There are all kinds of
incontinence I know there is confusion as to the types; I am just learning myself. So here is an explanation as to the different types, the best way that I can explain it to you.
I have urinary retention. I do not feel the urge to urinate at all. In fact I stay dry until I use a
catheter to pee. In some people it is not being able to pee
because of a blockage in the urethra, the inability of the urinary sphincter
bladder muscle to contract. I am not
sure as to the cause of mine. It was not
discovered until my kidneys became distressed and it could be caused by anything
from mental illness, kidney stones, to any number of neurological disorders.
Sometimes people that have Urinary retention can have overflow
incontinence. It is when the bladder
is full and the urine pushes past the sphincter and dribbles out. It can be caused by neurological or physical
injury to the brain, spine or urinary system.
Stress Incontinence is when a person sneezes, lifts a
heavy object or just cracks up and just cannot get to a toilet in time. Often times it is because the muscles and
tendons are weak and stretched due to pregnancy and/or childbirth. It can also
be caused by a neurological disorder or even surgery.
Urge Incontinence is when a person just cannot get to
the toilet in time after the urge to relieve herself is felt. Sometimes women have painful bladders and the
urge can be constant, causing the sufferer just to dribble a little at a time. Sometimes
a large amount, a full-fledged flood, of urine is lost when women with urge
incontinence have the urge to urinate right NOW! It
is caused by bladder spasms or strong debilitating contractions or cramping and
when it hits the sufferer has little time to reach the toilet. I know when I have a bladder infection
sometimes I feel the urge to urinate which is a bit surreal because as I said I
am unable to urinate without a catheter.
Functional Incontinence or reflex incontinence is
often paired with a cognitive disorder such as autism or a developmental
disability or neurological complications from surgery. It is presented by the person not even
feeling the urge, so they urinate, without the feeling or
urge.
Mixed Incontinence is all of the above. I know there are women out there that are so
isolated because they are afraid to leave home due to the fear of having an
accident.
Nocturnal Enuresis or bed wetting is suffered by many; many adolescent boys are big customers of overnight products. The causes can be childhood trauma, mental
illness, and the inability of the body to produce an anti-diuretic hormone
that slows the production of urine at night, just to name a few.
Fecal Incontinence –
I have this because my sacral
nerves are not effective. As I have said
before I am not sure why; it could be due to any number of reasons such as
spinal
cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or a vaginal hysterectomy. Mostly my
bowel does not move. It is really sluggish so I need stool
softeners to help things move along.
Most of the time all is well but sometimes my meds are out of
whack. Recently I was in a biking
accident and broke my hip. Because of my
inactivity I was over the top constipated and my usual stool softener did not
help at all. I was in pain and I needed
a little help from my friends. I put a
shout out to a group that I am a member of and they gave me great suggestions
to get things moving. Another and more
correct idea would have been to contact my doctor.
I am sure she would have helped, as well. Other causes of fecal incontinence
are caused by Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, and cognitive
disabilities.
I found a great web site, www.staydrytoday on the other end there is a person that can
help your situation and help you find the product you need. What I like most about this website is the person on the other end. Education is important to him and he will spend time trying to match your symptoms to the best product for you.
We are better together!
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