Slomo

An interesting show to say the least. Very interesting a lot of their pullups are designed as incognito outer wear too. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye3dtN1NQ1k

I just talked to the floor manager/advocate. Apparently their hospital network, Ascention, has a new policy for incontinent patients. They have implemented a "minimal layers" approach. Which favors having absolutely nothing against the skin, and letting an absorbent bed mat absorb the urine. Another option they have is to use a condom catheter. Though as most of us know, they are not reliable and come with enough problems of their own. I showed my diaper to her (Betterdry), and explained the necessity of a non-absorbent acquisition layer, Thicker padding that can wick urine away, and SAP that locks wetness away. I also explained the cost and time savings with using better diapers. And lastly asked her pass it along to the higher ups and to at least push for a trial run to better test them on other patients. Hopefully that will be the start of better patient care, but in the mean time everyone will need to bring their own diapers.

It seems like my surgery went about as expected. I'm already in a room, trying to manage the pain. And go figure, I'm on a "no diapers" floor. The nurse wanted to do just chux pads but I told her no way in heck that is happening. I'm so glad I brought my own diapers and insisted I will be using them. I'll need to talk to a patient advocate about the no diapers policy too. That's borderline discrimination against my medical disability. Not to mention incredibly undignified.

Resurrecting my old thread. Almost 2 years and I'm now headed for another hospital stay. Oddly, for the same right knee joint replacement (the old one needs a revision due to failed ligaments). Being urinary incontinent I'll be in a diaper the entire time. I already know they won't have half-decent diapers to provide for me, so I'm bringing my own Betterdry diapers with me.

Bummer. Yeah, that's been my experience too. I can get them, but they're all so cheap I'd rather buy my own. I'm still hoping someone out there has managed to get half-decent diapers from the east coast VA. Anyone?

Awesome, and what brand were you able to get? Something at least like Molicare or Seni? And dare I hope it's Megamax or Betterdry?

Just to confirm, you're on the east coast correct? And you are talking about having better diaper than the useless crap, correct? I do know the west coast va has a different contract/supplier, which allows for special or drop orders. No such luck on the east coast, where I can get diapers, but they're all useless.

Just bumping this thread as I'm still hoping someone out there has a tip or trick to get decent diapers through the east coast VA. Heck, I'd be willing to hold my breath till I get them- if I thought it would work.

Sudocreme is mostly zinc, lanolin and benzoyl alcohol. Which is good for absorbing into the skin to heal damage. It looks like the midline is predominantly Silicone and other extracts. Which actually makes it an ointment that is good for forming a protective barrier, which protects from additional damage. Using any cream first, followed by an ointment, is a proven way to heal rashes extremely well.

I've got to admit, this isn't overly expensive, and is the first one I've seen that differentiates wetness level too. Interesting they don't tell you how much the single-use strips cost though.

There is 1 or 2 of them, but from what I recall they are fairly expensive, must be paired with a smartphone via an app, and are no good for indicating how wet you are (only if you are or not). Which means they aren't any good for telling you when you should change either. They're really intended for institutions with the mentally disabled or physically incapacitated. I personally wouldn't bother with them if I were you. I find a quick and discrete pinch to the seat of your diaper is a good way to tell how wet you are and how long before you'll need to change. It's just a matter of making it a habit, which would be hindered if you're also using a sensor. If your real worry is leaks then you'll be better off using a decent diaper (never ever use anything store bought unless you have minor or occasion stress leaks). I personally recommend Betterdry (or Crinklz of you want fun prints), which is cheaper than Depends on a per-day basis, and way more reliable/comfortable. Everyone is different though, so expect you'll need to test out a few different brands before you'll find the right one. And with any diaper, pair it with a Gary Activewear PUL pant. They are real savers for discretness and containing leaks while helping you to notice them right away. Lastly, make sure to read up on the other threads here. They are packed with excellent tips, tricks, and lessons learned.

I'm sure you already know it's important to dry your skin out. I recommend at least once daily to ward off rashes. I've found laying on my bed under the ceiling fan can accomplish this in under 5 minutes. For really short stints, like lying in bed for 5 min, a baby diaper works great for absorbing dribbles. Just wrap it over your...member, and you're good. It also works great for in/out of a shower, in between changes, and as a booster for when your diaper needs an extra hour or two of capacity. Though I recommend removing the tabs for added comfort when using them as a booster (it's incredibly easy to remove them too). Ps. I've found they have the absolute best absorbency per price compared to any other booster too.

Resurrecting my old thread. My right knee has failed again, and it's back to hurting with instability. I've been following up with my old surgeon and he referred me to another specialist that does revisions. This one is going to rip out my old knee and put in an upgrade. I'm already scheduled for it in July, and of course will be bringing my own diapers with me.

Been there, done that. 1 being no control through 10 being full control, right? Look at it like this. Out of every 10 days, how many days do you have even minor bowel problems. That number is your 1-10.

Ha, them and every other penny-pincher that says which diapers will be supplied for which organization.

I've already talked to my primary doctor at the VA (she'sbeen there a while), and made a complaint about the lack of quality diapers with a social worker there too. It just doesn't seem to be possible to get anything decent through them.

For EAST coast veterans. Has anyone ever gotten decent diapers from the VA? And if so, how? I've tried a few times over the years, but have always been told I can only get what their pharmacy dispenses. I can get them easy enough, but what they have is all medical-grade crap you can't pay me to use. Please note. I am aware the WEST coast VA does allow for drop shipping via outside vendors. Unfortunately that is under a different contract, so it does me no good.

Adding to this. It seems to me all the major manufacturers of high capacity diapers are just re-hashes to the same old design. First it was a cloth-like outer layer, then more different prints, and then positional printing. And none of these "improvements" have changed the core functionality or fit. Why don't manufacturers want to stand out? To be know for having a great fit? And not just for a thicker high capacity or yet another print?

Does anyone else remember the old 6-tapes Depends or Attends? Their absorption was mediocre, but they always fit me perfectly. I never remember them sagging when wet, chaffing/rubbing too much, or comming loose. And they wouldn't leak untill thoroughly wet and/or I flooded them. So that got me wondering. With so many high capacity, and now super high capacity, diapers out there. Why don't any of them have a 6-tape design? One of their major flaws is they sag horribly when they get wet enough. And of course leak long before reaching even 1/3 of their rated capacity. So, wouldn't it just make sense their next improvement should be the addition of those tapes?

I was given an easy strengthening excercise, one you can do anywhere. Just clench you sphincter muscle as tight as you can, and hold it for 30 seconds. It's surprisingly harder than it sounds, and quite effective too.

That's good. I personally didn't find it uncomfortable at all. Was anything immediately noticable to you? Sometimes you don't really have to wait for the results to have a good idea of it.

Well it sounds like you're doing all the basic stuff right. Using better performing diapers that have a good acquisition layer and SAP. And also using wipes and barrier cream too. How often do you shower too? And how long have you had it? And lastly, have you considered it's not a rash, but a fungal infection instead? If not, go to the pharmacy and get some spray/cream for jock itch or athletes foot. Like Dr.Schols, lotramin, zeasorb, or even a store brand. If it doesn't start to noticably clear up in a couple of days with that, then it's time to see the doctor.

HA, that sounds more like she was talking about some new medication.

Not as contradicting as you think. Yeah she is advocating for the test, and yeah you're not going to like it. Both are true. In my experience, it's better to just go through with it. Because if you don't then the doctor will get hung up on not having the results. And then your treatment and diagnosis will stagnate.

I have, but your exact underlying condition will affect how well the botox will work (or not). What is your diagnosis, and what exactly is your urologist trying to treat for? For me, I had severe urge incontinence and neurogenic sphincters (both internal and external). Basically, I'd get a sudden and painful need to pee but when I tried to relax to go my sphincters would clamp shut instead. Resulting in my having to push and strain against much pain, for even a weak stream. So my urologist first tried botox in my bladder wall to try and reduce my urges and give me time to pee. It did greatly reduce my urges, but deadened my bladder muscles so much I had an even harder time straining to go. I ended up catheterized for 3 months before it wore off. A second round of botox was then used on my external sphincter. Except that one made my sphincter even less responsive to my urges, so once again I was catheterized for another 3 months. Ultimately, my solution was a series of sphincterotomy surgeries. Each surgery opened up one of my muscles just a little more. It took 3 to blow away my external muscle and permanently open it up. And at least 3 more for the same to my internal sphincter. Plus a bunch more for strictures that formed from all the sphincterotomies. Which also ended up including surgeries for removing my prostrate and an inch of my urethra to really remove the strictures. 15 surgeries in total, over a year and a half! But hey, I now constantly drip pee without any urges, straining or pain. Don't let me dissuade you from botox though. I've heard plenty of success stories with it. It normally does fairly good to reduce urges, and/or to make it easier to pee. Though do take note, it often will not be a complete fix and only helps to reduce symptoms. It only works for about 3 months, so repeat treatments will be needed. And the body adapts to botox, so each treatment will be less effective than the last. Try it, but consider it a short term solution. And even if it does work, keep searching for a long term solution.