www.incontinentsupport.org

I'm worried and embarrassed about seeing GP about my worsening incontinence. What will my GP do? What is the process? How did it go for you when you worked up the courage and got help? Was it as bad and embarrassing as you thought?

Just be open and honest with your doctor. They can't help if they don't know what is wrong. The conversation may be very casual. He/She may ask you some questions. Get a history and physical. They may check your anatomy to make sure there is nothing physically wrong. Your doc may ask for a urinalysis to rule out infection. You may also be sent for some labs (such as a PSA). Your doctor may refer you to a urologist who will do their own exams. Urology gets more invasive but it's nothing to be scared of. The tests may be embarrassing but they're pretty easy. If, when, you get to urology post again and there are plenty of people here to answer questions based on whatever procedures they recommend. Many of us here have been through it so there is a lot of experience.

I think we were all embarrassed when we had to say something to the doctor about it if it developed later in life. As Don said, just be open about it so the doctor can decide what type of treatment or specialist you need to go to. I doubt your GP will go into much depth as a urologist will. You are not alone in this department and doctors have pretty much heard it or seen it.

You need to be honest and frank when you see your doctor. If you hold back information he/she can not help you. It may seem embarrassing to you, however to your doctor in is just another day at the office. He/she has most likely taken care of many other people that have the same symptoms as you. Remember the doctor works for you. After you tell him/her about yourself listen carefully to what he/she suggests. If you do not understand ask questions. Make sure you understand his/her instructions.

I worked for 35 years as a registered nurse and it was frustrating when a patient was not totally honest. So please tell him/her everything.

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RetiredRN

I actually went to my urologist first, and only told my GP a few weeks later when I saw her for a sinus infection. She was glad I sought treatment and was curious what my urologist suggested. It really was no big deal... I was more nervous the first time she saw my PA piercing...lol. She asked if it hurt and told me to take care of it. It was fine...they have seen it all,and frankly they like seeing cases beyond the routine sinus infection, flu, and colds.

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"When you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness. So I got that goin' for me, which is nice."

Remember you are not alone in dealing with incontinence issues, just relax and be open and honest and dont hold any thing baxk from your doctor he is there to help you. Some of the tests the urologist may do are embarrassing but they need to be done to make sure theres nothing serious wrong that may be
life threatening.

Talking aboit incontinence issues does get easier over time.