

I'm somewhat of a lightweight when it comes to incontinence but I have to say I agree with you and your doctor completely. I've learned to deal with my issues and it really isn't nearly as bad as people seem to think. My wife is fairly understanding but is always hinting that I should keep going back to more doctors and trying more drugs. I have a friend who has the same attitude. I should try every medication on the market, eastern medicine, holistic medicine, acupuncture, faith healers, herb therapy, you name it.

What they don't understand is that it simply isn't that bad. I get through most days (one or two really wet days a month) with no protection, just accepting a few drops in my underwear. I drip at night and could get away without a diaper most of the time but a couple of times per month I really let loose so I wear them to keep the wife happy. Every couple of months I'll have a major wetting accident since I can't hold it worth a damn, but these are almost always at home or close to home.

The medication I tried, Vesicare, made me nervous and shaky, gave me constipation, and when I rode my bike I felt so exhausted I could hardly finish an easy ride.

I just can't see spending my life in doctors' offices over what has to me almost ceased to be a problem. I'll deal with it, leave me alone.

Yea I talk to my psychologist about my incon problems quite frequently. She too tried to get me to try accupuncture for my incon. But I never did. My wife thinks I should just handle my incon how I see fit. I have tried many meds and none of them have worked. My wife doesn't say anything about the diapers. As long as I don't let them pile up in the bathroom trash. She hates that. My wife knows that the meds cause unpleasant side effects. I just think diapers are the best option. My psychologist agrees. I'm not in pain, and I manage quite well. I really don't let my incon get me down anymore. I just doesn't bother me like it used to. Sometimes, it helps to have someone to talk to.