Coping With A New Disability Such As Incontinence

Coping With A New Disability Such As Incontinence

If you are have recently found that you are suffering from incontinence it can be a worrying time and you may be worried, embarrassed or unsure who to turn to.  Please be assured that you are not alone as up to 6 million people in the UK suffer from some kind of incontinence and there is plenty of help and support to allow you to lead a normal and active lifestyle. We recommend that you first talk to your doctor to get some medical advice or alternatively you can visit our help area online or call our confidential discreet customer services helpline on 0800 068 3625 to help with any incontinence products you need. We have also put together some useful tips below on how to cope with your new diagnosis so you can continue to lead an active and normal daily lifestyle. Prepare for local trips and outings People with incontinence can worry so much about needing the toilet, even a quick trips to the local shops, so that they become virtually housebound.    Therefore we recommend you plan for local outings so that you can get out and about and if you need the toilet then help is at hand.

The Bladder & Bowel Community (B&BC) can provide a ‘Just can’t wait‘ toilet card. You can show this card when asking to use the toilet at a shop, restaurant or other UK business. It doesn’t guarantee access to their toilets (as every business has different health and safety rules), but it proves you have a genuine medical condition that requires the urgent use of a toilet. Most places will try to help you. Call the B&BC on 01926 357 220 or visit www.bladderandbowel.org to apply for a free card.

You can also get a RADAR key from the disability network RADAR that allows you to use disabled toilets around the country under the National Key Scheme. Alternatively you can use a discreet incontinence product to help with any accidents or mishaps.  Take a look at our range of disposable insert pads and washable incontinence pants that look and feel like normal underwear. How to look after your skin if you have incontinence Constant dampness can make your skin irritated, but you can avoid this by following a following a daily simple routine. Wash using a cotton cloth or disposable wipes (flannels and sponges can be too harsh). Use products that cleanse without drying. These are available as non-aerosol sprays, foams and disposable wipes. Don't use soap and baby wipes, as they make the skin dry and baby wipes often contain alcohol, which can irritate the skin.  Also make sure any wipes you use are dermatologically tests. After cleansing, always moisturise and use a barrier cream. This forms a protective layer to block out unwanted moisture.   Take a look at the TENA 3 in 1 Skincare range that includes Mousse, Cream and Wipes. Incontinence products to take on holiday If you are about to go on holiday or go away to visit family and friends this summer then we recommend that you take enough of all the incontinence products you use with you. If you intend to do your own laundry, find out where you can wash and dry items in private, if necessary. If you are flying, pre-book an aisle seat near the toilet and wear loose-fitting clothes, as they are more comfortable and make changing easier. While you are away, use a disabled toilet as there will be a washbasin and more room to change your clothes and pack a deodorising spray, which will remove odours, rather than just masking them. Finally do read our recent blog on dealing with incontinence while travelling this summer as this gives some useful tips and advice to help you both before and while you are on holiday so you can relax and enjoy time with family and friends. Tips for incontinence at work A study by PromoCon (Promoting Continence & Product Awareness) found that coping with incontinence symptoms at work is a big source of anxiety for people with bladder and bowel problems, especially men. Download this leaflet from PromoCon that gives advice on how to decide whether to tell your manager about your continence difficulties and suggests incontinence products that can help at work. PromoCon also has information for employers about how they can support employees with incontinence when at work. Fight depression with talking therapy Incontinence can affect you mentally as well as physically. The negative effect on your self-esteem, dignity and independence can lead to isolation, distress and depression. According to continence nurses, up to 70% of people with incontinence are affected by depressive illnesses. "This condition really damages a person’s body image," says continence adviser Karen Logan. "People feel their body has let them down." Therefore it really helps to talk to people you trust, so tell your friends and family how you are feeling.  Alternatively if you would rather speak to someone impartial then you can call the B&BC’s medical helpline on 0800 031 5412 for a sympathetic chat and general advice. Best Wishes Incontinence UK Team www.incontinenceuk.co.uk