Stress incontinence

[damnthiscough]

Not really wanting to be posting about this but I'm just exhausted with a persistent cough that not only is giving me a thumping headache but I have practically no bladder control during coughing fits. I'm now resorting to using my pensioner DMs tennalady pads & I can't seem to get a grip on this. I can go to the loo, empty my bladder & no sooner have I got my pants on than I'm coughing & there's more leaking out. I don't get how I can't physically pee more yet coughing results in more leakage instantly.

Is there anything I can do? Any tips?

I'm stuck indoors because of the amount of leakage & cant get through the day without a major leakage no matter when I last went to the loo. Help!

You need to control the coughing! It will really help not to cough at all. So see what you can get to make the cough go away.

Secondly, you can start some serious pelvic floor exercises (google for technique). Each set you manage to go will help. Noticeable results might take a couple of weeks. Then ideally do them every day for life.

Thirdly, if you are not significantly helped by getting rid of cough and doing pelvic floors then see your GP. You could have a small operation to help support the bladder.

Good luck!

Ask your gp for a referral to a women's health physio - they specialise in pelvic floors and can assess you and help you with the exercises (they have all kinds of aids to help you exercise properly). Daily exercising can really help gain pelvic floor strength back but you need to be doing it properly and that is much harder than it sounds! In the meantime, you can get some very discreet Tena lady pads which will allow you to get out and about. It's a really horrible situation to be in and can be very upsetting. And it's too embarrassing to talk to anyone about!

Thanks, really appreciate your responses. Gives me some hope! My cough seems to be never ending but I think I'm getting past the worst so fingers crossed I can sort myself out! Thanks.

Hello, just wanted to add that it sounds like you might not be emptying your bladder fully. Try leaning forward on loo and giving it a bit longer? Women's health physio v good idea.

Hi there, Check out Giggle Knickers on Kickstarter, it is a new product coming out for women with stress incontinence. They look so much more discreet and comfortable than disposable pads. If you follow the link and pledge you can pre-order a pair! I hope your problem resolves itself soon. www.kickstarter.com/projects/giggleknickers/new-hi-tech-panties-creating-sustainable-options