Shhhhh
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We aren't supposed to talk about it
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It's a secret.
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It's embarrassing.
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But it's happening to me now!
What is?
Stress incontinence.
It was a small problem and has been for years. A few drops with a sneeze, laugh or cough.
But now it is a big problem.
My daughter came to visit. Our granddaughter was celebrating her first birthday and she wanted to share it with us. A huge honor. But my daughter started getting sick somewhere around the state line. I was the first to get sick after she arrived. This was the kind of tummy bug that you don't trust a fart. You sit on the throne with the garbage can between your knees.
Thanks child of mine. That's just how I wanted to celebrate!
No. Not really...
After I finally recovered from the bug it didn't take long to discover that the stress incontinence was now a major problem. Panty liners weren't enough. A single sneeze ment a change of clothes. If that wasn't enough I somehow ended up with pneumonia.
Fun times.
Cough, pee, cough, pee.
I was constantly changing clothes.
I did what I do and figured out what I needed. #3 poise pads and the Impressa sizing kit. The poise web page and you tube were my main resources. Quick fix. That's what I needed.
With my head down and in a small voice, I told Dragon what was wrong and what I needed.
He headed right out to the store and got what I needed! He understands! He knows why I feel shame even if I shouldn't.
Now more than a month later my control is much better but still not as good as it was. I am just one step up from a liner. Poise #2 pads are basically liners. Just a little longer and wider. Very thin. And I love the impressa. I have more confidence now in public. I don't have to limit liquids or avoid laughing.
The tummy bug was kind of a blessing. I am talking about it with Dragon. I'm not ashamed of something I can't control and I'm taking steps to fix it.
No, surgery is not an option for me. I have seen it go very wrong. And after my misadventures with an IUD, Dragon won't pressure me to do it. I have non surgical options now. What a relief! I can live in comfort with confidence!
Ps. Impressa is sold by Poise. It is similar to a pessary device but is sold over the counter. It was developed to treat stress incontinence. The device comes in three sizes and poise sells a kit to help you find your size. After 8 pregnancies and 4 births, I am a size 1. The smallest one.
I was using them every day but now that my control is improving, I am using the device just when I leave the house. Shopping, the gym, going for a walk. Yes, it helps that much. My only regret is that I didn't discover it sooner!
Don't let incontinence be a taboo subject. It is a very real problem for so many women. Talk about it and share solutions.
This is an important subject that deserves more awarness attention than shame. I am relieved to actually hear someone speak out against surgery. I have seen many incontinence surgeries that use mesh or some manufactures call them slings, the word hammocks has even been tossed around. Some of these devices carry a lifetime of devestaing consquenses of chronic infections, pain, the possibility of additional surgeries, autoimmune disorders, and even death, from a plastic screen door type of mesh. Only, it's polypropylene...which does not belong in the human body. It's commendable that you speak of this issue without the bravery. Big long distance high five to you for being real and honest and giving others a look into something non surgical.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Because I have been honest about the issue, two of my daughters have admitted that they have the same problem. They both now have the tools to live shame free.
DeleteYou can also take what is called AZO Bladder control pills and they are found in the female section with the pads. I have been using them for awhile and it helps.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion!!!! Sharing solutions. That is why I shared my post!
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