The Embarrassing Problem Of Incontinence


by Michael Russell - Date: 2006-12-31 - Word Count: 522 Share This!

Incontinence can be bowel incontinence or urinary incontinence. It can be a very difficult condition to cope with and sometimes an embarrassing condition as there is no warning when it occurs. Many people very naturally feel they must not let anyone find out they have it and usually are devastated by the fact that they will not be able to lead a normal life. It could completely change a person as their lives generally revolve around it; it affects their self-confidence and they also find it difficult to socialize. However, the best approach would be to confront and deal with the problems of loss, uncertainty and control and the quicker the patient realizes that the problem is not going to go away the better the individual will be able to cope with the situation.

Points that should be kept in mind about incontinence:

If you suffer from incontinence you should first consult your physician who will then probably put you on to a physician who specializes in this field, in order that the type of incontinence can be established.

Once you consult your specialist, he will then ask you about your medical history and the symptoms. For example, the pattern in which the leakage of urine takes place, recent illnesses and surgery, types of medication you are under and other symptoms will indicate the type of incontinence that you have. From a person's medical history, even if the problem cannot be diagnosed the possible tests needed to be carried out could be assessed.

The specialist will also do an examination for any possible tumors which could obstruct the urinary tract resulting in incontinence, also sensations and poor reflexes could be nerve related reasons.

Tests for improper bladder muscle function will also be carried out. This includes measuring left over urine and the bladder volume. This test is carried out by the patient drinking plenty of liquids and then urinating into a measuring utensil and then the remaining urine in the bladder is measured.

Some of the other tests that may be carried out are urine analysis in which the urine is analyzed to see if there is any urine infection or stones present , then blood tests carried out to see if there are any substances present that might be the cause of the incontinence, an Ultra Sound scan to scan the urethra, bladder and kidneys to see if there are any abnormalities, Urodynamics which are various procedures used to measure the flow of urine and the bladder pressure, stress test; here the patient will be asked to cough in order to see if there is any urine loss and cystoscopy where the insides of the bladder and urethra are observed by inserting a tiny probe with a camera.

Your doctor or specialist might suggest you maintain a diary for about a week or so in order to maintain a record of when you void. He will also require you to note down the time you pass urine and also the volume of urine passed. These days there are special pans, which can be fitted over the rim of the toilet, which are used to measure the volume of urine.


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