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Going into Hospital and how do I tell the staff I am incontinent?

Posted , 4 users are following.

david2222
david2222

I was told in May this year that I had bladder cancer and having completed the treatment I am now due to go into hospital at the beginning of December for a hip replacement.  Although not really worried about the op, I am more worried on how I go about telling the hospital staff that I am incontinent.  I had my pre op the week before last but did not mention it since I could not buck up the courage to telling the nurse I had a problem both day and night - on reflection I wish I had told them. Has anyone been in my situation? If so would greatly appreciate knowing how you overcame this.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • mark357
    mark357 david2222

    Posted

    Hi David

    The medical team should be asking you about other medical history/treatment already. Like you I to am going into hospital on 9th December for orthopaedic surgery. Although I don't suffer from inconvenience, the nursing staff did go through all my past/and ongoing treatment.

    But you can always bring it up and the nursing team won't be embarrassed at all. If you want to, try and get in touch with your doctor surgery and ask them about this, as I said the medical profession will help and guide you the best way they know how.

  • kathyc85
    kathyc85 david2222

    Posted

    Hi David, just come straight out with it and tell them. I realise that it's easy for me to say, but honestly, it won't worry them, you won't be the first or the last person with this problem, and I'm sure they would rather you tell them so they are forewarned and can prepare for it rather than they have to find out by any other means.

    I have had various problems with my bladder and it has been an ongoing problem through life as I had a kidney removed just before I was 5. I am now 58 and there always seems to be some problem with infections, urgency, etc. and I have had various tests, and recently, surgery. 

    I used to be embarrased about mentioning these things to anyone, but have come to realise that if you want someone to know something, you have to tell them! 

    Good luck with the op, and I hope your cancer treatment has been positive.

    Kathy

     

    • david2222
      david2222 Troll_Hater

      Posted

      Hi Graham.  I went into hospital and came out 1 week later with a new hip.  I took the advise of all and told them of my incontinence - what a weight off my mind that was.  I went into hospital the afternoon before surgery and told the ward nurse of my incontinence problem when going through the ward admission process. Within a very short time of completing the process one of the ward nurses came around with the trolley of incontinence products and asked me the type of incontinence product I was use to wearing and whether I needed to change it. Having mentioned that it was wet, the nurse then checked and pulled from the trolley a new an all in one disposable.  I was wrong in thinking that she was going to leave it with me to change myself since she changed it for me - needless to say I felt totally embarrassed but she was not.  Following surgery I then woke up to having had a catheter put in.   All that worry for nothing. 
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