When You Know You Will Be Leaving the Hospital In a Diaper
Diapers or absorbent pads can be a temporary response to incontinence when you leave the hospital. If you have been told you may need a solution to help manage insentience prior to an operation or trip to the hospital it may be easier to explore your options now instead of trying to do it after you are discharged home with a pack of diapers. Here’s what you need to know if you will be leaving the hospital in a diaper.
There are a number of solutions available today and here are some of the options:
When You Know You Will Be Leaving the Hospital In a Diaper
Pack ahead
To be sure you will have the brand and size you feel comfortable with have your own products when you arrive at the hospital. Always have more than you think you’ll need on hand. Pack a change of clothes as well as some standard personal care products, too. Remove a wet diaper or internal catheter as soon as you can to prevent skin irritation or infection.
Adjust your diet
Concentrated urine has a very strong smell. Drink plenty of water to dilute your urine and reduce odor. Avoid foods like garlic and asparagus as these also give urine a strong odor. Ask your doctor if vitamin C or deodorizing tablets are appropriate for you. Both can lessen the smell of urine. Skip citrus foods though, they can irritate the bladder and exacerbate incontinence.
Empty your bladder
Try to empty your bladder before leaving the hospital. Particularly if you are managing overflow incontinence you may want to try double voiding. To do this urinate, wait several seconds then stand up and/or change positions and try to urinate again. You can try leaning forward, pressing on your stomach or even running the water. Try to relax and be patient. Head to the bathroom at least once every two hours.
Be mindful of your seat
Your body is making a lot of adjustments. You may need to be extra careful until you know what to expect. Minimize leaks and accidents on cloth seats in the car and at home by planning proactively. Take rest stop breaks if you live more than an hour from the hospital (and mobility isn’t an issue). You may also want to use a seat protector.
Let yourself acknowledge any awkward feelings
It’s great to be going home. Embarrassment and anxiety about managing your incontinence at home may rob you of some of the joy you would ordinarily feel on reuniting with loved ones and heading home. Try to stay focused on the big picture. Incontinence often improves, and there are management products other than diapers you may be able to use. Visit our home page to learn more about staying dry 24/7, with our discreet, non-invasive male external catheter.