Urinary Incontinence

[Nana3]

Hello, I am new to this thread and am balling as I type... I am in my early 40's. I have had Stress Urinary Incontinence for about 2 years. I've finally reached a point where I just cannot live like this anymore. The humiliation is too much for me. I am very active and workout 5 days a week, I used to avoid my Incontinence by simply not running anymore, but it has progressed to where even using the low-impact machines are causing the stress. I have become very depressed, and my sexual life is non-existant. I've had a few accidents in the gym and not realized it until it was too late. I don't feel a thing when it's happening, and although no one tells me anything, I know the person behind me must see the rapid flow, and know I'm not sweating. They are not little spills, I get soaked! I now where Depend Diapers almost every day, and every time I reach for one I am ashamed and feel less of a woman, but without them what do I do? Stay home? Crawl into a hole? Every time I have to purchase them is more humiliating than the last time. I finally went to my doctor because I just can't live like this anymore, I have to get this fixed, but of course it's not that simple. Now I have to go through these tests prior to surgery and I am beside myself with worry. The Doctor just told me that I'll be coming in for a couple tests, a Cystoscopy and Urodynamics, one of them I have to come in with a full stomach, and will last about an hour. Can anyone tell me how invasive, painful, and or humiliating this is going to be? I had a hard time holding back the tears when I was just discussing my condition with the Doctor, I can't imagine how I'll handle the process leading to these tests. I'm sorry, I know I probably sound like a baby, but I guess I'm just really feeling sorry for myself, and it helps to communicate anonymously through this thread. If anyone has had any of these procedures done, please share your experience with me, as well as how you cope with this condition day to day... I'm finding it harder every day, and right now I'm just grasping at straws to keep from falling into a deep depression

[UroDoc]

I haven't had them done but I do do them. The urodynamics is no more difficult than having a catheter placed in your bladder to drain urine, Catheters are done all the time to patients in and out of the hospital with out any anesthesia. The cystoscopy is the same. In both don't tense up your pelvic muscles and especially your buttocks since this will tighten your sphincter, and make it more difficult i.e. more uncomfortable for you to place the scope and insert the catheter. Don't worry it is just part of the process of getting you dry and back into life, god luck.

[Nana3]

Don't worry it is just part of the process of getting you dry and back into life, god luck.

Wow!! I can't wait for that day... From your mouth, to Gods ears. It's what keeps me going, thanks for the kind words. I will try to relax, maybe a Valium will help prior to the procedures. Thanks again UroDoc :~)

[PTPiper]

I have had both these proceedures twice and they are not uncomfortable at all. A little embarrassing but there is no prep or discomfort associated with the proceedures. Good luck to you.