Help! serious incontinence

[Nettlerash]

Sorry ladies for tmi!

I caught something last week (cold,cough,sore throat) and have lost my appetite and had serious diarrhea for a few days (I mean serious in that I didnt make it to the loo on time a few times and didnt have any control over it) Anyway for the past few days I have also been coughing badly but I can't control my bladder when I do. I have worn sanitary pads but still my trousers get wet. Its so embarrassing. I have had problems with my bladder (not emptying properly) but it seemed to improve after my daughter was born (believe it or not!)

I have never had it this bad. I think its down to the coughing but yesterday we were stuck on the motorway for a good few hours and I was pretty soaked. I even refused to go in to the toilet when we did get to services because I knew I looked wet.

I'm only 30 :(

nettlerash

How long ago did you have dd?

I had a stomach virus not long after having ds and didn't make it to the loo on a couple of occasions myself. It's horrible isn't it.

I am seeing a physio for pelvic floor issues and coughing is definitely a strain for your pelvic floor. I've had a bit of leaking recently when coughing and sneezing.

I'm only 30 too.

I think you really need to get a referral to a physio or gynae who specialises in this. The earlier you start to work on it the easier it will be. Do you do pelvic floor exercises?

Sorry to hear this. The good news is that there are some very effective treatments, particularly as you are young, and there is nothing to be ashamed about. Many women have similar problems, it's the why are bodies are designed.

Go to your GP and get a physio therapy referral or gynaecologist as EachPeach says, that should make a huge difference.

In the meantime if you google pelvic floor exercises, you can start doing them straight away.

I had a horrible cold when pregnant with dd. the coughing fits also made me dribble a bit
only thing that helped me is getting to the loo very frequently (every hour or so), and teena pads (they are not that uncomfortable actually...)

I was fine again as soon as the bloody cold/cough was over...

mousymouse - you may only have a problem when coughing, but even 'mild' incontinence will only get worse as you get older, so do something about it now, with a physio referral.

All women should do daily pelvic floor exercises as part of your daily routine - when you check the email/mumsnet for example.

eachpeach,DD is 14 months :) I have tried to do PFE but find it difficult to do by myself :( and to remember. (I guess most people do) I really should try though like you say. It is horridly embarrassing!

belgo,I remember going to the GP about my problem when I was about 18 ad they did do a cystoscopy? they said I wasnt emptying properly but I dont think it was ever followed up. (think they thought maybe it was down to stress?)
I had this problem for years. I would feel like I needed to toilet really bad,get there and nothing would come and then other times I would have to go back ad fort about 10 times to empty it. It used to really keep me awake at night and other problems.

And buy some incontinence pads (such as tena) instead of sanitary towels. They will absorb more if required.

ok thingone, I did think about it but they look alot slimmer so thought SP were better. Maybe I should just get some maternity ones!!

You need to go back to your GP. You owe it to yourself to get it sorted out.