I had to call the nursing staff for assistance with my incontinence and I dreaded what would be said when a nurse arrived because my roommate would likely overhear the conversation. Having the lady in the other bed overhear actually became one of the best things that happened.

This young gal of about half my age was also incontinent due to an injury from a bicycle accident as a child. It turned out that she had all kinds of questions concerning how to deal with being incontinent. As we talked over the next couple of days we both shared some of our ideas.

We chatted about the convenience of bagging one change of absorbent undergarments and supplies in a quart-sized food bag. When the change was complete, the bag could be reused for disposing of the used product. Another secret we exchanged was to carry something disposable, such as old newspaper, to lie on the floor of a public restroom stall when changing clothes. That prevented having to stand directly on the floor in stocking feet. Newspaper was also easily disposed of with the used product when done.

While comparing notes on which absorbent products worked best in various situations, we agreed that the same product is not always the best solution for every situation. Each of us felt that having absorbent products available was truly a blessing in disguise. We wondered how people coped with incontinence before they were invented.

Luckily, we were released from the hospital on the same day. The next roommate might not have understood the various issues that affect a person who lives daily with incontinence.

Until next time,