stress incontinence - help needed

[teahouse]

Hi there,
After the birth of my second child 16 years ago I developed stress incontinence and have been too embarassed to do anything about it. Over the years I have had some awfully embarassing situations and it has caused my self-esteem to plumet (well that and a few other things of course).

I have finally plucked up courage to see the GP and go early next week but I have no idea what sort of things they might suggest, or whether given the budget cuts, they will do anything.

I have done pelvic floors for years and it's not helped. If I sneeze I leak, I can't exercise and certainly couldn't dance or run.

Have I left it too late. Are there ways of living better with this condition?
Any advise would be great so I can go to the GP better equipped than I currently am.

My mum is about to go and have an op for a weak bladder.

Her pelvic floor is amazingly prefect - the consultant said- and they still actually know what it is.

They are pulling something together with tape to fix it - supposed to be an easy and effective op.

Sorry to hear of your problems.

Do you use incontinence pads? There is no need to suffer embarrassment. Have a look at the tena website and see what you think would suit you. You could always have it delivered if you don't want to buy it in the supermarket or chemist.

Don't be embarrassed when you see the GP. You could tell them you've been too embarrassed to come before but a decent GP will be able to help you. I think you should tell them how it has affected your self-esteem.

As for money, there haven't actually been any budget cuts to the NHS. GP are always under great pressure to manage their budgets but do not let that put you off. The news you have heard is not about "cuts" but about a controversial proposal to change how the money flows. And this has now been put on hold. But you need help. It is available and it will save the NHS money in the long term if they are able to treat you now.

How fit are you generally? Do you do pilates or any exercises that work on your core as a whole? What ever advice your GP offers I would ask for physio help as well.

Hello - just to say I would do some research yourself as I found the health service didn't really tell me about all the options. They were all very kind - I was referred by the GP to the incontinence clinic at the hospital where they did some tests and I was also examined by a gynaecologist. If you're not intending to have any more dc you can have an operation called a TVT - which involves them putting a mesh strap under the neck of your bladder. It's done under local anaesthetic so not too invasive. But there are also many other options - such as physiotherapy, and some electronic devices ( Pelvic Floor Exercisers - you can google it). I had a TVT which I had a lot of problems with initially but has now solved the problem. Do get help though, and get some tena pads from the chemist in the meantime. Best of luck.

You must try the Kegel 8 pelvic floor machine great for toning slack muscles, look up stress no more website for more help before resorting to surgery.

I must admit I wish I had known about all the options before resorting to surgery as it's not ideal. Although it solves the problem it's not the same feeling as before I had dc - sort of like you have to really concentrate to have a wee and it takes ages. Also more prone to UTIs.

hi, I understand how horrible it is, i was pretty much incontinent after my 2nd dc. i was told to try pelvic floor exercises but I found it was all a bit too far gone for that. i had physio too, and was given an electric toning device but that still didnt help. So, i was eventually offered an operation, trans vaginal tape...i kind of understand the other poster who says it becomes harder to wee if ypu have it - it does, but you get used to it, and for me thats a small price to pay for not peeing myself all the time. admittedly it hasnt toned my fanny, but again, that was the least of my problems. Talk to a sympathetic gp, you should eventually get some proper help.

PLEASE do not be embarrassed - this is VERY common- something like 4/10 women have it.

Your dr will have seen and heard it loads.

They can refer you to a physio, try drugs, or surgery if none work.

I am a month into using one of these

It seems to be starting to make a differnce. Much stronger than trying to do pelvic floor exercises yourself.

Well, GP appointment was fine. My doctor was lovely and has given me some tablets (Yentreve) and told me to do 20 pelvic floor reps, 20 times a day!
I'm not sure quite how I'm meant to remember to do this twenty times a day, or find the time, but I intend to give it a go.

Thanks for all the support.