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OAB - Getting Worse and dealing with it has become a nightmare

Posted , 3 users are following.

ElCerdo
ElCerdo

I haven't posted in a few years because I've been able to manage my incontinence without a major disruption to my lifestyle.  I'm healthy, but I suffer from bi-polar disorder.  I use to be able to hold having to urinate in time to get to a restroom.  I do have a history of controlling my urine since my teens, but it wasn't a problem until now.  I've seen urologists and taken medication.  Everyone of them says "sorry we don't know what's wrong and if you are okay wearing a brief or external condom then that's the treatment for now".  I managed using briefs and bags, but over the past 6 months the external catheters don't work because I can't control the flow and I'm having to buy more absorbent diapers.  Now I'm wearing nighttime diapers during the day and having to change about 4 times daily.  I can only hold the urge for a few moments.  Once again the doctors can't find anything wrong and tell me it might be related to being bi-polar.  That's the history.  I have resigned myself to being incontinent, but not to the extent I'm suffering.  I've read that cutting the sphincter will allow urine to flow more freely, but the consequences are permanent incontinence.  The way I see it is I'm already incontinent and expect to be so for the rest of my life.  I'm okay wear briefs or using a catheter, but I'm not okay changing 4 times or more a day with maximum absorbent diapers.   I can't use external catheters anymore because the flow is beyond the condom to stay in place.  Too many accidents.  I wish I could go back to wearing a catheter.  Feeling down and sorry for myself.  Not like me.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • glenn77
    glenn77 ElCerdo

    Posted

    I use a Coloplast Freedom Clear external catheter nearly every day.  I start with 2-3 layers of skin prep so the condom will release at night when I take it off for bed.  I generate at least 100 ml per hour all day long, and I have no leakage problems.  Avoid the catheter with Aloe; they are terrible for being so sticky they are a problem to remove.  I use a leg bag that fits below the knee and ankle.
    • glenn77
      glenn77

      Posted

      By "no leakage problems", I mean no leakage around the condom and the rest of the collection system.  Leakage past the sphincter, unfortunately, is an all day event.

  • dennis47445
    dennis47445 ElCerdo

    Posted

    Since doing cic, I don;'t have to go to the restroom for several hours.  Go and see a urologist, and ask him about it.  cic, is really a great way to empty the bladder, and my guess is that you won't have to wear a diaper 

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