So, the other day I actually had to go to the hospital for an MRI of my lower body to check for a possibly injury I had when exercising. I honestly have not been to the hospital that much in my life time but in this case it was the only place that could take me early enough to get the MRI done when I had time. My incontinence is not documented at the hospital I went to so the diapers that I have to wear would be a “surprise”.
Anyways, some hospital policies don’t make you take off your clothes and put on a gown and some do. Well, this hospital everyone getting a MRI has to wear a gown no matter the location – I guess it just simplifies it. So, I actually had a Bambino Bianco on with a booster in it since MRI tends to take a while and I knew I would have to wait in the waiting room before hand…lots of time to pass. So, there I was with a gown and Bambino Bianco on sitting in the waiting room by myself reading the millions of magazines for 40 minutes until they finally came and got me. The diaper crinkled as I walked down the hall but honestly I think it was loud enough in the corridor for pretty much only me to hear it because the nurse didn’t say anything at the time.
The nurse happened to be nice female that honestly looked like she was right out of nursing school, at least to me she did. Finally, we entered the room with the MRI machine and she helped me get up onto the table. Naturally, the diaper showed and was heard. She just politely said to me that she appreciated that I wore protection and understood it can be hard for some people in this situation. She said they actually had a patient have an “accident” while in the MRI machine and she said that it actually put the MRI machine out of service for a day (a lot of time in hospital terms according to her). I told her no problem and that I have to wear them all the time so it wasn’t really a big deal. I think she thought I was embarrassed a little, which I wasn’t, but she said don’t be embarrassed and that you would be surprised how many people my age they see that have to wear protection like diapers. I just said a simple “yeh, I’m sure and thats comforting” and just wanted to get the process started. MRI went pretty uneventful after that. I am not too claustrophobic so it didn’t really bother me. Fortunately I didn’t have an accident in the diaper while I was in there.
But, moral of the story I guess for some of you out there is that hospital staff see a lot of people every day and the amount of people that have to wear protection or diapers is immense, especially in a hospital. So, don’t feel too ashamed or embarrassed by it.
Oh, and the results of the MRI were negative so not sure what is going on with my lower leg thing, just rest and ice I guess..
I’m 66 now and have been incon since 25 so I’ve seen a bunch of changes in diapers and attitudes. 40 years ago no supermarkets carried adult products like they do today. In fact my wife and I went in today to buy some pull ups, the checker (maybe all of 21) asked if we wanted them bagged. My wife told her no, it’s no big deal, it’s something that just happens. That’s pretty much the attitude most people have now. If you don’t treat it as some big hush hush deal neither will they.
I did have one Dr. (female), after checking my prostate, comment that my diaper wasn’t wet. Well, I had changed and gone pee just before I was called in so of course it wasn’t wet.
I’ve also had an MRI looking for lesions due to the MS, again, no biggie, and I’m sure the tech noticed the diaper.
When I had knee surgery I had a diaper on under the gown, nurse wanted me to take it off. My wife told her, no the Dr. said it was OK, but he did cath me when on the operating table as he wasn’t sure the diaper would hold enough. It was an Abena M-4 so it would have gone about 12 hours.
Hello. About a year ago or so, I went to the local ER. I had a rough day at home and threw up and not pretty. Called my doc and recommended going to the ER. I was wearing a diaper when I was there as I was in one while at home. I didn’t mention it as the choice was personal than medical. Of course my diaper was concealed and not visable. Other than that, I just rested at there few a while and left after feeling better and they did give one drug that did help with the vomiting and that didn’t happen there as it did that morning not long after getting up. Basiclly just a 24hr bug that knocks you out for a day. Sorry if a tad graphic. Take it easy. Dragon-Knight
I am 36 years of age and am going to have the first major surgery in my life since I was a baby and it involves shortening of my toes on my feet and will take 6-8 weeks to recover from and I was just seriously wondering if I could ask the nurse/doctors if I could wear a adult sized diaper before my operation because I don’t want to have a embarrassing accident whilst on the operating table.
I know most hospitals don’t allow this but I think it would only be sensible considering that I have been partially incontinent since 2010, something that I already touched on in my earlier blogs/replies.
My surgery is due to happen tomorrow morning at 8am in Whitehaven’s West Cumberland Infirmary and I am nervous about this problem because I don’t know how my body will react when under amnesia or in a artificially controlled comer and although the pre operation appointment was last week and they reassured me that I won’t have a problem they don’t know my history concerning bed-wetting.
I would really like some advice as to how to handle this situation before it gets out of hand and I am embarrassed in front of every-one when I wake up from being anisitised.
Yours sincerely
Chinababy888
Because of my disability, I’m in and out of doctor’s offices quite frequently, and have to have my blood monitored because I’m on blood thinners. Occasionally I have to undergo an ultrasound treatment to ensure I don’t have a recurrence of blood clots, and it’s only then that diapers really become an inconvenience. The last time I had an ultrasound I wet twice during the exam (thank heaven it didn’t leak!) and had to change while in the exam room. Not particularly easy, considering I had to do it while sitting on the end of a narrow exam table. If I ever have to do that again, I’m going to ask a nurse to help change me. It took me twice as long as it would have if I were home.
I’ve long ceased feeling self-conscious about the diapers while in doctors’ offices, but I did have one mortifying experience many years ago. I’d been hit by a car, and in the emergency room, my clothing was cut away to reveal my cloth diaper. My WET cloth diaper. With a pattern of kids’ alphabet blocks printed on it, no less. I can’t think of a time in which I more desperately wanted the earth to open up and swallow me.
Hopefully you heal up soon, 🙂
But yeah, I actually had a situation when we went to visit my fiance’s mother at the hospital. She had to change me in the bathroom, but it was no big deal, the nurse and staff were just as polite as in your story.
this reminds me of a time in the hospital for me getting an EEG. They didn’t know I was incontinent until they asked if they should show me where the bathroom was. (I’m totally blind so I couldn’t see the obvious signs.)
Unfortunately for me while I slept during the EEG my bowels did their thing…Most humiliating feeling ever not being able to change myself…
Glad you didn’t have such bad luck!!
Glad it all worked out okay for you Adrian! I am rather curious however, what do you, or any other incontinent people out there for that matter, do when you are in a doctor’s office and they tell you to pee in a cup? I am sorry if this is a bit of a personal question but it’s just something I can’t quite figure out.
Thanks and Congrats on a wonderful new site.
In my case it’s hit or miss (no pun intended). I was told to give a urine sample within twenty minutes or a half hour of wetting. (I was tempted to take my diaper off, hand it to them, and say “Here! Squeeze this in there!” =))
Seriously, though, I couldn’t do it on demand–I was actually in tears because of it. They had to eventually give me the cup while I went to get coffee. Fortunately, I was able to pick up the signs of needing to “go” right away, so I could duck into the nearest restroom. But “urine sample” is a phrase I dread hearing.
Thank you Adrian for the hospital info. I’ve often wondered how they would react to folks wearing. I usually request to use restroom prior and remove out of embarrassment. I’m glad your MRI went well and hope your leg feels better.
I had to have an interspinal shot for pain and the diaper showed up on the film as a cloud between my legs but no comments were exchanged and the process went as planned.
Hope you feel better real soon.
Dutch
I’ve learned since the injury that left me incontinent a few years ago that it’s still somewhat embarrassing to be around other people in situations where my diapers are exposed. I’ve had to get used to it though as it was a part of my body that’s been checked up on a lot. After I got out of the service and moved here to Colorado and started my disability claim process with the VA I’ve had to go see a shrink and a few doctors that needed to verify my disability including my incontinence. This has meant having to stand in the doctors office in just my diaper so they could check me over, and validate that everything was indeed what I claimed. It’s also meant having to go to physical therapy in my gym clothes that don’t do much to hide my diapers while I did the routines required and then went and spent time on the table with the guy who worked on my back and legs. The first time I had one of the techs come in and place the TIMS pads on my lower back and lift my diaper up so she could slide it down was very weird. I’ve since got used to it. Something that I once wanted to hide from everyone now has become just part of who I am. For Christmas this past year my wife bought me a 60 min deep tissue massage. I was nervous about that at first. Being in such a private setting with another guy that was going to massage me while I only wore my diaper so I didn’t have an accident on there table. I’ve even had to have two MRI’s here in the last year, plus the Xrays and everything required by the VA. Honestly, aside from one doctor I saw who just kept telling me “you’re to young to be in diapers!” I haven’t had anyone be rude about it, or seem weirded out. It’s helped my confidence around people greatly.
Well thanks AKbound I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE . I to am a VET an well I didn’t get my injury from war . But my problem came from a past care accident that cause my problem later . I now have to also wear diapers 24/7 . An when I told my doctor their I was incontinent . He tried a med on me that didn’t work . So I just told him I’d use diapers . He ask if I’d see a urologist . I said yes he did an CT and ultra sound . I ask him since I had the back injury so long ago if it had something to do with the nerves going to my bladder . He said yes an told me I had a neurogenic bladder now . An that I’d have to use diapers all the time . Some doctors I have had are ok with me in diapers . An some don’t like that I am in diapers . I have come to not be embarrassed being in diapers now . But I am 60 so not young . I have had one nurse help me change my diapers a few times . She was very nice about it . I guess It must of been from the nerve damage . I don’t know what caused it . But while she was changing my wet diaper . I got a hard on . I tried not to . But I guess her washing me an all did it . Well I tried to control myself . But if you guys know what happens . Well it happened right in front of her . GOD I was so EMBARRASSED . But she just smiled an told me it was ok she was nurse an those things happen . She just finished fixing my diaper . An I thanked her for being so nice and understanding . I think that has been the most embarrassing time of having a nurse help me change a diaper . But your right so many medical people now see people every day in diapers . An it is a every day thing .
Great story! I’m lucky not to have an MRI but on numerous occasions, I had to stay in the hospital overnight and have my nappy/diaper changed by nurses who were rough.
In my case the hospital was the place that tried to first put me in a diaper I eventualy found a proper fitting diaper.
I have sarcoidosis with neuro problems (neurosarcoidosis) so they have no idea that i wear them because i like them and not because i need them.
Adrien do you wear plastic pants with your diapers?do they ever leak?
Back in 2008 I had to have an MRI done on my lower back and left leg for a sports injury I had during football practice. I was in the waiting room wearing a depend with tabs under my football gear which everyone saw and heard I got a few looks but no one said a thing, it was still dry thankfully but the hour wait changed that. After putting on the gown and going into the MRI room and getting the MRI done which took a an hour my diaper was wet. The doctor which told me there was no injury (which was a plus) just a sprain, he also saw that I was nervous and said don’t worry I see at least 4 people a week your age in the MRI so don’t be embarrassed, which that made me feel a whole lot better.
I recently had to go to a new specialists. She was a very nice lady, but who wants to tell someone you JUST MET that your incontinent and wear diapers. (Esp when your a young guy talking to a young lady dr.) The time came for the exam, I told her, “before we do the exam I need to let you know that I’m incontinent and I am wearing diapers”.
She immediately asked me about my incontinence, wither It was bladder or bowel (both?), my history with what doctors I had seen, what tests and procedures that had been carried out. She was VERY through. And VERY NICE.
But most of all her positive attitude towards incontinence and people that have it was OUTSTANDING! She even went on to give me advice on how to handle things, where to buy supplies.
I have NEVER felt so GOOD about my SELF and about my problem!!!!!!!!!!!
And I am starting to not think about incontinence and diapers as a deep dark problem but as a different way to live BETTER.
So NEVER be to embarrassed to tell someone that you wear a diaper everyday or cant control your bladder or bowels.
You may find help from people you never expected it from.
-Al
My grandmother who was handicap she whore diapers all day long and she had to take a shower with them on her butt and she catheter also she to empty her bladder into her a bottle next to the toilet
I have been in diapers 15yrs due to being a diabetic and prostate problems.I got over the bad times and it dosen’t bother me now being 77 who cares.
Last year I had a bad fall in the shower and the EMS people took me to the hospital along with my wife. Getting settled in bed the nurse gave me a urinal and my wife stopped her and said, “He can’t use that thing without spilling it all over the bed. He wears diapers all the time. Do you have any large diapers here?” The nurse said, “Of course. We’ll take care in it.”
She left and came back with a disposable diaper. She turned the blanket down and told me to lay on my side. She slid the diaper under a bit and had me lay down on it and taped the diaper and told me, “Just call us with this button,” showing me the call button thingy,” anytime you are wet or a bm and we will take care of it.” I spent the night calling them to change my diaper which I enjoyed greatly! I had a diaper fetish since about four and until 75. I had lost control of my bladder so I HAD to wear diapers but enjoyed them immensely. I’m 82 now and still enjoying my diapers openly. Our neighbors know about it and we talk about it now and then. Nobody cares about them for incon but I haven’t told them of the fetish. My wife knows and joins me sometimes wearing a pull up “because it’s a lot of fun.”
I’am going in to hospital for a foot operation this November come December and Know that I am a bed wetter and may ask them for a diaper for me to wear as I’ll be unconscious for 1-2hrs whilst the operation happens.
I know normal hospital procedure calls for catheters but if I am given the option before my opp then I will take advantage of this as I don’t like pain and wearing a diaper isn’t a issue for me.
I’ll let you know what happens
Yours sincerely
Chinababy888
Diapers and Hospitals
I will be going to hospital for major surgery on my feet this coming November/December for the day and am naturally more than a little bit uneasy about the whole prospect of going under the knife.
I am unsure how to go about asking the doctor or nurse about requesting that I be put into adult diapers because I am a bed wetter and the fact that I will be unconscious during the operation.
I am also unsure about the hospitals view on a 36 year old male wearing diapers because he is incontinent and I don’t want to have a catheter inserted as they are painfull.
I have done some research on this subject and also asked a ex medical practitioner on this subject and they basically said that I should get myself reappraised by a different doctor, something that I might just do as its my right to do that.
If I do end up going to hospital in diapers this will be the first time in 36 years since I last wore a diaper in hospital, again I am unsure about the N.H.S procedures as I will be in hospital in the UK.
I have ordered some free samples of diapers from Tena just incase I need them during my surgery and need some advice as to how to go about asking if I can wear them during my operation.
Any advice would be preferable as I don’t know what to say at this time and I am unsure how to ask a stranger about my problems as I don’t know any of the pre-surgery team who will be working on me.
I am also unsure about wever or not I should wear diapers after my surgery as I will basically be immobile for 6-8 weeks afterwards as my feet will be in pins and screws and a splint, and although I know how to put a diaper myself I live with unsympathetic relatives.
I know that I am not the first person to go through this problem so I could do with some input as to what my options are given that I don’t know where to proceed with my questions.
Any help would be useful
Anyway must go now
Yours sincerely
Kwan Ming
Just wear them under your gown, they will take them off if they feel it appropriate. I have woke up in a diaper after surgery snd also with a catheter some times. They have seen it all and its no big deal.. my last surgery i started to take it off and the nurse just said to leave it and they would take it off after they placed me on my stomach.
I was just in the hospital for three weeks and was diapered the whole time. I called the nurse probably four or five times a day
for a change and they were always good about it.
I’ve been Incotinate for over 20 years, I have pelvic floor and never damage. I have no control of my bladder and sometimes lose of my bowel control. I had fallen off a ladder about 25 feet up on too a concrete floor. When I was in the hospital for this they had me in diapers, this was a shock to me, but I’ve been in diapers every since. I’ve been to many doctors and urologist over the years with no results, I’m 69 years old and will be in diapers for the rest of my life.