Don’t Let Incontinence Rule You - Start Living!
Life is short. We need to take advantage of every day, live it to its fullest, and find happiness and joy wherever possible. Sadly, for the many that suffer from incontinence, this appears to be more of a dream than a reality. The stress and anxiety that result from urinary incontinence are real. It has a negative impact on both the physical and emotional lives of those who are impacted.
Incontinence in men and incontinence in women can cause trouble working, sleeping, and even socializing. It literally impacts their day-to-day activities and often dictates their plans.
Thankfully, incontinence does not need to rule your life. There are steps you can take to control your incontinence and prepare for those times when accidents will happen. A few simple things can go a long way to helping you live a brighter and more productive life.
First, visit your doctor and be honest about your symptoms and specific with your concerns. Incontinence is often a symptom of other medical issues, many of which can be treated. When your physician understands the full extent of your issues, he or she can help address them, suggest actions, and often provide some sense of relief.
Second, become a planner. In many cases, a little bit of forethought can go a long way. Don’t let incontinence prevent you from going to the mall, visiting friends, exercising, or even taking a road trip. You can eat and drink wisely, dress appropriately, identify the location of restrooms, and plan frequent stops if traveling.
Third, invest in appropriate clothing. Keep in mind that dark colors tend to be more forgiving and fewer buttons and snaps make it easier to access the bathroom quickly when needed. Consider purchasing and packing duplicates of some of your basics - if you have to make a quick change nobody will be the wiser.
And, take some time and investigate the valuable products available to help protect property, both at home and when you travel. Items including personal incontinence undergarments and pads, mattress pads, car seat covers and throw blankets (which are easy to take on a trip) are all available online. Using these products can help alleviate the worry associated with leakage and accidents as they protect the areas they cover.
If you suffer from urinary incontinence, take heart - you can live a full and active life. And, if someone you know is affected, appreciate all they are going through. Respect their struggle and perhaps share the advice given above.