Re: female urinal question

[Guest guest]

Here is what I do when it comes to bathroom needs

during the day.

I don’t know if I will ever feel okay with this,

but I was given a choice, to either use a catheter

or use a adult diaper. I was damaging my kidneys

and bladder. This happened when I started my

internship at the hospice. So until that time,

this would be the last year of my MA program, I

had to hold it in all day through grade school,

high school, undergraduate and two years of

graduate school. I’m surprised I managed as well

as I did.

I could not use a catheter. Those things hurt

like hell. So I finally, very reluctantly, put on

the diaper. I felt as though I had lost all of my

dignity. I only urinate. I refuse to do #2.

*LOL*

I don’t know when I will come to terms with this.

I know it’s something I need because no one can

help me during the day and using urinals is

impossible to use on me. And as I said before,

the catheter is out! I don’t know why its so

painful, but it is. :-(

I was thinking of posting this to

privately, but maybe some other women (and men)

may be in my situation.

I feel so embarrassed now. So very ashamed! :-(

God Bless!

~ Meg ~

(HYPERLINK

" http://www.myspace.com/sexytear " http://www.myspac

e.com/sexytear)

(HYPERLINK

" http://360./margrettameritech (DOT) net " http:

//360./margrett@...)

_____

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Sunday, December 03, 2006 4:10 PM

Subject: female urinal question

I know some of your ladies on the list have tried

and use the female

urinal. some with more sucess than others. I'm

considering trying

one, but before i do im wondering if it can be

used in a laying down

or reclined position--as i dont think id be strong

enough to get it

under me while sitting completely upright. or

would this cause a big

mess?

--

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Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.6/565 -

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[Guest guest]

Given those two choices, I would make the same decision you did. It was

brave of you to post this.

L

Meg Witkowski wrote:

>

> Here is what I do when it comes to bathroom needs

> during the day.

>

> I don’t know if I will ever feel okay with this,

> but I was given a choice, to either use a catheter

> or use a adult diaper. I was damaging my kidneys

> and bladder. This happened when I started my

> internship at the hospice. So until that time,

> this would be the last year of my MA program, I

> had to hold it in all day through grade school,

> high school, undergraduate and two years of

> graduate school. I’m surprised I managed as well

> as I did.

>

> I could not use a catheter. Those things hurt

> like hell. So I finally, very reluctantly, put on

> the diaper. I felt as though I had lost all of my

> dignity. I only urinate. I refuse to do #2.

> *LOL*

>

> I don’t know when I will come to terms with this.

> I know it’s something I need because no one can

> help me during the day and using urinals is

> impossible to use on me. And as I said before,

> the catheter is out! I don’t know why its so

> painful, but it is. :-(

>

> I was thinking of posting this to

> privately, but maybe some other women (and men)

> may be in my situation.

>

> I feel so embarrassed now. So very ashamed! :-(

>

> God Bless!

>

> ~ Meg ~

>

> (HYPERLINK

> " http://www.myspace.com/sexytear

> <http://www.myspace.com/sexytear> " http://www.myspac

> e.com/sexytear)

>

> (HYPERLINK

> " http://360./margrettameritech (DOT) net

> <http://360./margrettameritech (DOT) net> " http:

> //360./margrett@...

> <mailto:%2F%2F360.%2Fmargrett%40ameritech.net>)

>

> _____

>

> From: <mailto:%40>

> [mailto:

> <mailto:%40>] On Behalf Of

>

> Sent: Sunday, December 03, 2006 4:10 PM

> <mailto:%40>

> Subject: female urinal question

>

> I know some of your ladies on the list have tried

> and use the female

> urinal. some with more sucess than others. I'm

> considering trying

> one, but before i do im wondering if it can be

> used in a laying down

> or reclined position--as i dont think id be strong

> enough to get it

> under me while sitting completely upright. or

> would this cause a big

> mess?

>

>

> --

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.6/565 -

> Release Date: 12/2/2006 9:39 PM

>

> --

> No virus found in this outgoing message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.6/565 -

> Release Date: 12/2/2006 9:39 PM

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Meg,

Thank you for being so open. I feel silly saying you have nothing

to be ashamed of, because I'm not in your shoes and I can imagine I

would feel quite the same way. What I can say is I think there are

more people out there than you know who have made this choice. it

comes down to your health, which needs to come first, and even your

physical comfort.

I too have the same experience as you of holding it all day and

limiting fluids just so I wont have to pee when nobody is around to

help me. I have gotten lucky thus far in my 27yrs, but the day may

come when it catches up to me.

Thank you for being brave enough to share this on our list.

>

> Here is what I do when it comes to bathroom needs

> during the day.

>

>

>

> I don't know if I will ever feel okay with this,

> but I was given a choice, to either use a catheter

> or use a adult diaper. I was damaging my kidneys

> and bladder. This happened when I started my

> internship at the hospice. So until that time,

> this would be the last year of my MA program, I

> had to hold it in all day through grade school,

> high school, undergraduate and two years of

> graduate school. I'm surprised I managed as well

> as I did.

>

>

>

> I could not use a catheter. Those things hurt

> like hell. So I finally, very reluctantly, put on

> the diaper. I felt as though I had lost all of my

> dignity. I only urinate. I refuse to do #2.

> *LOL*

>

>

>

> I don't know when I will come to terms with this.

> I know it's something I need because no one can

> help me during the day and using urinals is

> impossible to use on me. And as I said before,

> the catheter is out! I don't know why its so

> painful, but it is. :-(

>

>

>

> I was thinking of posting this to

> privately, but maybe some other women (and men)

> may be in my situation.

>

>

>

> I feel so embarrassed now. So very ashamed! :-(

>

>

>

>

>

> God Bless!

>

> ~ Meg ~

>

> (HYPERLINK

> " http://www.myspace.com/sexytear " http://www.myspac

> e.com/sexytear)

>

> (HYPERLINK

> " http://360./margrett@... " http:

> //360./margrett@...)

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

>

> Sent: Sunday, December 03, 2006 4:10 PM

>

> Subject: female urinal question

>

>

>

> I know some of your ladies on the list have tried

> and use the female

> urinal. some with more sucess than others. I'm

> considering trying

> one, but before i do im wondering if it can be

> used in a laying down

> or reclined position--as i dont think id be strong

> enough to get it

> under me while sitting completely upright. or

> would this cause a big

> mess?

>

>

>

>

>

> --

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.6/565 -

> Release Date: 12/2/2006 9:39 PM

>

>

>

> --

> No virus found in this outgoing message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.6/565 -

> Release Date: 12/2/2006 9:39 PM

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I do not recommend using the Freshette system while laying down. I use

it while tilted in my chair and it's fine. The biggest problem is

getting your clothing on/off. Also, you'll need to be able to pick up

your legs in order to get the Freshette in a comfortable and working

position. It takes a lot of energy and I only do it for emergencies.

I'm always worried about leaking, but I am able to lean side to side

just enough to wiggle a sanitary napkin underneath me to catch any

leaks - although I have never leaked before. It takes some energy and

strange positioning - like everything else, it may work for some and

not others.

<3 Kendra

>

> I know some of your ladies on the list have tried and use the female

> urinal. some with more sucess than others. I'm considering trying

> one, but before i do im wondering if it can be used in a laying down

> or reclined position--as i dont think id be strong enough to get it

> under me while sitting completely upright. or would this cause a big

> mess?

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi !!!

I am Mohini, 22 yrs old from india.

i have SMA type II,see dear i m facing same problem like u,i have to hold my

urine for whole day not because i m being outside my home but coz my mummy cant

carry me alone to bathroom,she need help of my father or sister,so i go to loo

only maximum 2 or 3 time a day.

Doctors,parents,family always suggesting me to drinking more water but it is

not possible for me.i cant trouble my mummy.

i think wearig adult diper is good aidia,why u dont like it,see we have to

make compromise with somethings which we dont like.

but b proude that we are fighting with our challenges inspite of give up.

so plz dont feel anything bad,and plz tel me something more about it.

bye take care

Meg Witkowski <margrett@...> wrote:

Here is what I do when it comes to bathroom needs

during the day.

I don’t know if I will ever feel okay with this,

but I was given a choice, to either use a catheter

or use a adult diaper. I was damaging my kidneys

and bladder. This happened when I started my

internship at the hospice. So until that time,

this would be the last year of my MA program, I

had to hold it in all day through grade school,

high school, undergraduate and two years of

graduate school. I’m surprised I managed as well

as I did.

I could not use a catheter. Those things hurt

like hell. So I finally, very reluctantly, put on

the diaper. I felt as though I had lost all of my

dignity. I only urinate. I refuse to do #2.

*LOL*

I don’t know when I will come to terms with this.

I know it’s something I need because no one can

help me during the day and using urinals is

impossible to use on me. And as I said before,

the catheter is out! I don’t know why its so

painful, but it is. :-(

I was thinking of posting this to

privately, but maybe some other women (and men)

may be in my situation.

I feel so embarrassed now. So very ashamed! :-(

God Bless!

~ Meg ~

(HYPERLINK

" http://www.myspace.com/sexytear " http://www.myspac

e.com/sexytear)

(HYPERLINK

" http://360./margrettameritech (DOT) net " http:

//360./margrett@...)

_____

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Sunday, December 03, 2006 4:10 PM

Subject: female urinal question

I know some of your ladies on the list have tried

and use the female

urinal. some with more sucess than others. I'm

considering trying

one, but before i do im wondering if it can be

used in a laying down

or reclined position--as i dont think id be strong

enough to get it

under me while sitting completely upright. or

would this cause a big

mess?

--

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.6/565 -

Release Date: 12/2/2006 9:39 PM

--

No virus found in this outgoing message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.6/565 -

Release Date: 12/2/2006 9:39 PM

[Guest guest]

Greetings everyone!

I am 35 y/o with SMA II. Like most of you, I had to hold my urine for

long periods, drink the least amount of fluids possible so as to

urinate the least number of times a day. I've tried using diapers and

found that I'd get bladder infections. Plus, I'd need to wear them

7-9 hours at a time. It seemed like once I urinated in them then I

had to urinate more frequently - that " sting " or sensation you get

right when you start to urinate wouldn't go away and so it was as if

my bladder would be more stimulated and I had to urinate more much

more frequently. I'd be drenched in urine, sometimes needing to find

a private grassy area outside cuz the urine would run down my legs,

etc. and leave a puddle. Was I humiliated and embarrassed? Most

definitely! Plus, it was still a mess for people to help clean up

once a PCA or family member came in. At least I had more time of not

making puddles by wearing the diaper - I just eventually over flooded

them!

Now I have kidney stones. Doctors keep telling me to drink more water

yet it seems impossible to do that until I need more PCA hours cuz I

need breathing support during the day. Hey, if I need a PCA to help

with breathing equipment, why not help me urinate too?! The day is

soon coming...

I have tilt/recline in my chair. The female urinal I use is one like

this:

http://www.colonialmedical.com/product.php?productid=%2017551

That's not where I bought it, but it is that design.

I break off the handle cuz it needs to be upside down when using it in

my chair. Family has seperated the middle (crotch) seam in pants from

about above the pubic line to way back in the butt and put snaps in

them. Female underwear is cut on the front horizontal seam where the

seam is that begins that extra lining of the crotch of the underwear

and snaps are put in there. Velcro irritated, hurt and was bulky.

Hook-n-eyes were cumbersome for people helping me. Baby snaps work

best, some pants need a bigger snap. Wearing pants that are otherwise

too big make it much easier to get the urinal in place.

I still need total assistance, but at least I can urinate wherever I

am as long as someone can help me. Reclining back, my pants and

underwear are unsnapped, pull the underwear " tongue " (makes sense when

you do it) towards my knees--hard--so as to pull my hips a bit forward

and you can get the urinal down farther. Afterwards when I sit up,

wiggle around, and get repositioned, My hips slide back so I can sit

up. It takes much practice and communicating with the helper as to

where the urinal is and how it needs to be repositioned. Does it

spill? Yes, sometimes, especially if my hips are not pulled forward

enough and the urinal is not down far enough. I don't like it when it

spills, but at least most of the urine goes in the urinal rather than

making a puddle on the floor running down my legs. I call it " urinal

experience " and after helping me many times, it does not leak.

In bed, we use the urinal right side up. Some PCA's do better using

it upside down.

Sorry if the details are offensive to anyone, but I shared them so as

to help others with this.

The urinal to me is as necessary for me as other medical equipment.

It's GREAT to be able to urinate wherever and whenever I need to AS

LONG AS someone can help me. I've had " strangers " help me when no one

else can help.

God bless,

Lori

[Guest guest]

I'd like to know too please.

I'd be willing to go without underwear if I know I can recline, pull the pants

down a smidgen and shove the urinal in place.

Angie

On Sunday 03 December 2006 17:10, wrote:

> I know some of your ladies on the list have tried and use the female

> urinal. some with more sucess than others. I'm considering trying

> one, but before i do im wondering if it can be used in a laying down

> or reclined position--as i dont think id be strong enough to get it

> under me while sitting completely upright. or would this cause a big

> mess?

>

--

Angie

Please visit my favourite websites:

for Ford Model A enthusiast

http://www.recap.on.ca

a memorial website of my father

http://www.roybebee.ca

The Monarchs (50's & 60's band my Uncle plays in)

http://www.the-monarchs.ca

a chapter of Model A Owners of Canada Inc

http://www.trilliumchapter.ca

an electric wheelchair hockey league

http://www.cewha.ca

[Guest guest]

Dont fret Meg, I am wearing them now too.

I too held on to my pee and drank very little during the work/school hours in

my life right up until my 39th birthday. I never had bladder infections nor

kidney problems and was surprised to learn that what I did no able bodied

woman could without causing them physical harm. I began wearing them after

we moved to where we are today because hubby leaves for work and is gone

anywhere from 6 to 8 hrs/day, so peeing was not do-able. I also didnt want to

push my luck and jeopardize my health, so Tenas are what I wear most

weekdays.

It has given me freedom to drink more too ..... ahhhhhhhhh.

Slurp, slurp, slurp

Angie

On Sunday 03 December 2006 18:01, Meg Witkowski wrote:

> Here is what I do when it comes to bathroom needs

> during the day.

>

>

>

> I donÂ’t know if I will ever feel okay with this,

> but I was given a choice, to either use a catheter

> or use a adult diaper. I was damaging my kidneys

> and bladder. This happened when I started my

> internship at the hospice. So until that time,

> this would be the last year of my MA program, I

> had to hold it in all day through grade school,

> high school, undergraduate and two years of

> graduate school. IÂ’m surprised I managed as well

> as I did.

>

>

>

> I could not use a catheter. Those things hurt

> like hell. So I finally, very reluctantly, put on

> the diaper. I felt as though I had lost all of my

> dignity. I only urinate. I refuse to do #2.

> *LOL*

>

>

>

> I donÂ’t know when I will come to terms with this.

> I know itÂ’s something I need because no one can

> help me during the day and using urinals is

> impossible to use on me. And as I said before,

> the catheter is out! I donÂ’t know why its so

> painful, but it is. :-(

>

>

>

> I was thinking of posting this to

> privately, but maybe some other women (and men)

> may be in my situation.

>

>

>

> I feel so embarrassed now. So very ashamed! :-(

>

>

>

>

>

> God Bless!

>

> ~ Meg ~

>

> (HYPERLINK

> " http://www.myspace.com/sexytear " http://www.myspac

> e.com/sexytear)

>

> (HYPERLINK

> " http://360./margrettameritech (DOT) net " http:

> //360./margrett@...)

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

>

> Sent: Sunday, December 03, 2006 4:10 PM

>

> Subject: female urinal question

>

>

>

> I know some of your ladies on the list have tried

> and use the female

> urinal. some with more sucess than others. I'm

> considering trying

> one, but before i do im wondering if it can be

> used in a laying down

> or reclined position--as i dont think id be strong

> enough to get it

> under me while sitting completely upright. or

> would this cause a big

> mess?

>

>

>

>

>

> --

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.6/565 -

> Release Date: 12/2/2006 9:39 PM

--

Angie

Please visit my favourite websites:

for Ford Model A enthusiast

http://www.recap.on.ca

a memorial website of my father

http://www.roybebee.ca

The Monarchs (50's & 60's band my Uncle plays in)

http://www.the-monarchs.ca

a chapter of Model A Owners of Canada Inc

http://www.trilliumchapter.ca

an electric wheelchair hockey league

http://www.cewha.ca

[Guest guest]

>

> Given those two choices, I would make the same decision you did. It was

> brave of you to post this.

I agree. That's the choice I'd make too. Thank you

for your continuing honesty and openness, Meg.

Hugs,

Jenn

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

I can totally relate to all this.

I am petite and I have personal assistance 9 hrs each work day. These two

things make me fortunate enough to be able to pee almost whenever I want to.

After reading the stories on this list and elsewhere, I take care to drink

enough so as not to get kidney stones later in life. My PCA is able to undress

me and transfer me to the toilet seat. This is what I do normally.

This list also helped me to find a solution for travelling. I bought a female

urinal. It took some trouble to find one since the makes mentioned here are not

available in Finland. But I found them in a hospital supply retail store here.

I used the urinal twice recently when I was in Africa with my husband. Once in

the airplane and once when we spent a day in a village where the only toilet was

a hole in the ground. To me, the urinal is a wonderful emergency solution. It

can spill. But we put a women's towel under me in the airplane so any spills

would have been absorped by it. In the village, it did spill, but it did not

matter because it only went on the ground. In the airplane, I was laying down on

two seats when we did it. In the village, I was reclining on my own wheelchair

with my husband holding my legs. Not very comfortable for him but do-able.

this is my experience

-Taya

from Finland

[ROSKAPOSTI] Re: female urinal question

Greetings everyone!

I am 35 y/o with SMA II. Like most of you, I had to hold my urine for

long periods, drink the least amount of fluids possible so as to

urinate the least number of times a day. I've tried using diapers and

found that I'd get bladder infections. Plus, I'd need to wear them

7-9 hours at a time. It seemed like once I urinated in them then I

had to urinate more frequently - that " sting " or sensation you get

right when you start to urinate wouldn't go away and so it was as if

my bladder would be more stimulated and I had to urinate more much

more frequently. I'd be drenched in urine, sometimes needing to find

a private grassy area outside cuz the urine would run down my legs,

etc. and leave a puddle. Was I humiliated and embarrassed? Most

definitely! Plus, it was still a mess for people to help clean up

once a PCA or family member came in. At least I had more time of not

making puddles by wearing the diaper - I just eventually over flooded

them!

Now I have kidney stones. Doctors keep telling me to drink more water

yet it seems impossible to do that until I need more PCA hours cuz I

need breathing support during the day. Hey, if I need a PCA to help

with breathing equipment, why not help me urinate too?! The day is

soon coming...

I have tilt/recline in my chair. The female urinal I use is one like

this:

http://www.colonialmedical.com/product.php?productid=%2017551

That's not where I bought it, but it is that design.

I break off the handle cuz it needs to be upside down when using it in

my chair. Family has seperated the middle (crotch) seam in pants from

about above the pubic line to way back in the butt and put snaps in

them. Female underwear is cut on the front horizontal seam where the

seam is that begins that extra lining of the crotch of the underwear

and snaps are put in there. Velcro irritated, hurt and was bulky.

Hook-n-eyes were cumbersome for people helping me. Baby snaps work

best, some pants need a bigger snap. Wearing pants that are otherwise

too big make it much easier to get the urinal in place.

I still need total assistance, but at least I can urinate wherever I

am as long as someone can help me. Reclining back, my pants and

underwear are unsnapped, pull the underwear " tongue " (makes sense when

you do it) towards my knees--hard--so as to pull my hips a bit forward

and you can get the urinal down farther. Afterwards when I sit up,

wiggle around, and get repositioned, My hips slide back so I can sit

up. It takes much practice and communicating with the helper as to

where the urinal is and how it needs to be repositioned. Does it

spill? Yes, sometimes, especially if my hips are not pulled forward

enough and the urinal is not down far enough. I don't like it when it

spills, but at least most of the urine goes in the urinal rather than

making a puddle on the floor running down my legs. I call it " urinal

experience " and after helping me many times, it does not leak.

In bed, we use the urinal right side up. Some PCA's do better using

it upside down.

Sorry if the details are offensive to anyone, but I shared them so as

to help others with this.

The urinal to me is as necessary for me as other medical equipment.

It's GREAT to be able to urinate wherever and whenever I need to AS

LONG AS someone can help me. I've had " strangers " help me when no one

else can help.

God bless,

Lori

[Guest guest]

Meg,

Please don't be ashamed! If it makes you feel any better, I've been in your

situation before. In college I got deathly sick and developed bad GI

issues. My senior year at college I had to sometimes wear diapers/attends when

I

had GI flare ups. Eventho I had help nearby most of the time, I usually

wouldn't make it in time or have unanticipated explosions (sorry don't mean to

be

so graphic). I also felt bad making my friends clean me up or take me to the

bathroom repeatedly, so I'd wear them til I had a nurse. I was ashamed at

first but my friends said it was no big deal and if I just accepted it's a

fact of life I'd realize I was the only one who truly cared. So I didn't hide

it from the other girls on my floor. Our dorm was sooo hot and the diaper

didn't help so it was usually cooler just to wear the diaper and a tank. I'd

drag a blanket just in case a male visitor showed up, but no one cared when I

was rolling around the hall looking like a 1 year old haha. Not one person

made me feel uncomfortable. Now my GI system has been behaving most of the

time and I only have to wear diapers when I'm going to be alone for a long

extended period if time. I'm home, so to me it's no big deal.

I too have stretched my bladder and lately I've noticed it's sometimes hard

to empty entirely, at least I think I'm not. Some days I'll urinate 3 or 4

times w/only 20 mins in between them. These are usually days when I do not

take my Lasix, so I'm not sure if that's the problem. But it never was before.

Has anyone ever had these symptoms? Also when I go the amounts are not

always large when this happens and I know I can hold a lot of urine usually,

but

on these days I can't seem to. I'm so afraid I've damaged my bladder and

kidneys. I've really been trying not to hold my urine too long, but sometimes

I just don't realize I need to go or I'm in public where large enough

accessible bathrooms are few and far between. I went to a uro-gynecologist

about

2-3 years ago and she said I wasn't retaining urine then. I know at some point

cathing could be a consequence, and like Meg it hurts me but also always

gives me a UTI. Anyone have any suggestions or advice?

Thanks,

Kimi

In a message dated 12/3/2006 6:03:52 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

margrett@... writes:

Here is what I do when it comes to bathroom needs

during the day.

I don’t know if I will ever feel okay with this,

but I was given a choice, to either use a catheter

or use a adult diaper. I was damaging my kidneys

and bladder. This happened when I started my

internship at the hospice. So until that time,

this would be the last year of my MA program, I

had to hold it in all day through grade school,

high school, undergraduate and two years of

graduate school. I’m surprised I managed as well

as I did.

I could not use a catheter. Those things hurt

like hell. So I finally, very reluctantly, put on

the diaper. I felt as though I had lost all of my

dignity. I only urinate. I refuse to do #2.

*LOL*

I don’t know when I will come to terms with this.

I know it’s something I need because no one can

help me during the day and using urinals is

impossible to use on me. And as I said before,

the catheter is out! I don’t know why its so

painful, but it is. :-(

I was thinking of posting this to

privately, but maybe some other women (and men)

may be in my situation.

I feel so embarrassed now. So very ashamed! :-(

God Bless!

~ Meg ~

[Guest guest]

Meg,

I made the same decision as you. An indwelling catheter was sooo

painful, but I couldn't pee often enough and I was getting very

serious infections and kidney stones. I also frequently didn't

always " make it " and would pee my pants. I spent so much time and

energy being thirsty, always feeling distracted because I had to go,

and worrying about smelling bad and peeing my pants. It was terribly

humiliating to have Chuck reach over to affectionately rub my thigh

with me having to say, " No, hon, don't. I'm wet. " We'd wait for my

attendant to arrive and clean me up. It sucked. Chuck's always been

very sweet about such things, but damn, talk about not feeling sexy!

I was nothing but relieved over the 9 months or so when I finally

decided to use adult diapers. Maybe it will help if you think of

them as incontinence pads. " Diaper " is rather infantilizing.

You might consider other types of catheterizations. I have no

regrets that I finally had a supra pubic catheter placed. I only

wish I had done it before I began having so many kidney and bladder

problems. Once I'm up and set up with breakfast, lunch or a snack,

and the papers and books and things I need for the day, I'm pretty

independent. I have a large catheter drainage bag hidden discreetly

in a pouch on the side of my chair and it's fine until my night

attendant empties it.

A friend of mine who also has SMA opted to have a different surgical

procedure to place a Mitrofanoff Channel because she has much more

mobility than I do and is able to cath herself.

Supra Pubic Catheter

http://www.incontact.org/publications/suprapubic-catheters.html

Mitrofanoff Channel

http://asbah.fastbird.co.uk/UserFiles/Mitrofanoff_procedure.pdf

Alana

[Guest guest]

Thank you all for not making me feel so alone in

this. I still feel embarrassed. I think I always

will. But thank you for your support.

God Bless!

~ Meg ~

(HYPERLINK

" http://www.myspace.com/sexytear " http://www.myspac

e.com/sexytear)

(HYPERLINK

" http://360./margrettameritech (DOT) net " http:

//360./margrett@...)

_____

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Ksmile96@...

Sent: Monday, December 04, 2006 7:29 PM

Subject: Re: female urinal question

Meg,

Please don't be ashamed! If it makes you feel any

better, I've been in your

situation before. In college I got deathly sick

and developed bad GI

issues. My senior year at college I had to

sometimes wear diapers/attends when I

had GI flare ups. Eventho I had help nearby most

of the time, I usually

wouldn't make it in time or have unanticipated

explosions (sorry don't mean to be

so graphic). I also felt bad making my friends

clean me up or take me to the

bathroom repeatedly, so I'd wear them til I had a

nurse. I was ashamed at

first but my friends said it was no big deal and

if I just accepted it's a

fact of life I'd realize I was the only one who

truly cared. So I didn't hide

it from the other girls on my floor. Our dorm was

sooo hot and the diaper

didn't help so it was usually cooler just to wear

the diaper and a tank. I'd

drag a blanket just in case a male visitor showed

up, but no one cared when I

was rolling around the hall looking like a 1 year

old haha. Not one person

made me feel uncomfortable. Now my GI system has

been behaving most of the

time and I only have to wear diapers when I'm

going to be alone for a long

extended period if time. I'm home, so to me it's

no big deal.

I too have stretched my bladder and lately I've

noticed it's sometimes hard

to empty entirely, at least I think I'm not. Some

days I'll urinate 3 or 4

times w/only 20 mins in between them. These are

usually days when I do not

take my Lasix, so I'm not sure if that's the

problem. But it never was before.

Has anyone ever had these symptoms? Also when I go

the amounts are not

always large when this happens and I know I can

hold a lot of urine usually, but

on these days I can't seem to. I'm so afraid I've

damaged my bladder and

kidneys. I've really been trying not to hold my

urine too long, but sometimes

I just don't realize I need to go or I'm in public

where large enough

accessible bathrooms are few and far between. I

went to a uro-gynecologist about

2-3 years ago and she said I wasn't retaining

urine then. I know at some point

cathing could be a consequence, and like Meg it

hurts me but also always

gives me a UTI. Anyone have any suggestions or

advice?

Thanks,

Kimi

In a message dated 12/3/2006 6:03:52 P.M. Eastern

Standard Time,

HYPERLINK

" mailto:margrett%40ameritech.net " margrett@ameritec

h.-net writes:

Here is what I do when it comes to bathroom needs

during the day.

I don’t know if I will ever feel okay with this,

but I was given a choice, to either use a catheter

or use a adult diaper. I was damaging my kidneys

and bladder. This happened when I started my

internship at the hospice. So until that time,

this would be the last year of my MA program, I

had to hold it in all day through grade school,

high school, undergraduate and two years of

graduate school. I’m surprised I managed as well

as I did.

I could not use a catheter. Those things hurt

like hell. So I finally, very reluctantly, put on

the diaper. I felt as though I had lost all of my

dignity. I only urinate. I refuse to do #2.

*LOL*

I don’t know when I will come to terms with this.

I know it’s something I need because no one can

help me during the day and using urinals is

impossible to use on me. And as I said before,

the catheter is out! I don’t know why its so

painful, but it is. :-(

I was thinking of posting this to

privately, but maybe some other women (and men)

may be in my situation.

I feel so embarrassed now. So very ashamed! :-(

God Bless!

~ Meg ~

[Non-text portions of this message have been

removed]

--

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.6/567 -

Release Date: 12/4/2006 7:18 AM

--

No virus found in this outgoing message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.6/567 -

Release Date: 12/4/2006 7:18 AM

[Guest guest]

Meg, I've been using diapers for about 3 years during the day. Once I got the

idea in my head. it has made my life so much easier and less stressful.

Everytime I went somewhere, I spent the whole day wondering where the next

accessible bathroom would be. I've been able to transfer to the toilet easily

up until about 2 years ago (I'm 58).. So at first I just used the diapers when I

was out and away from home. But gradually I started using them when at home so

I didn't have to make those extra transfers. I need to conserve my energy. I

have to say that it doesn't bother me at all.. I just think about the

alternative and I " m fine with it.

I've been using a female urinal when laying down for well over 30 years and I've

tried several different styles. Right now I'm using a small one that is

attached to a collection bag that I really like. .

www.medassisttech.com I found it in the Quest magazine. I've used the urinal

from my chair (the back reclines) but it's still a huge production. Try to

think of it as something positive.. It is a preventative measure to keep your

bladder and kidneys healthy. Good Luck. You made the right decision.

Lainie

Meg Witkowski <margrett@...> wrote:

Thank you all for not making me feel so alone in

this. I still feel embarrassed. I think I always

will. But thank you for your support.

God Bless!

~ Meg ~

(HYPERLINK

" http://www.myspace.com/sexytear " http://www.myspac

e.com/sexytear)

(HYPERLINK

" http://360./margrettameritech (DOT) net " http:

//360./margrett@...)

_____

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Ksmile96@...

Sent: Monday, December 04, 2006 7:29 PM

Subject: Re: female urinal question

Meg,

Please don't be ashamed! If it makes you feel any

better, I've been in your

situation before. In college I got deathly sick

and developed bad GI

issues. My senior year at college I had to

sometimes wear diapers/attends when I

had GI flare ups. Eventho I had help nearby most

of the time, I usually

wouldn't make it in time or have unanticipated

explosions (sorry don't mean to be

so graphic). I also felt bad making my friends

clean me up or take me to the

bathroom repeatedly, so I'd wear them til I had a

nurse. I was ashamed at

first but my friends said it was no big deal and

if I just accepted it's a

fact of life I'd realize I was the only one who

truly cared. So I didn't hide

it from the other girls on my floor. Our dorm was

sooo hot and the diaper

didn't help so it was usually cooler just to wear

the diaper and a tank. I'd

drag a blanket just in case a male visitor showed

up, but no one cared when I

was rolling around the hall looking like a 1 year

old haha. Not one person

made me feel uncomfortable. Now my GI system has

been behaving most of the

time and I only have to wear diapers when I'm

going to be alone for a long

extended period if time. I'm home, so to me it's

no big deal.

I too have stretched my bladder and lately I've

noticed it's sometimes hard

to empty entirely, at least I think I'm not. Some

days I'll urinate 3 or 4

times w/only 20 mins in between them. These are

usually days when I do not

take my Lasix, so I'm not sure if that's the

problem. But it never was before.

Has anyone ever had these symptoms? Also when I go

the amounts are not

always large when this happens and I know I can

hold a lot of urine usually, but

on these days I can't seem to. I'm so afraid I've

damaged my bladder and

kidneys. I've really been trying not to hold my

urine too long, but sometimes

I just don't realize I need to go or I'm in public

where large enough

accessible bathrooms are few and far between. I

went to a uro-gynecologist about

2-3 years ago and she said I wasn't retaining

urine then. I know at some point

cathing could be a consequence, and like Meg it

hurts me but also always

gives me a UTI. Anyone have any suggestions or

advice?

Thanks,

Kimi

In a message dated 12/3/2006 6:03:52 P.M. Eastern

Standard Time,

HYPERLINK

" mailto:margrett%40ameritech.net " margrett@ameritec

h.-net writes:

Here is what I do when it comes to bathroom needs

during the day.

I don’t know if I will ever feel okay with this,

but I was given a choice, to either use a catheter

or use a adult diaper. I was damaging my kidneys

and bladder. This happened when I started my

internship at the hospice. So until that time,

this would be the last year of my MA program, I

had to hold it in all day through grade school,

high school, undergraduate and two years of

graduate school. I’m surprised I managed as well

as I did.

I could not use a catheter. Those things hurt

like hell. So I finally, very reluctantly, put on

the diaper. I felt as though I had lost all of my

dignity. I only urinate. I refuse to do #2.

*LOL*

I don’t know when I will come to terms with this.

I know it’s something I need because no one can

help me during the day and using urinals is

impossible to use on me. And as I said before,

the catheter is out! I don’t know why its so

painful, but it is. :-(

I was thinking of posting this to

privately, but maybe some other women (and men)

may be in my situation.

I feel so embarrassed now. So very ashamed! :-(

God Bless!

~ Meg ~

[Non-text portions of this message have been

removed]

--

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.6/567 -

Release Date: 12/4/2006 7:18 AM

--

No virus found in this outgoing message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.6/567 -

Release Date: 12/4/2006 7:18 AM

[Guest guest]

I drink and pee very scheduled as I only can go to the bathroom when

my ambulant care service is here.

I get up at 6:15 in the morning, go to the bathroom and drink a glas

of water under the shower. After this I have a mug of coffee and half

a liter tea at work.

I go to the bathroom at 2 o'clock, drink 1 liter until 6 o'clock

(bathroom) and than an other one by 9 o'clock at least. When I drink

after this time I have to go to the bathroom at night - and I hate

that! I pee once more at 10:30 when I go to sleep.

This sounds very methodical (which it is) and my friends often are

shocked / suprised how I can handle it. But I do not bother, it is

fine for me and I get enough to drink.

When I have to cancel one of my bathroom-dates as I am on the way I

drink less or I drink milk / hot chocolate. This does not urge me to

go to the toilet and I stil can drink something.

I am very glad you brought up the diaper theme. I do not travel a lot

as I always have the problem where to go to the toilet. A female

urinal does not work fine for me, except I can lie down. This is

difficult on a trip. It is a very fine alternative to take a

incontinence pad if there is no bathroom or other possibility and I

will definitively have a look for it and try it. Thanks!

Camilla

Germany

>

> Here is what I do when it comes to bathroom needs

> during the day.

>

>

>

> I don't know if I will ever feel okay with this,

> but I was given a choice, to either use a catheter

> or use a adult diaper. I was damaging my kidneys

> and bladder. This happened when I started my

> internship at the hospice. So until that time,

> this would be the last year of my MA program, I

> had to hold it in all day through grade school,

> high school, undergraduate and two years of

> graduate school. I'm surprised I managed as well

> as I did.

>

>

>

> I could not use a catheter. Those things hurt

> like hell. So I finally, very reluctantly, put on

> the diaper. I felt as though I had lost all of my

> dignity. I only urinate. I refuse to do #2.

> *LOL*

>

>

>

> I don't know when I will come to terms with this.

> I know it's something I need because no one can

> help me during the day and using urinals is

> impossible to use on me. And as I said before,

> the catheter is out! I don't know why its so

> painful, but it is. :-(

>

>

>

> I was thinking of posting this to

> privately, but maybe some other women (and men)

> may be in my situation.

>

>

>

> I feel so embarrassed now. So very ashamed! :-(

>

>

>

>

>

> God Bless!

>

> ~ Meg ~

>

> (HYPERLINK

> " http://www.myspace.com/sexytear " http://www.myspac

> e.com/sexytear)

>

> (HYPERLINK

> " http://360./margrett@... " http:

> //360./margrett@...)

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

>

> Sent: Sunday, December 03, 2006 4:10 PM

>

> Subject: female urinal question

>

>

>

> I know some of your ladies on the list have tried

> and use the female

> urinal. some with more sucess than others. I'm

> considering trying

> one, but before i do im wondering if it can be

> used in a laying down

> or reclined position--as i dont think id be strong

> enough to get it

> under me while sitting completely upright. or

> would this cause a big

> mess?

>

>

>

>

>

> --

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.6/565 -

> Release Date: 12/2/2006 9:39 PM

>

>

>

> --

> No virus found in this outgoing message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.6/565 -

> Release Date: 12/2/2006 9:39 PM

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

What's Lasix? And what does it do? Is it like Detrol, Ditropan, etc.

My primary dr recently put me on generic liquid {yuckyest tasting med

ever} Ditropan. This drug dries my mouth really bad. I chew gum and

try to drink more fluids but drinking too many fluids at once pretty

much defeats the reason for taking this medication to begin with.

Advice anyone?

I've worn diapers in the hospital and on plane trips. Can anyone

tell me if the Depends active underwear dosen't crinkle or bulge up a

lot? Does that type of dipe live up to the hype? {haha bad joke}

Seriously though does it work as well as advertised?

When I have had catheters before they killed like hell if I was

conscious during insertion. Last time I used a pedi size and was

unconscious when it got put in. The nurses had to finally convince

me to let them take it out. It'd been so conveinent to drink fluids

all day long and not have to get someone to bedpan me, that I was in

no hurry to take the cath out.

I tried the female urinary pouch before but they're awful to use.

You got to brazilian your privates {a.k.a. no pubic hair} and

adheasive this bag to your crotch. Unless you want to tear your skin

up, the pouch stays on for 4-5 days. Since the pouch has a small

hose tube opening you can only empty out the urine and you can't

clean the parts of you inside the pouch. Whoever designed this thing

was a fool.

Another thing for us SMA ladies to remember is it's hard to sit on a

foley cath if you have severe lordosis a scoliosis that tilts your

hips. Pubic tubes and cathing increases utis. If diapers work for

you than use them.

Guys have it so much easier being able to wear a texas condom cath

and just pee into a legbag as they need to.

So does that mean I have penis envy or peeing envy?

>

>

> Meg,

> Please don't be ashamed! If it makes you feel any better, I've

been in your

> situation before. In college I got deathly sick and developed bad

GI

> issues. My senior year at college I had to sometimes wear

diapers/attends when I

> had GI flare ups. Eventho I had help nearby most of the time, I

usually

> wouldn't make it in time or have unanticipated explosions (sorry

don't mean to be

> so graphic). I also felt bad making my friends clean me up or

take me to the

> bathroom repeatedly, so I'd wear them til I had a nurse. I was

ashamed at

> first but my friends said it was no big deal and if I just

accepted it's a

> fact of life I'd realize I was the only one who truly cared. So I

didn't hide

> it from the other girls on my floor. Our dorm was sooo hot and

the diaper

> didn't help so it was usually cooler just to wear the diaper and a

tank. I'd

> drag a blanket just in case a male visitor showed up, but no one

cared when I

> was rolling around the hall looking like a 1 year old haha. Not

one person

> made me feel uncomfortable. Now my GI system has been behaving

most of the

> time and I only have to wear diapers when I'm going to be alone

for a long

> extended period if time. I'm home, so to me it's no big deal.

>

> I too have stretched my bladder and lately I've noticed it's

sometimes hard

> to empty entirely, at least I think I'm not. Some days I'll

urinate 3 or 4

> times w/only 20 mins in between them. These are usually days when

I do not

> take my Lasix, so I'm not sure if that's the problem. But it never

was before.

> Has anyone ever had these symptoms? Also when I go the amounts

are not

> always large when this happens and I know I can hold a lot of

urine usually, but

> on these days I can't seem to. I'm so afraid I've damaged my

bladder and

> kidneys. I've really been trying not to hold my urine too long,

but sometimes

> I just don't realize I need to go or I'm in public where large

enough

> accessible bathrooms are few and far between. I went to a uro-

gynecologist about

> 2-3 years ago and she said I wasn't retaining urine then. I know

at some point

> cathing could be a consequence, and like Meg it hurts me but also

always

> gives me a UTI. Anyone have any suggestions or advice?

> Thanks,

> Kimi

>

>

> In a message dated 12/3/2006 6:03:52 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

> margrett@... writes:

>

>

>

>

> Here is what I do when it comes to bathroom needs

> during the day.

>

> I don’t know if I will ever feel okay with this,

> but I was given a choice, to either use a catheter

> or use a adult diaper. I was damaging my kidneys

> and bladder. This happened when I started my

> internship at the hospice. So until that time,

> this would be the last year of my MA program, I

> had to hold it in all day through grade school,

> high school, undergraduate and two years of

> graduate school. I’m surprised I managed as well

> as I did.

>

> I could not use a catheter. Those things hurt

> like hell. So I finally, very reluctantly, put on

> the diaper. I felt as though I had lost all of my

> dignity. I only urinate. I refuse to do #2.

> *LOL*

>

> I don’t know when I will come to terms with this.

> I know it’s something I need because no one can

> help me during the day and using urinals is

> impossible to use on me. And as I said before,

> the catheter is out! I don’t know why its so

> painful, but it is. :-(

>

> I was thinking of posting this to

> privately, but maybe some other women (and men)

> may be in my situation.

>

> I feel so embarrassed now. So very ashamed! :-(

>

> God Bless!

>

> ~ Meg ~

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

http://www.drugs.com/lasix.html

charmedcripchic <charmedcripchic@...> wrote:

What's Lasix? And what does it do? Is it like Detrol, Ditropan, etc.

My primary dr recently put me on generic liquid {yuckyest tasting med

ever} Ditropan. This drug dries my mouth really bad. I chew gum and

try to drink more fluids but drinking too many fluids at once pretty

much defeats the reason for taking this medication to begin with.

Advice anyone?

I've worn diapers in the hospital and on plane trips. Can anyone

tell me if the Depends active underwear dosen't crinkle or bulge up a

lot? Does that type of dipe live up to the hype? {haha bad joke}

Seriously though does it work as well as advertised?

When I have had catheters before they killed like hell if I was

conscious during insertion. Last time I used a pedi size and was

unconscious when it got put in. The nurses had to finally convince

me to let them take it out. It'd been so conveinent to drink fluids

all day long and not have to get someone to bedpan me, that I was in

no hurry to take the cath out.

I tried the female urinary pouch before but they're awful to use.

You got to brazilian your privates {a.k.a. no pubic hair} and

adheasive this bag to your crotch. Unless you want to tear your skin

up, the pouch stays on for 4-5 days. Since the pouch has a small

hose tube opening you can only empty out the urine and you can't

clean the parts of you inside the pouch. Whoever designed this thing

was a fool.

Another thing for us SMA ladies to remember is it's hard to sit on a

foley cath if you have severe lordosis a scoliosis that tilts your

hips. Pubic tubes and cathing increases utis. If diapers work for

you than use them.

Guys have it so much easier being able to wear a texas condom cath

and just pee into a legbag as they need to.

So does that mean I have penis envy or peeing envy?

>

>

> Meg,

> Please don't be ashamed! If it makes you feel any better, I've

been in your

> situation before. In college I got deathly sick and developed bad

GI

> issues. My senior year at college I had to sometimes wear

diapers/attends when I

> had GI flare ups. Eventho I had help nearby most of the time, I

usually

> wouldn't make it in time or have unanticipated explosions (sorry

don't mean to be

> so graphic). I also felt bad making my friends clean me up or

take me to the

> bathroom repeatedly, so I'd wear them til I had a nurse. I was

ashamed at

> first but my friends said it was no big deal and if I just

accepted it's a

> fact of life I'd realize I was the only one who truly cared. So I

didn't hide

> it from the other girls on my floor. Our dorm was sooo hot and

the diaper

> didn't help so it was usually cooler just to wear the diaper and a

tank. I'd

> drag a blanket just in case a male visitor showed up, but no one

cared when I

> was rolling around the hall looking like a 1 year old haha. Not

one person

> made me feel uncomfortable. Now my GI system has been behaving

most of the

> time and I only have to wear diapers when I'm going to be alone

for a long

> extended period if time. I'm home, so to me it's no big deal.

>

> I too have stretched my bladder and lately I've noticed it's

sometimes hard

> to empty entirely, at least I think I'm not. Some days I'll

urinate 3 or 4

> times w/only 20 mins in between them. These are usually days when

I do not

> take my Lasix, so I'm not sure if that's the problem. But it never

was before.

> Has anyone ever had these symptoms? Also when I go the amounts

are not

> always large when this happens and I know I can hold a lot of

urine usually, but

> on these days I can't seem to. I'm so afraid I've damaged my

bladder and

> kidneys. I've really been trying not to hold my urine too long,

but sometimes

> I just don't realize I need to go or I'm in public where large

enough

> accessible bathrooms are few and far between. I went to a uro-

gynecologist about

> 2-3 years ago and she said I wasn't retaining urine then. I know

at some point

> cathing could be a consequence, and like Meg it hurts me but also

always

> gives me a UTI. Anyone have any suggestions or advice?

> Thanks,

> Kimi

>

>

> In a message dated 12/3/2006 6:03:52 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

> margrett@... writes:

>

>

>

>

> Here is what I do when it comes to bathroom needs

> during the day.

>

> I don’t know if I will ever feel okay with this,

> but I was given a choice, to either use a catheter

> or use a adult diaper. I was damaging my kidneys

> and bladder. This happened when I started my

> internship at the hospice. So until that time,

> this would be the last year of my MA program, I

> had to hold it in all day through grade school,

> high school, undergraduate and two years of

> graduate school. I’m surprised I managed as well

> as I did.

>

> I could not use a catheter. Those things hurt

> like hell. So I finally, very reluctantly, put on

> the diaper. I felt as though I had lost all of my

> dignity. I only urinate. I refuse to do #2.

> *LOL*

>

> I don’t know when I will come to terms with this.

> I know it’s something I need because no one can

> help me during the day and using urinals is

> impossible to use on me. And as I said before,

> the catheter is out! I don’t know why its so

> painful, but it is. :-(

>

> I was thinking of posting this to

> privately, but maybe some other women (and men)

> may be in my situation.

>

> I feel so embarrassed now. So very ashamed! :-(

>

> God Bless!

>

> ~ Meg ~

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

charmedcripchic wrote on 12/11/06 15:47:

> What's Lasix? And what does it do?

Makes you pee like crazy!

> Is it like Detrol, Ditropan, etc.

? on the first

nope on the 2nd