Cloth Diaper Use (the sequel)

[Patrick]

JD,

As with most incontinence management, trial and error (lots of errors sometimes), reigns. In hot summer weather, I perspire so much that I can go hours between changes; the consequence of this is that my leakage is concentrated, leading to diaper rash. In cooler weather, when I'm adequately hydrated, I need to change every two to three hours, max, or risk having an accident. Also, older, ratty diapers, are better used for extra absorbency, before being relegated to the rag box.

[JDinVirginia]

Patrick,

Very good point about the urine becoming more concentrated. Even more of a reason to wear a good barrier.

--John

[Patrick]

And keep myself shaved.

[DJC]

My incontinence was due to an early age accident so mother took control of my issue as she saw fit. At the time in the late 50s it was well folded and snugly pinned cloth diapers and large gerber plastic pants. They worked very well and held all of any of my dignity at bay until an age when I could take care of my own challenges. That happened right in around the time of the introduction of disposable diapers for the different institutions. Mother and close family friends relinquished changing my diapers and I was finally free of my wheel chairs and walkers. Thank God for the orthopaedic surgeons of the day I was free of cloth diapers and all the indignity that came with them.
Now don't get me wrong cloth diapers are very comfortable and work very well in given circumstances. When I am alone here or at the lake I often cruise around in cloth diapers and plastic pants. I would not recommend them for public service due to the changing requirements involved with them and the additional size of the diaper bag. Let us not forget that age old item of odour as well. I have a very good lady friend that seems to be able to know the condition of my diapers just by the smell in the room. I don't notice it much but she says many women do. I love the ladies and love being close to them, I'm sure the diaper smell would be a turn off for them.

I have digressed here, if cloth diapers are for you can I suggest a company on the West Coast of Canada, Babykins on the internet. They offer all kinds of cloth diapering products and are very professional.

Dean / DJC

[JDinVirginia]

Djc,

Many of us here have done business with "Kins" or BabyKins. I have not tried their cloth diapers, but their onesies are excellent.

--John

[DJC]

I have one of their products on as I am posting. Good stuff from those good folks

[Patrick]

I think odor management is an issue for all of us, especially during hot summer weather. I shave at least twice each week, wash at as many diaper changes as possible, use liberal amounts of zinc oxide ointment and cornstarch powder, and take Nullo with each meal. In the wash I use a long cycle, hot water, Clorox, and a strong detergent.

[JDinVirginia]

Patrick, despite your tendency toward diaper rash, your protocol is a good one to prevent both odor and diaper rash. It is very similar to mine. I use a thick barrier of 40% zinc oxide because of my bowel incontinence and it has been extremely effective, although a nuisance to apply and remove.

I have used Nullo and recommend the product. However, as it tends to be constipating and I have problems along those lines, I stopped using every day and now reserve its use for when I am on vacation travel and need the extra protection while around other people.

We have had some variance of opinion on the forums re using, or not using, bleach with cloth diapers. Do you use it for every wash?

--John

[Patrick]

JD,

I am aware that Clorox does shorten the life of washable diapers. However, dryers shorten their lives even more. All the lint that must be cleaned from the filter with each use used to be diaper material, and it adds up over the course of a year.

I use 1/2 of a Nullo tablet with each meal. This gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) forces me to experiment with every meal, because I never know, for sure, how much a given diet will constipate me or give me diarrhea. I'll have an appointment with a registered dietician in August, which, I hope, will give me some insight into how to manage my situation. My GI specialist has warned me about the hazards of bezoars if I eat too much fiber, but I love raspberries.

[JDinVirginia]

Patrick,

Excellent point about the lint in the dryer. I just washed some new pre-folds and flats for the first time and was astonished at how much lint was collected.

I do not envy you the considerable difficulty you must have with your diet.

Pardon my ignorance, but does the gastroparesis also affect the colon?

--John