Incontinence Pads

7 replies

MissMarplesNiece · 26/05/2022 09:36

I'm looking for suggestions/advice. DM uses Tena Lady pads, absorbancy 6, medium size. However, she is changing her trousers two or three times a day, and last night weed on the carpet outside the bathroom because she wasn't quick enough to get to the toilet.

She told me that all the urine isn't being caught by the pad and some of it is running down between the pad and her leg which wets her trousers. She's a small woman (5 foot, about 7 stone) and she is hardly drinking anything because she's so worried about constantly having "accidents"

Does she need a different size pad? A different brand of pad? It's very distressing for her and I worry because she's drinking less and less.

OP posts:

Badger1970 · 26/05/2022 09:41

Have you talked to her GP about her incontinence? When I worked in care about 5 years ago, there used to be a specialist continence nurse who would assess patients for their pad needs and you'd get X amount per week on prescription....... but I'm not sure if that still happens? Maybe worth a chat to the GP receptionist about.

She may need a proper adult "nappy" style that is much more absorbent than a pad. And she may need a commode next to her chair if she can't get to the bathroom in time. Perhaps reassure her that it's really common and nothing to be worried about, too.

RockAndOrRoll · 26/05/2022 09:42

Has she tried the pants instead? They are more expensive but might offer a bit more protection for her?

Sewingfanatic · 26/05/2022 10:32

A quick Google tells me that a person can self refer to the incontinence nurse in the area where we live, so I'll get onto that. I think she'd be mortified at the thought of wearing an adult nappy, although she was mortified at weeing on the landing so she'll have to chose what's less mortifying. A commode's a good idea - she fell over a couple of nights ago trying to get to the bathroom in the middle of the night. She's got a thing about not putting the landing light on in case she wakes people up so she stumbles about in the dark and ended up banging her head.

She used to wear the pants, I don't know why she stopped. I'll suggest today that she goes back to them. I think it maybe the expense that puts her off.

She also gets very very embarrassed about putting her used pads (well wrapped) in the bin and I think the pads maybe a bit smaller than the pants so she thinks them a bit less noticable.

CoastalWave · 26/05/2022 10:36

I'm 48 and have this problem after birth damage - she honestly honestly doesn't need to be embarrassed. Definitely needs a commode which is in bedroom so easier to get to for starters. I also find skirts easier. First stop - GP. Reassure her it's common and lots of people suffer, she's not on her own.

lazymum99 · 26/05/2022 11:40

My DM wears a Tena pad inside the Tena pants. This is more expensive but gives her more confidence. NHS did prescribe but it was the nappy sort which I am not surprised she did not want to wear. Most carers, however, are not keen on doing this type of double padding. Maybe means she stays in them longer which can cause infections but i am not sure of the reason

Diagnosticdigressions · 26/05/2022 11:49

I order the Tena pants for DM - she finds they work much better and is SO much happier now that she has the right product. She uses them at night (when she has more issues with continence) and the pads by day but she was finding the pads just didn't give her enough coverage or absorbency at nighttime. It sounds as if maybe your DM's pads just aren't fitting properly and/or aren't sufficiently absorbent so the pants might help. It honestly is so worth finding the right thing. A few months back my DM was so awkward and embarrassed about the whole thing (totally understandable as she was adjusting) but having the right things in place has made a bit difference to her mood and wellbeing. They are expensive though! There are cheaper, lesser-known brands available online but I ordered some of those for her and she wasn't keen (though partly because I got the sizing wrong possibly). Good luck!

CMOTDibbler · 26/05/2022 11:55

I think the problem with the pads is that they are designed for small leaks, and if too much wee comes out at once - as it does if your problem is getting to the loo on time rather than a little dribbly leak- it just runs off the pad and there is nothing to stop it running off. Hence why the pants are better. An alternative would be washable incontinence pants (they are way better than you'd think) with a pad inside.

On the landing, I got motion activated plug in night lights for my mum so as soon as she stepped out the light would come on and that really helped her move more safely at night

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