www.incontinentsupport.org

Spending so much time in bed for surgery and recovery has given me time to think, which is always threatening. I think, for most non-incontinent folks, myself included in the days when I still had control, incontinence, when I encountered it, concerned mainly diapers and/or Foleys. The reality, however, is that washing and changing occupy perhaps 15% of the time needed to manage incontinence. Laundry alone takes lots of time, sometimes hours each day; paying attention to my diet and the medications it makes necessary, and the time commitment for enemas quickly force incontinence management to the center of my life. They must make me difficult to live with for my family and friends, but they smile and accommodate my needs as best they can. Making the lives of my caregivers as easy as possible is to our benefit.

Patrick, so very true. It is easy to underestimate the amount of time required to manage our incontinence. It takes time just to keep track of the inventory of incontinence-required items and to order or purchase necessary items. I estimate that I lose two hours per day on enemas, Kegel exercises, diaper changing, self-catheterization, laundry, managing inventory of diapers, boosters, wipes, rash creams, and absorbent pad; and just planning the day. All of this takes time away from Quality of Life. Of course, if you do not use enemas or wear cloth diapers, your time should be considerably less.

And then there is the expense, but that should be the topic of a separate discussion.

--John