www.incontinentsupport.org

Hi everyone,

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted... I've had quite a lot on recently and I haven't been as active because of that. Anyway, I'll try to keep this brief and hopefully some others might be able to provide some insight

Over the past week or so, I have noticed quite a steep decline in feeling any sensation when my bladder is emptying. It's like it's just crept up on me. I have been wearing nappies 24/7 for around 6-7 years but I still had the feeling of 'needing to go' and the sensation of constant dribbling and often could still make it in time to use the toilet. I am used to it now but being able to make it in time occasionally has always been a slight glimmer of hope that maybe I could regain some control in the future, at least in the daytime anyway.

As mentioned, I've noticed this sensation apparently fading over the past week and finally today I have had no sensation of my bladder emptying whatsoever. Has anybody had this experience? Could it be a phase? Could it be temporary or is my bladder just giving in? Nothing in my diet or health has changed recently and I have no idea of what is causing this.

Of course I will be visiting my GP asap but somehow I get the feeling that I might get more reliable info here whilst I wait for my appointment.

Thanks for reading, hopefully someone here can shed some light on this for me. Cheers!

Hi, Jake - I'm glad to know that you've scheduled a doctor appointment. You mentioned that you haven't changed your diet, but have you been consuming more liquids? I would monitor what types of beverages you've been having, the quantity, and time of day/evening when you consume them. A larger-than-usual amount of urine collecting in your bladder all at once might, IMO, cause you to not feel fullness before/during an involuntary void.

W.

Jake,

Over the past several months, I've been experiencing something similar to what you describe. I've had severe urge incontinence and been in diapers 24/7 for many years. With my urge incontinence, the sensation of a gradually increasing need to void as my bladder fills is generally absent. Instead, I get very sudden, strong signals that I'm about to void unless I can get to the toilet really quickly (within a minute or two). If I don't get there fast enough, my bladder empires uncontrollably.

However, recently I've begun sometimes voiding uncontrollably without the preceding "urge." If I notice it, I can feel the surge of warmth in my diaper and feel the urine passing through my urethra. However, if I'm doing something and not paying attention to my urinary system, I often miss the rather subtle sensations of voiding and am then surprised to discover how wet my diaper has gotten. Along with that, I've been experiencing some usually rather mild lower back pain and tingling and sometimes numbness in my legs and feet. I went to the doctor, who sent me for x-rays and an MRI. I have what's called "spinal degeneration" as a result of my osteoarthritis, with herniation in four of the discs in my lumbar spine. I'm not a candidate for surgery because there are too many herniated discs to treat surgically.

I'm 74 years old, and osteoarthritis is typical of old folks in my family. So for me it's just another more less to be expected infirmity of old age. As they say, getting old isn't for the faint hearted.

I hope your condition is something that is more treatable.

This is quite possible. As with doing most anything repeatedly, eventually it does become second nature and we eventually stop paying attention to it. Also, going so long without constantly trying to fight and work out your bladder/sphincters absolutely will allow them to get weaker over time. It is possible you've just gotten to that point where your subconscious mind isn't trying to fight it anymore.

Honestly though, if you're already wetting and using a diaper, isn't it a better to have a subtle "surprise I'm already wet" feeling, than the constant "need to go" feeling? It's this last part I've been working hard to get rid of but with little luck, if I had this happen to me automatically I'd be relieved. As long as there aren't any other underlying problems actually causing this with you, I say just go with the flow.

Thanks for all the replies guys!

Really appreciate your opinions and advice. I think, both collectively and individually, we are amongst the highest authorities on the subject because we live with it so I do value what gets said here.

Wetters - I should have been a bit more thorough in my original post. I haven't made changes to anything in my intake or exercise routines etc. so really, nothing has changed that I am currently aware of. Drinking, eating and doing all the usual things (apart from making it to the toilet on time).

Inconinmiss - I don't have any back pains myself but I kinda wish I did, so it could work like a warning signal. But at the moment I'm just leaking continuously. It's a lot worse than it has ever been and I'm only really feeling the spread of urine and then the warmth.

B Brian - I am going with the flow my friend, as I don't seem to have any other options and this is just how it seems to be taking effect. Feeling the need to go and of constantly dribbling or leaking is irritating but that feeling is getting less and less. Although it's convenient to not get the pee urge, at the back of my mind is a feeling of guilt surrounding any acceptance I might have of the situation.

Thanks for your advice everyone, will keep you posted

Jake,

Your description of your situation makes it similar to mine. I leak small quantities, just a dribble, continually. I only know that I'm wet when I feel it in my protection. This is a wonderful change from the years when my bladder went into painful spasms when it had only a small quantity in it. I let my protection do its work and get on with life.

I have thee same issue. I have at most 30-45 seconds worth of warning before my bladder spasms(?) so hard it is impossible for me to hold it. I usually can tell when I am having an issue but as with many other here I occasionally find myself soggy without any clear memory of having urinated. Yes aging is yucky, but I am only 48 years old. I can't wait until things go really bad....

Patrick,

Thanks for your reply. I'm still waiting for my doc's appointment but what you and others have said is confirming my suspicions. I'll wait to see what the doc says but I guess it's not looking hopeful. My symptoms are no better if not ever so slightly worse. If worst comes to worst, at least I can just let go of trying to hold it and just get on with things. Not nice being in nappies in this heat we're getting in the UK right now though!