www.incontinentsupport.org

So it is not enough that I have to put up with this during the day, now my subconscious has decided to work on me as well.
Let me explain. Normally I do not remember my dreams. But every once in a while one comes along and makes itself known to me. Tuesday morning I had such a dream. My dream was that I was standing in this large, featureless area. I was naked, and when I looked down at myself I was wearing a catheter. But instead of a drain tube and drainage bag the catheter was hooked to a ball and chain.
At this point I woke up... And I really don't think I need anyone to explain to me what this means. I guess my situation is bothering me more than I thought. At least part of me anyway.

And a quick question about my grammar... Does someone "wear" a catheter? Or does someone just "use" a catheter?
Yes, I am trying to lighten the mood...

Scott

Scott,

Your dream is certainly dramatic. Mine are usually somewhat less so. My typical diaper dream involves being in some public place doing something that makes people pay attention to me, such as making a speech or lecturing to a class. At some point, I notice that the only thing I'm wearing between my waist and shoes is a soggy diaper. I have an anxious few moments before I realize that nobody seems to notice how I'm dressed.

Sounds like a version of the "I gave a speech in my underwear" dream...

Hopefully that never happens...

Scott

When I have/remember a wetting dream, it's always that I'm out in public and seriously need to pee. I can't find the restroom, and then have an accident. I wake up wet, always in the middle of the night. I don't always remember having a dream, but I'm fairly sure that I always wake up right after I wet and that I only wet one time per wet night.

Wetters

Subconscious or not, ScottK, the image of a ball and chain can weigh on your psyche (no pun intended ) After a while, one cannot live in denial and expect to escape to dreams. Reality is reality and we have to play the cards we are dealt in life to the best of our ability. You will eventually find the answer to your question, even if at the end of the road there is no answer. If you look at the items that help you deal with this condition as both "jailing" and "humiliating" you can very easily sink into despair and head towards depression.

Thankfully you have this forum to vent to so that that does not afflict you.
To look at this another way, I have often counseled men and women with terminal cancer as part of my hospital ministry. In dealing with their families before, during, and after the death of the patient I have noticed the immense positive affect the attitude of the afflicted has on his or her family. Those who carried the heavy weight of the sickness with strength and dignity passed that strength to their loved ones. Their faith transferred as well, empowering those left behind with new purpose and meaning in life. Those who carried (or refused to carry) the sickness brought their despair to the family and along with it, fear, anger, denial, and mutual pain.

What we deal with in its multiple forms is humiliating, denigrating, and does indeed "shackle" us to our protection. But, our affliction is not (for the most part) life threatening. If we can carry our burden with dignity and self awareness of our worth as people, our affliction can empower others and give hope not just here on these boards, but to our loved ones and co-workers too.

Everyone has to deal with something. If it is not incontinence it will be something else. How you carry your issue can very well save another person dealing with his/her issue.

Sorry for my rant, but I have been reading some frustrations lately and wanted to try to lighten the burden, even if only a little.