Blog Tips for living well with bowel and bladder incontinence

Having trouble controlling one's bladder or incontinence issues can be very difficult for people of all ages, affecting their everyday lives. The need for a restroom can make people avoid going out or plan their activities accordingly.

The topic of bladder or bowel problems can generate a lot of fear, but in most cases, the problem can be cured or managed so that it doesn't affect your everyday life. Look at the main tips to live well with your incontinence problem below. 

What is incontinence?

The term incontinence refers to an inability to control the bladder or bowel, which causes you to accidentally leak urine from the bladder ( urinary incontinence ) or waste from the bowel ( bowel incontinence).

Tips for living comfortably with incontinence

Here are some tips to help you live comfortably with incontinence. 

Be prepared

While out, try to develop practical solutions to problems you might encounter. It might help to carry a pair of spare pants and pads. Scented pads and pants can be helpful if you are concerned about odor.

You may benefit from a toilet card. A 'Just Can't-Wait for card specifies that you need a toilet urgently due to a medical condition. If you present this card at a public restroom, you won't need to wait in line.

Take care of your skin.

Your skin will be healthier if you wash it regularly and dry it with a soft towel. Replace the pads as needed and clean any residue with a disposable wipe. It is essential to speak with a doctor or nurse if your skin becomes broken, as it can lead to a skin infection.

Incontinence Pads

A male guard or incontinence pads may be an excellent choice if you have infrequent or light leaks. During the day, bladder guards or pads can easily be tucked into regular underwear to collect small urine leaks. Furthermore, they are highly discreet. When you wear incontinence pads, no one should notice.

Change underpads frequently to avoid the smell.

An offensive smell should not emanate from fresh urine. When it does, the infection might be present. If your clothes get soaked, change them as soon as possible. Good quality pads help absorb some odor.

It is harder to hide the smell of bowel incontinence. If a pad becomes soiled, replace it immediately and store it in an airtight container or sealed bag.

Stay hydrated

You usually drink as long as you haven't been directed otherwise by your doctor or nurse. Your daily liquid intake should be between 6 and 8 cups. Acidic beverages like tea, coffee, and soda may worsen your symptoms. 

You can also irritate the bladder by drinking too many fizzy, alcoholic, or artificially sweetened drinks.

Prevent constipation

Because constipation puts pressure on the bladder or bowel, it may increase incontinence. Ensure you eat plenty of fiber-rich foods (e.g., fruits and vegetables) and drink plenty of liquids. Maintain an active lifestyle by working out regularly.

Dress for ease

Instead of buttons and zips, opt for stretchy clothing or Velcro fastenings.

Plan before you travel

Whenever you know you'll need to use the toilet frequently, let your family or friends know ahead of time if you're going on a long journey. You're better prepared and more in control of the situation.

Bring backup clothing to work.

If you have the right incontinence supplies, you may not need to change your clothing in an accident or leak. Keeping extra pants and underwear on hand may help you feel more comfortable.

You can store your spare clothing in your work locker, briefcase, bag, desk, or even the trunk of your car. Thus, if your pants leak, you can quickly change into new ones, and your coworkers will be unaware of the difference.

Consider home adaptations

Social services can help you if you need equipment or home adjustments to cope with incontinence, such as a commode. Local authorities can help you determine what kind of home support you need by conducting a needs assessment.

How can incontinence products help me?

Using the right incontinence products can manage the issue and maintain a normal lifestyle. Many of these products come with reusable pads, often included with pants. You can also wear disposable pads with close-fitting pants. 

Disposable pant with a plastic backing and adhesive patches around the sides is also an option. Additionally, you might need disposable or washable chairs or bed protectors. 

Men can wear products that fit their penis and collect urine into bags that strap around their legs.

You can find all of these items at Sky Medical Supplies, but to use them permanently, seek professional advice. Sky Medical Supplies provides incontinence products to patients who meet specific criteria.

The specialist nurse may assess your eligibility and arrange delivery of your products.

How is incontinence identified?

Getting in touch with a health professional is the first step to helping yourself if you have a bladder or bowel problem.

An experienced doctor can identify the cause of your symptoms, recommend the appropriate treatment, and explain how to tackle your problem.

Depending on the problem, your doctor may recommend or perform some blood tests or ultrasounds. Your doctor may be able to diagnose a temporary problem, such as an infection of the urine, which is usually treatable quickly with some tests.

How is incontinence managed?

Reusable Incontinence Underpads that have the ability to absorbent can reduce irritation of the skin around the perineum. 

It can sometimes take more than one treatment to deal with weak bladders or bowels. You can do exercises such as pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding your bladder or bowel. 

There is also the possibility of bladder training or several incontinence medical supplies if other treatments don't work.

Final thoughts 

There's nothing fun about dealing with incontinence problems anywhere, much less on the job where you need to accomplish career-related tasks. Nevertheless, it is possible to regain your confidence, and you may go about your day at work without being concerned about urine leaks after following these tips.

After reading the tips, you may search for an incontinence supply store near me. Remember that Sky medical supply is among the best stores open on Saturday and Sunday. So, it would be best to not worry about the delay in your incontinence products. Contact us immediately if you need any of the above-discussed incontinence medical supplies.