Can We Talk????

[Judy Hamilton]

I will start this thread and share, this is a women's board, I am sharing a lady problem. If this causes
you to ponder..maybe you are on the wrong board.
.................................................. .................................................. ..........

Have any of you problems with urinary incontinence?? sneezing coughing ect
and lack of control

I am offering this being totally transparent, potentially embarrassing info of my own medical
history to let anyone who is in despair over this problem, know there is hope!

i am the recipient of three bladder surgeries
One A&P repair with an MMK (the sling)when my son was two. Then another
sling eleven years ago and THEN had the latest tech done
with surgery where a MESH was placed.
Even after all this I STILL have a major problem

Ok I do not have a problem with sneezing, coughing incontinence
My problem is urinary urgency. I can be totally absorbed in a task, do not need
to go then walk to the bathroom and have to do the cross-legged-sass-shay and tear
my pants down and still wet my pants right at the toilet

I shared this with Marsha when it happened, (five years ago) it seems time has
taken the edge off this incident, so here goes

The most urgent crisis EVER was in a JC Penny changing room.
I was trying on clothes when ..TAH DUM!! I had to pee! I was standing in my
underwear and was NOT going to have time to dress and go to the restroom.
God watches over fools (I should have gone to bathroom before going into the changing room)
..so God provided for me, in this dressing room on the bench someone left an
EMPTY GREEN TEA bottle...and yes I filled her up, put the lid on and
then took the life saver (the Green Tea Bottle) to the trash

I have not looked at a Green Tea Bottle the same again..and this happened five years ago.

I was depressed with thinking I will need yet another surgery when
My VA doctor started me on Oxybutynin about a month ago. I have not had even one
incident in a month!!
YEA!! I can now travel to far off countries and brag "how dry I am!"

I am now potty trained and I feel all grown up!!

Judy

[Dana Grant]

Hey Jude.....

Well, this IS definitely a problem for many women. Some men have it, too. But mostly women, I think. Yes, there are medications to help keep this under control, thank the Lord!!

I'll just add one thing to this. IF you find yourself having this problem, ladies, with frequent urination or urgency incontinence, please have your blood sugar checked when you go to your doctor to talk about this problem. Many doctors will not automatically check your blood sugar, even though the urge incontinence is also a symptom of diabetes, even without the frequency. The only time I have ever had the problem is when my blood sugars are too high for a period of time. It hasn't happened to me in years, but I remember it well!!! In fact, there have been (since we are being so open and honest -- OUCH) -- a couple of times where I even couldn't even make it out of the bed without getting the sheets wet before I went to the bathroom (high blood sugar was the culprit) -- so imagine having to wake your husband and say "honey we have to change the sheets" in the middle of the night!!! SOOO, first of all, you're not alone, Judy, and second of all, to all the ladies who may have this problem and aren't as crazy as Judy & I to admit it in public.....there are medications to help, but first of all, have your blood sugar checked!!

There, I did it, Judy.

I think you call people like us "all guts and no brains...."

LOL

Dana

[Cindi Hammons]

Judy, I am extremely impressed that you had good enough aim to use a green tea bottle!

Yeah, after two kids, sneezing can cause me trouble. One sneeze, okay...two, still okay...three sneezes and I'm done! Ha! I'm sure I'll eventually have to have surgery, in fact, my gyno suggested it a couple of years ago while I was in grad school. Sorry Charlie, I was too busy. It is funny how nobody wants to mention this while I'm sure most of the women my age have similar problems.

Good topic.

[Kami Tuenning]

I am thankful for panti liners (the long overnighters!!) I laughed out loud as I identified with your cross-legged, sash-shay and may I add, tippy-toed walk to the toilet just in time to dribble in my pants! Aging stinks!!!! I had a problem for several years, however it was after my 6 months of chemo, where I experienced some slight bladder damage, that things got out of hand. My doctor prescribed ditropan, but I never filled the prescription because my son was on ditropan for most of his early childhood (pre-transplant years) and the side effects were severe dry mouth and flushed cheeks. Call me vain, but flushed cheeks and hot-flashes do not make kind partners! I am glad you found something helpful. I stay away from late night drinks and always make note of the proximity of the restroom in public places.

[Marsha Gupton]

I think most women have this problem to some degree. Although I have never had a child, if I get really "tickled - as we say in the south" laughing hard, it will happen. Also, in the past if I happen to be sick with a cough it will happen then also.


I enjoyed reading your story and remembering. I may never drink green tea again though!! hahah... Love you Judy.

[Marsha Gupton]

ok, I'm guessing if I click on the like button at the top of the page, this will appear on facebook. I think I'll refrain from doing that. :)

[Cindi Hammons]

Also, in the past if I happen to be sick with a cough it will happen then also.

Ah, yes...coughs and sneezes!!!!! Not a good combo! :)