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This post thoughtfully addresses an issue that many of us deal with. However, I am surprised that you would refer to these "absorbent products" as "diapers". As an active 63 year old male with on-going bladder leakage due to detrusor instability after prostate surgery I am trying hard to maintain my dignity while using "guards" inside my special underpants or "Super-plus underwear" or sometimes "fitted maximum protection". I find the term "diaper" rather demeaning and inappropriate as applied to adult products.
Hi Revlis - great question about using the term "diapers". I agree with you 100% that the term can add to the stigma and embarrassment. Until recently, I only would use the phrase "absorbent products" (if you look back at my older shareposts, you will see this). However, when people search online they often use the word "diaper", so they wouldn't always find my posts since the words didn't match. Now I try whenever possible to say absorbent products alongside the word diaper, only so that the millions of individuals out there looking for help in cyberworld will be able to find it.
I have to disagree. I've been wearing diapers constantly since I was 19 years old. I am now 31. I understand the stigma that has been placed on people that use diapers to aid in managing their incontinence. I have written several articles regarding this stigma and still continue to strive for the acceptance of diapers. While most people would rather call them absorbent products or briefs I call them diapers. After all they are DIAPERS!!! I mean if we continue to hide behind names and live our lives in a world of fear then it will never be overcome. The STIGMA will prevail. Everyone who knows me knows I wear them. That includes close friends, friends on facebook, my family and my co-workers and boss. I used to live in shame for about 2 years in the beginning. I stayed depressed. I have made the choice not to hide in shame. I have overcome society's atrocious opinion of adults and diapers. The sooner people start to respect themselves enough to realize they have only one life to live happily the sooner they will stop hiding in the shadows. I encourage everyone else to stand up for themselves, their happiness and peace of mind!!!
Both my sister and I have suffered with enuresis for our entire lives. We feel fortunate that our incontinence is only nocturnal, and have great empathy for those that have to cope on a full time basis. Diapers allow me to enjoy a good nights rest, and in the morning not having to face a wet nightgown and bedding. Since effective supplies are so widely available today, it seems to me that the comfort and sanitary protection provided is the practical solution to enuresis.
As to the comment regarding the term "diapers," I also believe a better word for this item would improve the stigma associated with the product. However, most everyone I have encountered from both the medical community and the incontinence product suppliers refer to them as diapers. Both my sister and I have always referred to our night time underwear as "diapers" so it truly doen't offend us.
After an injury or trama, I was left with internal scaring around my bladder muscles and tearing of the tissues also in this area. Needless to say I cannot control my wetting much at all. The alternatives of surgery and the thought of having tubes running out of my body was unappealing to say the least. The best solution for me was to use diapers. I don't think there is anything wrong with my choice and I haven't change my normal routines because I wear diapers. I am still very active. The only side affects I have ever really had by my use of diapers is an occasional skin irritation and on a couple occations a minor infection treated by antibiotics. I believe I made the right choice.
My Mom started using diapers last month and she has been so much happier! Since then I have been researching other products to help manage incontinence. I have found some really great products on www.incontinencesource.com that have really helped her quality of life.
I think the term "adult diapers" works reasonably well as a broad categorical term that encompasses a wide range of commercial products labelled variously as liners, pads, pull-ups, panty liners, briefs (belted or beltless), inserts, etc.
It would seem the term "diaper" (whether cloth or disposable) often specifically indicates an undergarment that wraps all the way around for maximum protection. But sometimes a person's needs may involve something more slim and trim that can be changed more quickly underneath the regular clothing while on the go, etc.
So I think if you are incontinent it's important to understand what (albeit confusing) terminology the medical marketplaces uses so that you don't end up paying too much for protection that is bulkier and much more than then you need, or, conversely, inadequately sized for the comfort and absorbency level to be of help to you.
I understand the label confusion with regard to liners, pads, and panty liners. In the case of heavy incontinence, "fitted briefs" are clearly diapers. If it looks like a diaper, feels like a diaper, and is used like a diaper - it is a diaper. I think (or at least hope) that the use of the word diaper by the incontinence community should reduce the stigma.
i have ben in diapers for 35 years now and i still cant get it right i wear them 24 7 s have not used underware for that long im so used to wearind=g diapers now that its a daily thing to change befor i go out should i use a light waite diaper or a heavy duty that i dont have to change for a good wile i still wounder if peaple can se my diapers im allways puting my hand on my but to se if my diaper is buldging
I've lived with bladder control issues off and on for most of my life, and my current active life would not be possible without the high quality absorbent products/diapers that are now available. My hyper-reflexive bladder, brought on by a benign tumor/cyst on my lower spine (cauda equina) not only led to urge incontinence, but kidney reflux as well. The subsequent treatment, while saving my kidneys, has left me bladder incontinent and in diapers 24/7.
I used diapers to help manage my symptoms while being treated, and afterwards as a result of my treatment. Diapers were never used instead of medical treatment, but rather part of my treatment.
Before you buy an adult diaper or brief, you should request a free sample of it. This will keep you from buying a case of diapers that don't fit or absorb well.
Dependon Briefs at http://www.dependonbriefs.com offers free samples, as well as free shipping, so you save alot more buying online this way.
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This is a thought-provoking post. For me, I guess it depends on whether the root cause of the incontinence can really be cured. For many people, medications or other treatment may eliminate the need for protection. For myself (with nerve ending issues linked to urge incontinence), I still needed diapers with every medication I tried. In fact, one side effect (dry mouth) made me drink more fluids.
As an analogy, it depends on whether a person's incontinence is like an ulcer, or poor vision. If the cause of incontinence is similar to an ulcer, diapers will only be required until the ulcer is healed. If the cause of incontinence is similar to poor vision, diapers may be required for many years.
Hi Graig that was a great post,and I agree with you if incontinence can be curied thats great but in my case with bph surgery are meds are the only thang aviable so will pass unless the need gets worse don't like the side effects.