realworldic wrote:
wearing absorbent products and changing at work is stressful occurrence for everyone going through it! you are not alone there!, We all tend to find a way to manage eventually, things that can make it easier with the things you mentioned using a clothlike backed product may help with the changes in the daytime they are usually much quieter on removal and placement than plastic backed all-in-ones. I would suggest you invest in good PUL diaper covers as they can help on many items odor, noise, and leaks... when you go to change in the bathroom bring a plastic bag so you can disguise and cover any odor of the soiled product when you go to place it in the trash. Drink water as this helps keep odor reduced and is overall good for your system.
trying to go all day in the same product is not always the best course as odors can get strong over time, even if the product is capable of absorbing more fluid many products do not do a great job of containing and reducing odors effectively try changing the pad or brief at lunch and see how that works for you.
when it comes to bowel issues this becomes MUCh more tricky the best thing is to try to avoid accidents and that comes from bowel management I know you get up at 4 am to get to a bus and that makes things really hard but there are ways to train and manage the bowels that can help reduce accidents. I have IBS and to avoid issues I always get up an hour earlier than I need, drink some coffee and that usually triggers a movement, I also adjusted my diet to remove foods that trigger the accidents, you should try to find foods and things may make your gut uneasy. there are other helpful Bowel management techniques that work well but they are best taught by doctors and or Continence nurses so it would be best for you to seek out that information from experts.
it does get easier and you will find the tricks that work for you! it just takes a bit of time and some experiments and a bit of bravery to get over the worst part! most people will never know you use pads or breifs.
Changes are nervewracking for me. I have tried pullups at work, but I've had way too many close calls and a few disasters. The only thing that works for me is a premium tabbed brief. I have sensitive skin, so I have to drink lots of water to keep my urine from being caustic. This kind of ensures that I need heavy protection. I'm a bigger guy (former boxer), so my frame disguises the bulk of thicker diapers.
I usually have to change around noon or 1 pm, and I can choose from one of two bathrooms my office has and one in the locker room of the building (this one is a solo bathroom, so ideal). I'll take whatever diaper I'm changing into and put it in an accordion folder. Changing in the handicap stall is really the only acceptable way to go. It is truly awful to have someone come in to use the bathroom while I am mid change.
After that, I'm not even sure I'm disposing of the used diaper acceptably. I'll roll it up and wrap it with the tapes, then throw it in the trashcan. I'm too ashamed to even ask if this is ok from the building's perspective or what else to do.