Travelling in pads - have you done it?

[WellySam]

Since I have had to return to commuting, I wear Tena pants to help manage my IBS-D. One of the issues I have is that the need to pee can trigger a bowel movement if I hold on to it. I don't know if its the pressure of a full bladder or the anxiety of an accident that triggers my bowels, maybe a bit of both. I do all the usual pre-travel prep but when it is bad nothing can stop it happening it seems. I avoid Imodium and similar as they give me side effects that are worse than an accident. So I wear Tena and just wet myself if I need to. The absorb a lot and I am now used to doing it.

But at the weekend I had to make a longer journey to see my mother who is unwell, and it looks like I will be doing it pretty regularly from now on. I wore Tena pants as usual but had a bad accident. I go prepared, of course, and was able to clean up and change in the station toilets, but I was very worried about the smell until I got there. And it leaked out of the pants so I had to change my trousers as well. And as for trying to find a bin to dispose if the soiled pants !!!!!!!

I often wear adult nappies/diapers at home at night when my IBS-D is bad, but have only worn one out a few times. I am thinking that when I visit my mothers I will need to wear a nappy as the risk of messing myself is high. I get anxious travelling anyway and my mother being ill is a trigger in itself. The nappies I use are really good. They don't leak and keep in the smell. I was recommended them by a friend who is a delivery driver and wears them as there are few places he can go to the toilet on his rounds.

Have you travelled in a nappy/diaper? If so how was it? Did people notice the bulge? Were you conscious of the noise when you walked?

I am really torn between the need for reassurance if I have an accident and the potential embarrassment of people noting what I am wearing.

[Hetchins1946]

No one notices at all. You are very self conscious, but that is all.

I've only had to do this a couple of times but it's honestly not the problem that it seems at first!

I've used Attends F6 pads - they seem huge at first!

[Barnclown]

I’m totally ‘getting’ your points & relating to every detail! I love your take on this & your practical approach. Thanks for posting

I had been managing as best I could using OTC Incontinence gear, but decided I had to get my Incontinence status documented on the NHS, so I asked my GP Surgery, they told me I could self-refer, & now am being supplied with incontinence gear by our local NHS Bowel & Bladder Clinic. They signed me up for regular deliveries from their official supplier (Tena). That’s fine, bt am always on the look out for even better products

So, am curious: what’s brand & model has your friend recommended?

As to the bulges & noises when moving…I just try to ignore them…hoping they’ll become my new normal…& I wear looser fitting clothing

Have you found this online supplier? Their range is impressive & they are trying to price very competitively:

incontinencechoice.co.uk/?o...

[WellySam in reply to Barnclown]

iD same as in the link you kindly provided

[IBSsucksallthetime]

I have worn what you call a nappy many many times and my husband says they aren’t noticeable. I first wore them at work on 12 hour shifts where I didn’t get a break. I have both bowel and bladder issues. I wear them much more frequently now. I think we are just subconscience about it, but I would prefer to wear it and not need it then to need it and not have had it on.

Try not to worry what others think and do what you feel is best for you. Stay prepared for anything and hope it doesn’t happen if that’s what you need to do. Good luck

[Equilibrated]

I always wear a full taped up brief when I am traveling in case of accidents. I also where gary where active briefs over the top to stop leaks and smells if the worst happens. I’ve never had a problem with anyone noticing. Like it was previously said I would rather have one on just in case.

[wb54]

Apologies for not answering earlier, my heart decided to remind me it was getting a little bored of me. I can add very little to the people who have already responded. I don't honestly think people notice they are too wrapped up in their own world and it is all about self-confidence. Good luck to you and all the posters here, some very valuable information for all of us.

[Poppywoman]

I use tena pants but they really don't help with a bad explosion!!! Nothing worse than trying to act normal when out... the smell is awful which I'm sure anyone near can tell!! I avoid going out unless I have to tbh. I overdose on Imodium which stops me pooing but my goodness the pain & wind is something else!!!