i have both forms of incontinence and have tried everything including herbs. Is there more?
I have seen many doctors and they have performed all of the appropriate tests. I have even tried herbs. Some treatments work for a short period of time and then it is back to the same old thing. The doctors tell me the only thing left is surgery. I find it nearly impossible to catherize myself and don't know how I would handle the after effects of surgery. I am 66 and am not ready to become a recluse because of this problem. I wet the bed 6-8 times a night. Is there something I haven't tried?
There are many types of incontinence, so I'm not sure exactly which two you have. The most common types are urge incontinence (feeling a sudden, intense, and frequent urge to urinate, followed by leakage of urine before you can make it to the toilet), and stress incontinence (leaking urine when you cough, laugh, sneeze, etc.). If you have both of these types it is called mixed incontinence. (Actually, you can have a "mixed incontinence" of other types of incontinence too, but usually the term mixed incontinence refers to having urge and stress incontinence).
If you have mixed incontinence of both stress and urge, the main key is that you need to receive treatment for BOTH stress and urge incontinence. It's kind of like having a broken arm and a broken leg at the same time - you have to treat both or it doesn't matter how good the treatment is for one, the other will still be broken.
Treatments for stress incontinence include trying exercises, electrical stimulation, biofeedback, wearing a pessary, or having surgery. Surgery is the most "extreme" treatment, but many people find that it isn't too big of a deal and they say they bounce back pretty quickly.
Treatments for urge incontinence include trying an elimination diet, bladder retraining, medications, or off-label use of botox.
Having mixed incontinence can be very challenging, because it's so hard to find a combination of treatments that works. Hang in there, and keep trying!
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You don't mention if you have.. or have even tried.. the adult absorbent products.. most of us have 'been there done that' .. wet beds and wet bedding.. the laundry and the work.. up and down all night.. and finally 'give in' and use the many products available to all of us.. I will not do surgery.. I will not take drugs.. I do not want the side effects.. period.. good luck.. you are not alone believe me.. just look at the products to assist us that are so readily available in every drug store, super market, Wal-Mart, mail order catalogues..
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