Let’s Talk About Incontinence, Baby

Toilet talk. This is the first time I’ve properly shared this, but if it helps one of you… still scared so feeling the fear.

I am an over-sharer by trade, so if there are issues that even I squirm about, then I can guarantee there will be a bloated belly full of folk who really won’t talk about their bladder, bowels, and certainly not incontinence.

Actually, I know there are a number of us searching for bedpans, nappies aka incontinence pants, and large pads as we endeavor to keep our online shopping cookies and “another wet night,” a dirty secret.

Even as an over-sharer I have found myself temporarily housebound at the mere fear of anyone discovering my “compulsion” for buying just in case sanitary products or worst still exposing my bladder and bowel issue.

But I had a tugging, not just to go to the loo for the umpteenth time today, but to write openly about the fact that aged 33, I am no longer desperate to buy the latest gadget deal but to shop for BOGOF Tena ladies and adult nappies.

Head down, I now shop for my pull-ups of choice on my next shopping trip and I add them to my home stash, concealed inside my ottoman bed.

I make sure spares are readily at hand in my rucksack.

I have even changed how I dress and what I wear because my bowels nearly killed me recently, but now I am grateful that my gut is healing to the point I can finally undergo surgery for my bladder, pelvic floor, and potentially my bowel. No “Brazilian butt lifts” for me (although I am excited about a free designer vagina). I’d rather have the life-changing surgery the consultant in front of me is explaining the following day:

“You’re very young compared to most patients we see, so we will do our best to keep the invasive procedures at a minimum, but there are no exercises or physio which will rectify your condition.”

She had already done full checks over the past few years on my lady parts.

I started welling up as she explains the open surgery I am facing where even a hysterectomy wouldn’t do the job.

But I was tearful more out of relief because I am at a stage in my life where I feel fairly comfortable in my own skin and happy to do what I can to help solve some of my issues… and for me, the biggest most exhausting side effect isn’t vanity over scarring, but the incontinence. And whilst I am the youngest out of the patients in today’s clinic and one of the only people talking about it, I am not alone in experiencing such issues — not in age, gender, ethnicity, or any other category.

Those in society who pluck up the courage to seek help make up more than five percent of the population.

Incontinence UK estimates that around seven million people in the UK alone experience urinary incontinence (five-10% of the population).

“The fact that many do not even see a Doctor means this proportion could be even higher.

Fewer than half of adults with severe urinary incontinence seek help from healthcare providers. One study found that men would rather admit to sexual impotence than symptoms of incontinence. Women are a little bit more open about the issue, sharing these problems on websites such as Mumsnet and Women’s Health. However, still, only one in five women claim that they seek help for incontinence issues, the rest keep it a secret. We clearly still do need to spread incontinence awareness for both sexes.”

Urinary and fecal incontinence has a detrimental impact on your life, sleep, finances, and bedding, not to mention your confidence.

And whilst talking openly about it feels as uncomfortable as waking up in a wet bed, knowing you have to also deal with the laundry, it is for this reason I have the urge to talk about it, because so many people are suffering in silence and remain housebound until they are older.

Now thanks to the female consultant who not only listened to me but will be taking action to oversee a team of surgeons who’ll be transforming my life one organ at a time.

Regardless of the scars, I know I will feel more confident than ever before.

Read more from me at https://sophiemeilan.co.uk