You know what sucks? Getting older. I am now a woman of a certain age and, like one in three women of this age, I've developed some light bladder incontinence. Apologies if this post is TMI but I'm this is something that is rarely discussed - and yet it seems to be a fairly common problem. And it's quite a frustrating problem to have, I can tell you. Having to change one's underwear and pants multiple times in a day just because of this has become annoying.
I know I should probably see my family doctor but given that the rest of my health is good I expect that this is just one of those things. I should also probably do Kegels (I even bought some things that are supposed to help do them properly - which would probably be easier to use if I didn't also have vaginismus), but that's a long-term solution and I need something for the short term.
I do have adult diapers; I bought them when I was having diarrhea in the summer and had to do a bone scan where I had to lay still for 30-45 minutes. I wouldn't have been able to get up off the table if the diarrhea struck so I wore a diaper for the scan. As it happened I didn't need it but I was very glad to be prepared. I don't actually want to wear diapers all the time.
I know that there are bladder leakage pads out there, and I guess I need to go ahead and buy some. However, I'm concerned that these pads aren't environmentally-friendly. I know it might sound silly, but there's enough stuff going into the landfill and I don't love the idea of contributing to it if there's another option. (I do understand that sometimes disposable diapers and pads are necessary, and that's ok; I don't judge other people - I just judge me).
So now I want/need to find some kind of environmentally-friendly pad that can be used for bladder leakage. I know reusable menstrual pads exist (and if I still had my period, I'd use them) but I don't know whether they can also be used for bladder incontinence. If you know of any good products, please let me know.
I have to say that this is not how I imagined getting older would be. Not that I expected it to be all roses and sunshine but I didn't expect this.
2 comments:
Isn't that the way of life? I could do A but B. Like Kegels but vaginismus. Reusable pads are an excellent idea, I got this on the first page of a google search (who ever goes to the second page?): https://www.nationalincontinence.com/s/washable_incontinence_products_for_women some of them are actual underwear! Someone out there is thinking like you do :)
I thought I could grow old gracefully, but it's difficult when reality chips away at my dignity.
Thanks for sharing, Chantelle.
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