incontinence - mine

[forsythe]

Im 40, it's three years since my last baby, I'm in good general health but 3 times in the last week I have wet myself without knowing it.
Twice was when running around with the kids, once during an intimate moment (how embarrassing).
There was no warning, I did not feel it happening at all and only was aware when I realised my pants and trousers were soaking - really soaking, requiring immediate changing.
this has never happened before.
Can anyone advise or should I go straight to my GP?

How distressing for you, Forsythe. Not much use I'm afraid. Only one thought came to me, do you have symptoms of a vaginal prolapse? Sometimes that can develop slowly and finally cause pressure on your bladder. Do you have feelings of heaviness down below? Definitely get it checked out. Good luck

Poor you, forsythe. No proper advice or experience, but I have heard people talk of similiar experiences...one freind stopped it with regular kegel excercises, another required minor surgery for something that had happened during delivery. Make that GP appointment now, and meanwhile, squeeeeeze.....

Forsythe
Poor you - but don't be embarrassed - it's actually more common than people realise
Have a look at this

Definitely go to see your GP - and don't be fobbed off with "oh it's just a normal part of life for older women" - you can ask to see a "continence advisor" too.

(Only reason I know is because I work for a company who make products to treat this)

Hi Forsythe
I had the same problem after my 2 DDs - close together and v. long labours. In the end I had surgery as my pelvic floor was not good. The 1st op was called a colpul suspension which is a major op and off work for 6 weeks etc. Unfortunatly it didn't work either. I then did a lot of research on the internet and found a newer and far less radical op called a TVT (trans vaginal tape). I just really wish I had known about this 1st as it was only a day in hospital and I was back at work very quickly. I would definitly go to your GP - I put it off for ages. But try the excercies first. Surgery really does need to be a last resort. And if it ever gets that far and they suggest a copul suspense insist on a TVT. Good luck - it can be sorted.

No personal experience in this, but there is a help group called the continence foundation. Our local health area has continence nurses who advise on this sort of thing/visit post-natal groups to discuss exercises and provide assistance.
heretheyare

Agree with everyone, don't be embarassed, go and see your GP - PLUS get yourself to a pilates class if at all possible. Does absolute wonders

Forsythe, I really can sympathise with you.
I was incontinent for several years before getting a permenant catheter.

Firstly, you should have a 'Continence advisor' in your area, your GP or district nurse, HV can put you in touch.
Second. You can get (free) some very discrete pads, like ST's made by Tena, they do several variations. You should not have to pay for them, the continence advisor should be able to order them for you.
Thirdly, DO DO some pelvic floor excersises. I used to do mine on the bus!!! Just clench and relax several times, the best thing is to try stopping 'peeing' whilst you are on the loo and then starting again. that way you know you are exsersing the right muscles.

I hope this has been of some help. Oh you can also get special deoderants on prescription, which will make you feel fresher and prevent you from thinking you smell of stale wee.

I really do understand the embarrasement, but please if you can't go to your GP contact the practice nurse and ask about the continence advisor for your area. They are very used to this as I am sure you can imagine and they have a lot of useful tips, and aids.
Goodluck

my mum had 4 children close together and had terrible problems with incontinence. She's now 60 and is completely fine and she puts it down to running regularly, she's never had surgery or anything. Aparently you 'clench' as you run and gradually things tighten up - but she says it was so bad when she started running she had to wear a nappy. Obviously it's v good advice to see your GP too. GOod luck.

Forsythe, you should go straight to the GP to rule out prolapse/fibroid/water infection etc - if these are ruled out, GP is likely to say to do pelvic floors - so you may as well get that out of the way now, rather than going in six months time and getting told that. If you do get told to do pelvic floors, it may be useful if you can get a physiotherapy referral to be sure that you are doing these properly.

Hope you have already booked yourself that GP appointment!

i'm having physio this month to tighten things up after birth and it's absolutely fantastic - they do the kegel stuff but what really made a huge difference was the electrical stimulation like a tens machine but internal - before when I used to do kegels I didnt notice much difference but after just 2 sessions with this machine it worked wonders - might be worth asking your gp about? almost everyone where I live gets this physio post birth and I'd recommend it to anyone

In the post-natal ward I had electrical stimulation from the physio to the internal areas - AFAIK it was more dealing with perineal healing than bladder/pelvic floor but it was fabulous - after a ten minute session the morning after the birth I could sit (admittedly somewhat gingerly) on a chair, rather than being completely unable to sit. I don't know how these machines work but I would strongly second Moroccos recommendation that they can acheive wonders

i realise this is an old thread but was wondering how everyone is going... in particular MUMSKI i wondered how your tvt surgery is going now so many years on.... i am looking at having this done next year and just wanted some long term feedback... hope you get this msg!