Living With Inconcontinence
Incontinence - A Medical Condition that can be Treated
More than 19 million North American adults have some form of incontinence. It is not necessarily part of growing older, nor is it something that should be accepted after childbirth. Incontinence is always a symptom of some other health problem. Many bladder control problems can be cured and all can be managed.
In many cases, a team of health care professionals including your doctor, nurse and nurse practitioner will work with you to diagnose and offer treatment options. Together, you will choose the appropriate course of action. Remember, the first step is to see your health professional. He or she is best able to offer you specific advice related to your situation.
Help is Available
Incontinence may be a symptom of an underlying disorder that warrants medical attention, or simply a side effect of certain medications.
Health care professionals are well qualified to assess incontinence and offer numerous treatment options including muscle strengthening exercises, dietary modification, medication or surgery.
Today, clinics and treatment centers throughout the nation are helping people to manage and treat incontinence. Increased awareness has helped promote a greater understanding of incontinence in today's society. People with incontinence lead full, active lives doing the same things they have enjoyed for years.
Watch Your Diet
Drink enough fluids -- at least 50 ounces (about 6 1/2 cups) per day. Limiting daily fluid intake can actually worsen incontinence or lead to serious illness. Avoid beverages that can cause excessive urine production such as caffeine and alcohol, as well as beverages that can irritate the bladder-such as grapefruit juice and tomato-based products. Constipation can also contribute to bladder control problems. Eat foods that are high in fiber to help you stay regular.
Watch Your Weight
Even a few pounds can make a difference. A five to ten percent weight loss can help improve bladder control by reducing intra-abdominal pressure.
Keep Active
As with many medical conditions, doctors are recognizing the importance of a positive attitude in managing incontinence. Remain active and stay involved with family and friends so you'll feel good about yourself.
Understand Available Treatments
*Kegel Exercises. Your doctor might recommend that you learn to practice Kegel (or pelvic muscle) exercises, which were originally developed by Dr. Arnold Kegel to help women strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor during pregnancy and after childbirth. In some instances, these exercises have also been effective in reducing incontinence even in men. Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
*Biofeedback. In addition to Kegel exercises, your doctor or nurse may recommend biofeedback to help you identify and control the muscles located around the bladder opening. In a clinic or similar setting, small sensors are temporarily placed in contact with your body. As you practice contracting muscles around the bladder opening, the sensors give you a signal, usually an audible tone or movement on a visual display or graph, indicating when you have correctly contracted the right muscles. In this manner, biofeedback can help maximize the benefits gained from practicing Kegel exercises.
* Bladder Retraining. Bladder retraining is effective in helping people successfully increase the amount of time between trips to the toilet. For example, by reducing anxiety through a formal toilet schedule tailored to your specific needs, bladder retraining can actually restore continence in certain instances. If your doctor suggests bladder retraining, a voiding diary, as well as a schedule of activities that normally make up your day, will be important in developing a successful program for you.
* Medication. In some cases, your health professional may prescribe medication either alone, or in combination with behavioral treatment to help restore continence. Be aware that some medications may actually contribute to your incontinence. For this reason, be sure your doctor knows about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs you're taking. All medications should be taken under the care of a physician.
* Surgery. Your doctor may suggest surgery as a means of treating a physical condition contributing to your incontinence. He or she will counsel you on the best treatment, including the related advantages and risks.
Choose Absorbent Products Carefully
Your health care professional or pharmacist can assist you in selecting from the variety of absorbent incontinence products available while you undergo treatment or when treatment is not completely successful. Make your product selection based on the level of absorbency you need.
Infomation taken from http://www.depend.com/learn/living.asp
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