The impact of losing control of your bladder can never be fully explained in just a few lines, but I really felt it was controlling my life.
I worried about laughing, coughing, or picking up anything slightly heavy and started to wear sanitary towels every day to catch the drips. I decided not to tell the doctor because I thought he might prescribe me some enormous nappy!
It’s the denial that was really childish: “How did the green felt tip pen marks get on the wall?” Despite evidence to the contrary, kids always insist: “It wasn’t me. I didn’t do it!”
Going out put me in a real flap. I would limit my fluid intake until I was dehydrated. I thought: “If I don’t drink, I won’t leak.”
Bladder weakness changed my behaviour towards friends and family, and my feelings toward myself. I felt isolated, helpless and ashamed – just like a naughty child.
Eventually, I had to go the doctor. She was a fantastic help. Naturally, if I’d known earlier what I know now, I would have gone much sooner.
These days I use TENA Lady, which has really given me back my confidence and sense of freedom. They’re small and discreet, and they stop any smell. And, the good news is they also work out cheaper than sanitary towels because you don’t get through as many.
And best of all, I feel in control of my body again.