Living with incontinence

Living with Incontinence

"Around one in four people have experienced bowel or bladder weakness. It affects men and women, both young and old, yet many people keep it a secret for years."- NHS Choices

Although people find the topic of incontinence difficult to openly discuss, it is hard to ignore when it affects so many people. More than 2.5 million people over 60 in the UK are affected by urinary incontinence and 6.5 million people of all ages have bowel problems. 

There are many reasons why Incontinence can negatively affect a persons quality of life: it may hinder a persons confidence away from home, cause skin irritation, hygiene problems and present both practical and emotional problems. The key to dealing with such issues is addressing the problem early on, as there is a much higher chance of curing incontinence if diagnosed at an early stage. This doesn't mean however, that if you have previously been too embarrassed to seek professional help, that there is nothing you can do. In this post we will discuss different types of incontinence, how to recognise them and how best to manage or even cure them. 

The most common type of incontinence is known as Stress Urinary Incontinence (UI), which often occurs when sneezing, laughing or during certain types of exercise. This type of incontinence is usually a symptom of damage to the pelvic floor muscles or the sphincter, which surrounds the bladder opening and keeps it open or closed when appropriate. As well as other techniques which I will discuss below, the best way to help overcome or improve your incontinence issues is to use Kegel or Pelvic Floor exercises. Kelgel and Pelvic floor exercises are proven to improve UI by reducing leakage in just 2-4 months. Likewise it has been suggested that these exercises may even eliminate them within a year.Urinary Incontinence may be an affect of things such as: long term constipation, some bladder operations, or prostate operations. 

Urge incontinence refers to a 'sudden' urge to pass urine. This is a problem that cannot be ignored and can cause great embarrassment to those who experience it. If you have the urge pass urine frequently, such as every half an hour, or more than 8 times a day. This is known as frequency and should not always be passed off as being 'natural'. Urge incontinence is often due to a urinary infection or a response to a cause of antibiotics, although, it can be associated with neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's Disease. The main thing is, not to panic and to seek medical help before self-diagnosing.

People who suffer with incontinence often talk of being woke up more than a couple of times a night to visit the toilet, which can result in a poor nights sleep. Nocturia, as it is known, describes this type of incontinence and is more common in those over 60. Medical professionals suggest that if you are wanting to seek their advice, that it will benefit both them and you, to keep a diary up to 3 days prior to your appointment. This way you can distinguish patterns, rule out possibilities and choose the best treatments for you personally.

Despite the misconception that those who suffer with types of Incontinence have no control over when they 'go', there are in fact people who struggle to fully empty their bladders. People who suffer with incontinence of this kind often complain of leaking, dribbling and the need to strain- despite a full bladder. Although it may be difficult, it is important to not over strain when trying to urinate, as this can damage your bladder. This type of incontinence is often due to chronic constipation, as a full bowel can press on the bladder, making it difficult to pass water.  Similarly, this type of incontinence is more common in men but can be helped by making to simple lifestyle changes. Changes to your diet as well as regularly exercising is proven to help, as well as helping you to have a positive outlook on life.

Although previous types of incontinence focus on urination problems. Bowel Incontinence (a.k.a. faecal incontinence) is thought to affect 1 in 10 people throughout their lives, at any age. Although it is more likely to affect the elderly. This type of incontinence is usually caused by an underlying condition, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Parkinson's disease or Multiple Sclerosis. However, this does not mean that Bowel Incontinence, as well as any of the above types of incontinence are not preventable. 

Simple Changes to Improve Your Quality of Life 

Tena© states that there are simple lifestyle changes one should implement if you suffer from incontinence. Sufferers should avoid irritants and diuretics such as; tomato-based and spicy foods; citrus fruits, chocolates, milk, carbonated beverages, sugar, honey and artificial sweeteners. Sufferers should also avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks as they contribute to frequent urination. Instead they should replace such drinks with water, apple juice, grape juice, cherry juice and cranberry juice. Ironically, drinking plenty and staying hydrated is important if you suffer from Incontinence as it keeps the bladder healthy and hydrated. Although you may find it beneficial drinking liquids at intervals of 2-3 hours rather than all at once. Likewise, if you suffer from Nocturia, you should avoid drinking 2 hours before sleeping. A sufferer should also eat plenty of grains, vegetables and legumes.

In many cases however, sufferers say they gained confidence by using incontinence products. Many people suggest that having a commode in their bedroom, or using a raised toilet seat drastically helped their incontinence and aided their ability to get to the toilet in time. Incontinence pads and another products used by incontinence sufferers can be worn discretely when out of the home, through the day, or at night. However, it is important to remember to change your incontinence pads 2-3 times a day and if you find you are having to change them more, you may find it useful to try more absorbent pad. Match the severity of your incontinence to your choice of incontinence products. 

Regular suitable exercises, eating healthier, staying hydrated, using suitable incontinence products and seeking medical advice as soon as you notice signs, will all help you battle and even overcome incontinence. But arguably one of the most important things is to try remain positive. Incontinence is not something we should be embarrassed about- but openly discussed; as many of us will, at some point, suffer from it in our lifetime. Don't be afraid to ask for help. 

Healthy Living Direct 

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