Egosan Launches Support Group in Their Ongoing Effort to Eliminate the Stigma of Incontinence
We hear from person after person how isolating living with incontinence can be. This is true, whether the condition affects urinary or bowel (fecal) continence. This is all made worse by the social stigma that surrounds the condition. Recently, we’ve published the stories of several men in their 30s who live with both conditions and all stress how isolating this condition can be. Here are links to two of them if you’d like to read further:
Life with Dignity: Sexual Abuse Survivor Talks About Living with Incontinence
This story about the sexual abuse of a child and the result is deeply disturbing but likely one of the most profound we will ever tell.
Let’s let Bryan K begin with his own words:
Hello. My name is Bryan. I’m 35 years old and have been living with functional incontinence since age 14 age due to the sexual (and other) abuse I suffered when I was a child. The nerves and muscles that control my bladder and bowel are severely damaged - beyond repair. It was a horror and has taken me
Lifelong Incontinence Due to Undersized Bladder Doesn’t Stop This Man
...Shawn's had the courage to live life well despite significant challenges. He’s married, has a job, and enjoys golf, fishing, and riding his bike, so being active is important to him.
Traveling Well with Both MS and Incontinence Takes Planning
We used to love camping in national parks, so I’ve been urging her to get back to that. We have all the aids needed for her walking as this park has good accommodations for disabilities, but she’s afraid of the long trip because she’s incontinent. She knows she’ll have to change pads frequently and she’s afraid of leaks and just overall embarrassment. She also knows that she won’t be able to shower often...
The Stigma of Incontinence Can Keep Older Adults Secluded Adding to Potential for Decline
...Socialization is vital to aging well for both of you, which means that somehow, he has to come to terms with his incontinence as an inconvenience rather than the beginning of the end as you put it to any quality of life for him and for you as a couple.
Cohabitation with Parent Working Except for Incontinence Battles
Because of this, you already know that arguing will not work with someone like your mom, nor will presenting logic. This is because her brain has left her only able to see what she sees as right, which is most likely going to be completely different than your reality. For this reason...
Spouse Criticized for How He Cares for Wife with Dementia
Dear Carol: My wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s eight years ago. While it hasn’t been easy keeping her home with me, it’s been her choice – and mine. Neither of us is young, but I’m healthy and strong so I see no reason why people keep criticizing my decision to keep her in our home. The criticism’s gotten worse since she became incontinent. I’ll be the first to admit that there are extra challenges when you add incontinence...
Bladder Cancer: Incontinence Can Be a Side Effect
Much more frequently, incontinence can become a side effect of any form of bladder cancer treatment. From having parts of the bladder removed to chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, these treatments can leave the patient dealing with incontinence.
People Living with Dementia May Fight Bathing: Compassion, Education Can Help
This behavior frustrates well-meaning family caregivers no end. They worry that their family member may have increased urinary infections or even skin infections when regularly bathing doesn’t happen. Understandably, too, they would like their loved one freshened up, not only for themselves but for others.
An Older Adult Skip’s Bathing? Maybe there’s a Reason
Older people may not have the sense of smell that they had when younger, or that you might have so they may feel less than enthused about a daily bath. Again, your approach could be to simply invite them to go out for a walk or something. That might be enough for them to get to freshen up out of habit.