Incontinence!
Fri, April 20, 2012 10:39 AM
Incontinence is probably one of the most dreadful symptoms of Crohn's you could possibly have. It makes you feel insufficient, worthless, incapacitated. Your already ailing body taking a more emotionally/socially hurtful turn! However, rather than dwelling in those negative, cynical feelings, why not try to do something about it?
This came to my attention this morning. On the news, I read that a 6 year old girl was asked to use the bathroom before taking a test, however, she didn't need to go until the exam had started and asked to use the bathroom but her teacher wouldn't let her. So as anyone, with or without Crohn's, she wasn't able to hold it in and was forced to sit in it until the exam was over (~15 minutes), then her mother was called (+ another 20 minutes). Also, she was offered a garbage bag to tie around her waste.
Here's the article: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/19/missouri-kindergartener-forced-to-sit-in-her-diarrhea/
When I became incontinent, I was in university at this time, and even though I had some time-sensitive priorities, I managed well. Being prepared with plastic bags and extra underwear just in case is extremely helpful, but can only go so far to protect your self-esteem.
What about people who work in food service? Or 10-12 hour workdays? Or in a store with no bathroom (for some reason, the pharmacies I go to are often like this)? Or students in kindergarten through grade 12? Or employees who work in malls that have to swiftly exit the store they work in and make it to the bathroom located at either end of the mall? Honestly, I find it hard enough to even shop at those giant malls, let alone work there.
Truly, I don't know what it's like to be belittled because of incontinence (like the 6 year old kindergartner probably was). And when your job is at stake because of something beyond your control. Does anyone have any useful advice for people with incontinence? Or similar issues?
macrophagesJoined Apr 14, 2012
Mon, April 30, 2012 4:00 PM
Reply posted for HabsFan.
Incontinence is something that everyone with Crohn's, IBD, etc just has to learn to cope with. And at least we have these kinds of forums that can let us talk about our bowel movements without attracting funny looks ;) I know that incontinence can be provoked by a variety of circumstances. This poor soul had it triggered by a daily bus ride to work: https://www.healthtap.com/user_questions/106292-i-ve-been-diagnosed-with-ibs-and-every-time-i-ride-the-bus-to-work-i-feel-the-urge-to-go-can-this-be-related-to-the-ibs.
bharris52Joined Apr 15, 2012
Mon, April 23, 2012 11:30 AM
Reply posted for macrophages.
I am fortunate and found a med that helped me with some of this issue. I do have a niece who went through this embarrassment a long time ago in school and remember her trauma for the rest of that school year. I know I have had an accident or two, but always had that gym bag ready to help out. The only hard part is not explaining why you changed clothes in the middle of a work day - I always blamed on I spilled something (I would rather be known as a clutz!)
Extra clothes and being prepared are the only ways to handle it I found. With my latest med, the issue is almost gone. I forgot to take it yesterday and had to worry all night while tending bar. I had a few times of taking the register key and running off. Fortunately, I was in a place that it was not a big issue.
Joined Jan 9, 2012
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