Gaining Control

In its mildest form, incontinence is an annoyance. When it becomes severe, it can cause restrictions in your day-to-day life. (Have you ever thought—or been told, “I must be near a bathroom at all times or I’ll panic”; “I must smell terrible”; or “I’m afraid to go out in public”?) If you, or someone you love, struggle with the loss of bladder control, don’t despair—there are solutions available.

The last thing you should do is suffer in silence. Once you understand why you’ve lost bladder control, you’ll be better educated to take control of your problem.

To regain control of your situation, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Know you’re not alone. According to the National Foundation for Incontinence, more than 25 million Americans suffer from bladder control problems.
• Seek a medical evaluation. According to the American Urological Association, more than 80% of incontinence problems can be cured or improved—providing that your doctor knows about it. If your primary care physician is unable to determine the cause of incontinence, then seek a second opinion. You also may want to consider consulting with an urologist.
• Educate yourself. The more you understand about your situation, the better equipped you’ll be to manage it. New products, treatments, and remedies for addressing incontinence are created every day.
• Ask for help. If you need help figuring out what to do next, call one of our registered nurse health educators toll free at 1-888-689-5488. They can direct you to a doctor, give you helpful information, and provide you with the resources and products you need to confidently take control of your situation.
• Make changes. Sometimes incontinence can be eliminated simply through changes in diet or medications. Treatments and management can include a combination of medications, exercise, biofeedback and personal care products. Every person is unique; don’t be afraid to try different combinations until you find what works best for you.

Taking control of incontinence takes courage. If you’re not a candidate for treatment and regaining continence is not an option, there are numerous products and supplies that will help you live more comfortably and enjoy an active and productive lifestyle. For information and help, call one of our nurse health educators toll free at 1-888-689-5488.