When it comes to the subject of incontinence, most prefer to treat it like “Bruno” and not talk about it. It’s understandable. It’s a deeply personal condition. Often when someone thinks they may have an issue, they are too embarrassed to discuss it with loved ones or doctors. Many think it’s just part of the aging process and there’s nothing to do about it. The truth is that it’s not a natural part of aging.
Out of shame or embarrassment, people often wait to talk to their doctor about incontinence. On average, women wait over six years before speaking to a healthcare professional about incontinence. Men generally wait four years. Social problems like depression or more serious medical conditions can develop as a result. But there’s no shame in incontinence and whether you have a few occasional leaks or a very unstable bladder, it’s time to talk to your doctor.
There’s Power in Proper Diagnosis
It’s possible to believe all you need to do is buy some incontinence pads or adult diapers and the problem is solved. Not exactly. To successfully treat this condition, you need to be properly diagnosed by a doctor. There are many kinds of incontinence which means there are different ways to treat it. With a doctor’s help, you can determine the contributing factors to your incontinence and work out an effective treatment plan. It’s not just about getting incontinence pads or diapers but getting the right ones with the correct absorbency and fit to meet your needs.
Talk With Your Doctor
As uncomfortable as the conversation might be, it needs to happen. Tell your doctor everything even if it’s just a tiny occasional leak. You know your body. If it’s often enough to give you concern or it disrupts your daily life in some way, you should talk about it. No leak is too little.
Tell your doctor how you are feeling. Be sure to let them know if there is any pain or additional discomfort. Also tell them how you are feeling emotionally as it will contribute to your treatment plan. Your doctor will most likely run tests to determine what kind of incontinence you have and what may be contributing to it.
Help Your Diagnosis
You can contribute to a proper diagnosis by providing a full and accurate medical history including any information about immediate relatives having issues with incontinence. Since it is a sensitive subject, family members may have never discussed it. It may be time for you to break the ice.
Your doctor may ask you to keep a “Bladder Diary” in which you record frequency of bathroom visits, how often you experience leaks, how much liquid you drink, any drugs you take, and other specific information they may request for a set amount of time. You can even start your diary before your appointment.
Sharing this information will help your doctor figure out if you have urge or stress incontinence, an overactive bladder or if it’s something else entirely. Incontinence can even be a sign of other medical conditions.
Get What You Need
Again, while you may think it’s as simple as popping over to the pharmacy and grabbing a pack of adult diapers, it’s best you get the ones best suited for your condition. Once you are properly diagnosed by a doctor, they will provide a prescription or Certificate of Medical Need (CMN) which will ensure what products and supplies are right for your needs can be covered by your eligible insurance plan.
ActivStyle Can Help
Once you have been properly diagnosed, ActivStyle will be your partner in the treatment of your incontinence. We provide comfortable, premium-quality products and supplies shipped in discreet packaging directly to your home. Our helpful product experts can determine your eligibility to receive supplies through our home delivery program and help you select the right products for your needs. We’ll work with your doctor on the required prescription, process the insurance paperwork, and remind you each month when it’s time to reorder.
If you are ready to contact ActivStyle to see if your supplies are covered through Medicaid or other insurance plan, just call us toll-free at 888-280-8632, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM CST.
