I'd reckon that some of us ladies suffer from Urge Incontinence. I would at a time have had stress incontinence - for a few years, had to take care with a cough etc. but nothing I couldn't more or less deal with.
Then it changed. About 6 months ago I had what i assumed was cystitis, 3 times in succession. Each time I bought the over the counter remedy from the pharmacy but although it sort of helped, the pain and burning came back within a couple of weeks. So off to the GP who confirmed an infection and prescribed antibiotics. This certainly cleared up the burning painful cystitis type symptoms but the constant urge to run to the toilet remained.
It was more than just the urge for the toilet, it was such an instantaneous need that I more often than not cannot make it to the toilet. On occasion I'd stand up to do something and whoosh.... an overflow without warning.
A month ago via my GP I attended a Urinary Incontinence Clinic and the nurse did a physical check, nothing untoward to see (or feel). She talked about the usual, pelvic floor exercises, use the rear muscles because it's often a better effect. Don't have caffeine. And do the exercises. I have another appointment with her in a few days.
I've separately had an ultra sound scan done on urinary tract and abdomen but haven't heard any results as yet although the technician was able to tell me that I was emptying my bladder fully. That was fun scan, drink 4 large glasses of water one hour beforehand and retain it.
Today, and every day I wear protection, Always Discreet or Tena Lady, and always the super duper model. Sometimes I can last 3 hours, other times I can't make it for a half hour and the 10 steps to the toilet.
Thus I know where all the good/clean toilets are located locally and I never miss the opportunity to use a department store or restaurant bathroom. This is wrong, it teaches the bladder bad habits. But ..... so be it, rather than risk an accident. Especially if out in someone else's car !!
The nurse mentioned that there was of course medication but they were reluctant to prescribe that. And also (just by way of conversation) some people may indeed be eventually in need of corrective surgery. I've spoken with a few people who felt their corrective surgery wasn't as corrective as they'd hoped for.
Do any of you have this difficulty? How do you cope?
Any good ideas.
