Incontinence can mean independence! Your overall wellness and independence are important aspects of your life. You don't have to remain cooped up at home just because you have incontinence. Discover ways to remain independent and active despite having incontinence.
Talk to your doctor
You may think talking to your doctor is admitting you have a problem. And it is. But talking to your doctor means you are taking control of your health and not letting incontinence get in the way of your life. Many people feel embarrassed and delay talking to their doctor, but doing so can allow them to gain confidence in knowing that incontinence can be managed and that they are not alone. Talking to your doctor is the first step towards independence.
Stick to your treatment
A proper treatment plan is one in which your incontinence is managed and under control. This means you can lead a normal life; when you leave the house to meet your friends, you can worry about who's bringing the snacks instead of where the closest toilet is located. Whether your treatment includes absorbent products, medications, exercises, medical devices, lifestyle changes, or surgery, following the treatment plan you and your doctor agreed upon will ensure your incontinence is under control. To learn more about treatment options, see the Incontinence channel. Once your incontinence is under control, you will feel more comfortable doing the activities you enjoy.
Get out there!
Many people who have incontinence avoid social activities and stay home for fear of accidental leakage. But when you have control over your incontinence, you can have the confidence to continue being socially active and doing the activities you enjoy. Here are some activities you can try:
- Join a club or take a class at the local community centre (mah jong, yoga, painting, tai chi, etc.) - any of these will keep you active and social.
- Volunteer for a local charity.
- Take a walk through your neighbourhood. It can be a short walk or a long walk; whatever you feel comfortable with. It's great exercise, too!
- Take a class at the community college.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Incontinence-and-Your-Independence
