I have a problem

123pol

I have had bladder problems like yours for many years, but you have lots of options to improve it. Dont be embarrased about it, its more common than you think.:)

renegade

I have the same problem started just recently, I am in my 70's. I can highly recommend Tena Lady Mini panty liners, always carry a few with me, if you do have an 'accident', they prevent your panties from getting wet.Tesco ,Sainsburys & Boots do their own range and are cheaper. I have been told these clinics teach you how to do pelvic floor excercises to strengthen the muscles that control the flow, something you can easily do at home with practice, also when you are passing urine in the toilet try to stop and start the flow using these muscles this helps as well.
Don't let it control your lives take control yourselves, and don't feel bad about it,it is a common problem.

Loanranger

cavework wrote: »

quote
'in fact I'd better consider whether I'd prefer to try to get me and my dodgy arm in and out of an airline toilet, or pad up for a four hour flight ..'
.Savvy Sue .. if I could HUG YOU! :A
Thank you
xx xx
I am so embarrassed I put this thread up
But enough is enough :mad: xx

Hi Cavework
Please don't be embarrassed about this thread, you have shone a light into a place so that others who have this problem may go and seek help.
I'll bet that a few folks who have read your post will now follow in your footsteps and get help.

Oldernotwiser

cavework wrote: »

Thing is girls we are only in our 50,s or even younger.
The DR will refer us to an incontinence clinic.. ie not my problem .. its your age
WE are 50 plus women .. some have had kids ,some have not and I am b**** annoyed that my DR passes the buck.

It's not passing the buck - it's referring you to an specialist! Thank your lucky stars your GP knows his/her limitations and makes appropriate referrals and also be thankful that you have such a local specialist clinic.

Good luck with your appointment.

pollypenny

It's a very common problem. You have no need to be embarrassed. But it's silly not to act on the referral or to use Tena pads in the meantime.

Excellent article in The Guardian a few months ago on way many medical professional opt for caesarian births. Less chance of incontinence problems in later life.

PennyForThem_2

Pretty sure there was a Radio 4 programme about incontinence about 2-3 years ago - it may be in the archive and worth listening to.

It is common among women. If it is causing you to change the way you live then go to the incontinence clinic - the nurses and doctors have heard it all before so don't be embarassed.

Good luck!

zzzLazyDaisy

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

It's not passing the buck - it's referring you to an specialist! Thank your lucky stars your GP knows his/her limitations and makes appropriate referrals and also be thankful that you have such a local specialist clinic..

I agree. I am under a specialist at a hospital 25 miles away, the medical team are the very best there are for my condition (in my opinion). So even though it is really difficult for me to get to as I can't drive that far and am dependent on someone giving me a lift, I wouldn't dream of complaining, I just think I am so lucky to have access to such specialist care.

Torry_Quine

renegade wrote: »

I have been told these clinics teach you how to do pelvic floor excercises to strengthen the muscles that control the flow, something you can easily do at home with practice, also when you are passing urine in the toilet try to stop and start the flow using these muscles this helps as well.
Don't let it control your lives take control yourselves, and don't feel bad about it,it is a common problem.

While I agree that the clinic can teach you pelvic floor exercises please be careful. My nurse specifically told me not to stop and start mid-flow as this can potentially cause urine to go back with long term kidney problems resulting.

Errata

I think what incontinence services suggest will help very much depends on what is causing the problem.

margaretclare

Every time I go into the loo at a motorway service station I see the ads for this: http://www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org/

Far better to be referred immediately to an expert in the field. GPs are what the name says 'general practitioners'.

Problems in this area are far more common than anyone likes to admit.