Wetters wrote:
If you haven't already addressed this, you might try keeping a diary for a month or so, recording everything that you eat & drink, when you consume it, the quantity, and your frequency/urgency/output. I would even consider making a note of how you're feeling physically/emotionally, and also the outside/inside temperature as you go about your day. I can hear you groaning about the effort/inconvenience/how do I do that in public without arousing suspicion, yadda yadda yadda, but I think this type of record would provide you with insight as to how your environment/habits affect your bladder, and it can help you avoid choices that appear to trigger your OAB. Your doctor also may find the documentation useful for determining a treatment plan that is best suited for you.
As to wasting product, if you can use pull-ups, and if you keep your rectal and peri-anal area clean and you don't wet the pull-up or sweat profusely, you likely can wear it for 2-3 days. Tape-ons not so much. Of course I can't guarantee that your issues will end if you eliminate what appear to be your trigger(s), but you will likely have a better understanding of your bladder dysfunction.
W.
I've tried keeping a diary I just tend to zone out and forget to do it. I think one of the reasons for my lesser days is I'm not drinking enough water and fluids and also doing a lot of physical activity because I've been having some issues with dehydration which isn't intentional but I think I subconsiously don't drink as much water trying to avoid accidents. I've used pull-ons and still do but I do tend to sweat profusely biking to classes in 90 degree weather makes it kind of unavoidable. My issue with pull-ons is in the rare occurence I have a full on flood where my bladder completely quits on me. Ive had issues with overflowing even quality pull ups. Thanks for the advice.
Padded53 wrote:
Yes I sure do! Quit trying to guess when or where you will have a serious leak and just wear protection. For your situation I would highly recommend using at least a good quality pull-up like an Abena or Northshore all the time. I've only had first hand experience with the Abena but it will reliably hold one or two "regular" wettings without a leak. I had this same dilemma with regard to wetting while sleeping so I think I know how you feel. For some reason I didn't always have the same wetting problems while sleeping that I had during the day and I initially tried to second guess when I might need nighttime protection. Well after a quite few wet sheets (fortunately I did have good mattress protection) the anxiety/stress was just too much and I started wearing serious protection (diapers+cotton pad+PUL pants) every night. WOW, what a relief! I immediately started to sleep better than I almost ever have! I know you don't want to "waste" a dry diaper or pull-up but trust me the peace of mind is worth every penny. You could always put one on then save it if not used, and use it one more time, but of course that just depends on personal preference.
The one issue I have with the Abena pullups which I do use is that the one time where my bladder completely quit and flooded it it had a leak a small one but it still makes me nervous. I wish they made better products for people who are active their aren't really any great options available