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I got this email today. I might have had something to do with it.

To be honest, whatever was supposed to be sent was an attempt to provide support for the cheap crap that they had sent me. Shortly after these were ordered, I got a prescription for MegaMax, which I got changed to MegaMax Lite. The really bad thing is that I can't even donate these, because there is no packaging and they are "underwear." If they were at least regular plastic pants, I could use them for extra odor control. Plus they have no or very little working knowledge of adult diapers and accessories. One of my sisters is a nurse and has worked exclusively in nursing homes and she is stuck using cheap diapers because of rules and regulations. Adam at NorthShore was or is trying to change that.

Geeze. It's like the VA is purposely trying to f##k with us. They send us something that's barely even servicable for what was requested. So we complain and try to get something beyter. Then they send us something even more useless. But not just send us something to test out, they send us dozens or even hundreds the very first time. It's such a massive waste in materials and cost, it wastes our time, and even tests out patience. Gods, I wish there was a better way to get throug to the VA, and make them understand whate we actually need. Or at least for them to understand when we say thin and cheap doesn't work, thrn please don't send us something else thin or cheap.

https://www.medline.com/product/Reusable-Impervious-Adult-Briefs/Z05-PF137899? Um, yeah... OK, I was sent 2 dozen of these. They were sent in a poorly taped closed cardboard box. They were in no packaging. There is no label on the whatever it is. No care instructions included. I have no idea if bleach can be used, if they can be tossed in a dryer, or any laundering instructions. I'm not sure if they are even the right size. I emailed the company that they came from complaining. I sent a message to the pharmacist about the company. I was expecting something more like this https://www.medline.com/ce/product/DMI-Protective-Underwear/Z05-PF299302?sku=MDPMBH6070001923 Crappy plasticish panties.

I hope you can get your issues resolved.

Yes, some glues are going to be better than others. But the problem is if they make the glue strong enough to hold during an erection and also hold against pressurized pee, then it will also be too strong to remove easily enough. It helps greatly if you shave off any hairs on your shaft beforehand, but even that only goes so far. They shouldn't fail too often, but they will fail and once is too much when it's catastrophic. It's just one of those live and learn things with external catheters. Because once you've lived through them failing that badly, you'll learn.

That's good to hear. I've emailed my senator a few times. Hus assistant seems to have dropped my requeat and hasn't done anything beyond an initial requeat to the VA. She got a brush-off from them and apparently hasn't tried again since. Though I was able to find the contact info for a VA inspector general at .1-800-488-8244. For reporting mishandling of information malepractices and lack of care. We had a nice chat about them loosing my service records and the pharmacy dictating what the doctor can and cannot provide to me. So hopefully that will go somewhere.

Thank you for the info on this. My only hope is maybe they've improved or some brands are better than others. Same to what you get with diapers I suppose. What you've described is something I thought about, but thought it would be fine if sized right. I would probably wear some sort of padding with them to build up trust, I certainly wouldn't try them out the first few times with normal underwear. If they're free, I'll give them a go, maybe.

I forgot to update this one. Thanks to Adam at NorthShore, I was able to get the Pharmacist the info she needed. Now as soon as NorthShore sends them to the VA, and the VA sends them to me, I'll be getting some NorthShore diapers every month. At least until March next year, when the VA changes to some new system. On the other hand, my Senator is apparently going to bring this up somewhere, probably the Veterans Affairs Committee. Here's hoping for some changes.

Unfortunately I do have experience with external condom catheters. They are pretty good- at first. They are comfortable to wear, but only until you get a few normal size changes. Not even an erection, just enough to try and stretch the latex and/or your own skin. And yeah, get an erection and the latex stretching with the glue trying to keep everything tight can get prerty bad. Made worse when the glue starts pulling and coming loose. After a few times of size changes, the glue holding it on will become weak. Add in any sudden peeing urges, and there will be enough pressure to make the catheter pop loose or even fully detach. And when that happens it's not just a small urine leak escaping, it's everything you're producing AND everything in the collection bag too. You will have to deal with a catastrophic leak. Not just a puddle either, a small pond. And Murphy's law usually dictates it will happen in a public place at the worst possible time. Even with any complicatikns or failures, there's also the catheter tubing and collection bag. And just like with indwelling foley catheters, the tubing sometimes kinks and backs things up, or sometimes can even snag on something when showering or dressing. And those collection bags never stay in place very well. With them migrating or sagging with the heavier they get. I found an elastic leg bag sack holder works way better than the usual elastic belts, but only to a point. You're certainly welcome to give condom catheters a try, but honestly I'd recommend you skip them entirely. Diapers are much easier to keep hidden, are less noticable, and have far fewer catastrophic leaks.

At least it sounds like your pharmace is actually trying to get you the duapers. My VA pharmacy seems to have gone into a full denial of goods inngeneral. I'm probably gonna have to appeal their decision to an appeals judge or something. It's crazy how inconsistent the VA is just based on a veteran's location alone.

It's possible that I may be able to get external catheters through my Doctors'. I don't think they would be suitable to every situation, such as running or long walks (depending on how much the leg bag holds), so I would still need to use Diapers at times. It seems though it could be great to have when I am at home, perhaps more convenient and save me money as well. Does anyone have experience with external Catheters? I've noticed they're generally not a preference, and am wondering if there a particular reason for that which I haven't already noted. Thanks all!

I heard back from the Head of the local VA Pharmacy, who is still trying to get me some NorthShore diapers. It seems that NorthShore isn't NorthShore for Federal Government concerns. She believes that she will be able to get them eventually, but the VA is currently in the process of changing to a new electronic record system and that will most likely end her ability to direct order them from NorthShore. On the other hand she is sending me some sort of diaper cover.

Ah right! None of them quite go up around my waist, but I'm tried a few things and am happy with the fit I have. I know when I need to change them to avoid leaks, so all good. That's a good idea, a Tena Ultima is fine unless it starts to fill up too much. They do a Plus as well though, which might be better, as there's less padding between the legs, and therefore harder to accidentally cause leaks. I was just using Tena Pull-ups for it, but they're more expensive overall. Thanks!

Aye, that's what I figure out too, I'd love to use Megamax and do less changes, but need more funds for that. I have used large capacity ones like them before and find I usually need 3 a day, so would be 7.50 per day. The new ones I got at 15 for £10, so 0.66 each, they say they hold more a bit more than Tena. Just trying them out today, hopefully they do a good job. Othewise Tena have been a solid choice. I'm seeing what I can get on prescription though, and might have an external catheter and leg bag to wear most of the time instead anyway, will see how it all goes. I'll probably use diapers for when I'm more active, but it'll save money overall.

I can see how a lot of people would like a color that fades from peoples minds. Realistically though, if you want a truly stealthy color, then it needs to match the color of your pants. Grey pants are a thing, so this still works. But when you consider possible leaks, grey is NOT your friend. Black and dark blue are. Still, kudos for Sunkiss on giving people the option.

I think I would prefer a medium blue or red. Grey just makes me think of dirty dingy water.

I like it! Or at least the idea of it as I haven't gotten to see one IRL yet. But I love the idea of a neutral, natural color that isn't flashy or bright like all-white, or pink or other attention-grabbing colors. If a little strip og grey poked out of your pant it's not as obvious what it is.

I also filled it out. And my biggest advice is this. A thick diaper that has done its job is way less noticable (and less stressful) than a thin one that has leaked. Meaning, it's not enough just to use a proper diaper for urinary (and bowel) incontinence. You need to use a diaper that is thick enough to not leak. And the "expensive" diapers tend to need fewer changes too, so they can actually cost less than "cheaper" diapers. AND they have better acquisition and holding so you actually feel less wet and have healthier skin. And did I mention needing fewer changes, with less leaks?

Generally speaking, a diaper will work better if they extend up to your actual waist line (near your belly button). Having a large gut might make that unrealistic for some people though. And if you're not leaking now, don't worry about it. Very high activity or movement, like with running, is going to be hard for any diaper out there. And there is no one diaper out there that works for everyone. But you may actually want to consider a thinner and more flexible diaper or even a pullup for just while you're running. They won't last more than an hour, but that's usually all you'd need them for. And, having to change after usually works out well with needing to take a shower and get into a clean diaper afterwards. A word of warning though, don't go too cheap on the workout/running diaper. You do still need them to last long enough after all.

Ah, but you need less cost per day, not less cost per diaper. As an example, if you could find a diaper that cost 2x more, but also last 2x longer, then the "more expensive" diaper would actually cost you the exact same amount. But the real reason to use the more expensive diaper is because they leak less, cause fewer rashes, and need changing less. So right now your Tena costs about 0.72 each. At 5x per day, you're spending 3.57 per day. And the Megamax cost 2.50 each. You wouldn't need more than 2 per day, so they would cost you 5.00 per day. Meaning the better deal for you is to keep using the Tena. I don't know about the other ones you mentioned, but if you only need 3 of them per day, at 1.50 each then you'd be saving a very small amount of money. Possibly more worth it if they function better and leak less. Maybe worth trying them at least.

Hi all, I've got some questions about good fit. I've been using Tena Ultima Slips so far. They seem pretty good. Leaks are very rare. The tapes are good enough, though if I use a booster I do also add duct tape due to the swelling. They are also very practical for every day use - walks, runs etc. I do have some questions/concerns though. They don't have the highest rise and usually sit just below my belly, it is generally better for security if they do up around the waist? I've not had an leaks yet, but need to be conscious of if my issue gets worse. I went for a run in a diaper that was a quite full, when I started running it started leaking between the legs, is that something that should be an issue, or something to be expected? The other is when my diaper starts to fill up at the back about 1/3 of the way, it does leak out the sides when I sit down, is that to be expected? Thanks all!

I will when they're back in stock I think. Atm I don't have the funds to use them full time though, even if I wanted to. Boosters are about £3 for 30, so 10p each but does add up. Honestly if I can get the right product and not need boosters that would be great, they make the process of changing more time consuming and I don't find them as comfortable. These are the ones I'm looking to try out (but the highest absorbancy), which will hopefully mean I don't need boosters. https://www.ageukincontinence.co.uk/incontinence-shop/disposable-incontinence-products/adult-nappies/vivactive-slip-ultimate-medium-4450ml-15-pack.html

I would try the BetterDry, either samples or one package at least. Don't forget to add in the cost of the boosters.

Thanks, the ones I have atm are 71p each and I use about 4 a day, they are good quality too. Issue is I need a booster usually twice a day as well. I found ones that are cheaper at 66p each and have good reviews, which hold the same amount as the ones I have with a booster roughly. £1 each would save me money if I only need 3, but I haven't been able to find any which match that price point, most which hold more are over twice the price from what I've been able to find so far. Megamax are £2.50 each here, which is too much. Better Dry are about £1.50 each but I might need 4 a day, I might try them. Tbh I might stick to the ones I've got for the most part, but get something high capacity just for the mornings, as I am an active person. I don't really know what works best for me yet.