Embarrassing

[Libs66]

This weekend gone went out with husband and had a short walk round shops after a light lunch. On way back to car park I suddenly needed to go to the toilet which was not nearby. To my embarrassment I could not control it. I had to buy new clothes etc. I read a recent comment from someone that they had this problem and wondered is this Pred? Needless to say even though I was with husband I was very embarrassed.

[SnazzyD]

oh dear, what a cringe. Um, was it #1 or #2? It’s a bit difficult to reply without knowing which plumbing department let you down.

[Yellowbluebell in reply to SnazzyD]

Must admit i just assumed it was waterworks!

[Libs66 in reply to SnazzyD]

Fraud to say it was both!

[SnazzyD in reply to Libs66]

Ooh, that’s not fair. Did you get tummy gripes first? Are your intestines normally ok? Was it like a full upset tummy or a slight hatchway failure? Just wondering if it was a full purge or a leak, big difference. I found my pelvic floor tone became quite feeble but with pelvic floor exercises and reducing dose it largely recovered.

[Libs66 in reply to SnazzyD]

Yes I think I could do with pelvic muscle exercises as have noticed it seems to be harder holding on Evan a wee!

[Yellowbluebell]

Although i havnt actually wet myself i have been very close. Since being on pred not only do i need the toilet more often it does seem more urgent. Add in the slow waddle, getting to the toilet on time does seem like some sort of weird adventure. I personally wouldnt worry if it was just this one time but if it happened again i would maybe see your gp to rule out infections etc. I am sure others will be along shortly with more advicex

[PMRpro Ambassador]

How unpleasant for you - it happened to me once while on holiday. I just managed to hold on - there was a toilet but there was a queue! - and I wasn't in too much of a mess. I rather assumed that was something I'd eaten but can't be sure, once "cleared out" it was OK.

What other medications are you on besides pred? And have you been OK since?

[SheffieldJane]

Like others, I have noticed a weakness in the pelvic floor muscles along with other muscles after almost 4 years of steroid use. I am also the mother of 3 and had one very difficult birth. I would advocate pelvic floor exercises too and talking to my GP. I think this problem can give rise to infection as well and I was prescribed oestrogen cream to apply, to improve muscle tone, which it did. Good luck, sorry you had this embarrassing experience. You aren’t alone.

[Constance13]

With me it's age! I use sanitary towels when I go out for a long time - or slips).

[Hidden]

Hi libs66, I have issues with both and have HD a few incidents. Invest in becoming a tena lady. That gi es you a bit of confidence. I make sure I practice stopping my stream 2 or three times on the loo and that has helped. Twice in last 3 weeks I have sneezed in bed and did the double. Have had to change eveythng and shower. I do have additional things going on in terms of nerve damage. If it happens again please see your Dr to see if they can help. It is a bit embarrassing when you do it outdoors but tena should help urine issues. Good luck., 🌻

[Devoid in reply to Hidden]

It’s not advised to stop flow, will lead to uti , very outdated advice

[Hidden in reply to Devoid]

Infection free since 03....lots of thrush but no uti that I have noticed or had treat for. Double voidi g prob helps too.

[jinasc]

PMR= muscles problems. That really means all muscles even the little ones that are at the root of every hair.

Poopadopp and Tena Lady = equals piece of mind when out.

[Rosbud]

I swear by Tena Ladies , prior to PMR if had A sling fitted and was doing fine , now find I'm struggling to some extent , you may find it useful to buy both types of Tena , lights are great for daytime and they do A night time one X

[HeronNS]

Diet can cause the #2 problem. I find I can't really eat kidney beans any more. Which eliminates approximately 50% of the recipes hubby cooks.

[Marcy47]

I have had a problem with holding on to wee for some time. Mother of 2. My Dr prescribed Vagifem pessaries (HRT) twice a week, and told me to do Pelvic Floor exercises. I should avoid caffeine, citrus juices and alcohol. The exercises do improve things and then I forget to do them and back it comes again! I should have shares in Tena products, I couldn't manage without them.

[Cross-stitcher]

I have always been surprised by how many women suffer from "urgency" or "leaking" and just resort to the expense of Tena products. We spend time and money on yoga and pilates, swimming and gym sessions, but forget that the pelvic floor needs exercising just as regularly as we brush our teeth. My mother, bless her, taught me this and she had six children, all vaginal deliveries, multiple other health issues, but never suffered incontinence or needed Tena until her 90's. I do the exercises almost automatically, while watching TV or typing an email or even driving the car and stopped at traffic lights. I can go hours between visits to the bathroom, never "leak" when laughing or sneezing, and pass more than 500 ml at each loo visit. As well as exercising the pelvic floor, I also ensure that I never "hurry" on the loo, and make sure that every last drop has been passed. This way, I have never had a UTI in my life. One of my daughters used to get cystitis regularly, until I taught her these techniques. I have now been on Pred for 6 months for PMR, currently at 8mg, and have not noticed any change in my bladder or bowel habits. And for the past 45 years, my husband has "enjoyed" the strength of my pelvic floor (or is this TMI?)

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Cross-stitcher]

You have been VERY fortunate I think. I have few problems - but I do have a few and originally they were associated with unmanaged PMR. Once I was on pred the urgency and leaking improved dramatically. Without me having changed anything else in that department. But anyone who develops sicca syndrome in whatever form is likely to develop other things.