There is much you can do to help your healthcare professional determine the type and cause of your incontinence. Before your visit, prepare a list of all prescription and non-prescription medications which you are taking, or bring them with you. Also briefly describe your medical history, including information on any surgeries you may have had. In addition, your healthcare professional will ask you questions about how much fluid you drink, and how and when you lose urine.
Once a complete history has been taken, you may find that special diagnostic studies, including urodynamic tests, are in order. The type and the cause of your incontinence will determine the appropriate options.
It is important to know that your regular healthcare professional may not be the best choice for of your incontinence. Ask your healthcare professional if he/she has an interest and expertise in assessing and treating incontinence. If the answer is no, ask for a referral to one who has an expertise.
Many consumers feel they are disturbing their doctor with a minor issue as they think their doctor has more serious issues to deal with. Your quality - of - life and psychological well-being is extremely important.
Are you aware that incontinence is one of the main reasons seniors are placed in institutions, as family caregivers can no longer cope? We all know the consequences of falls among the elderly. Is it due to rushing to the washroom to avoid an accident or that they slipped in urine leakage.
Stop and think about your incontinence experience. How often does it occur? How much urine is lost? Are there any contributing factors, such as lifting, laughing, etc? Then think about how the loss of bladder control has affected your daily activities. Has it affected your participation in physical, social, sexual, or work activities?
Click here to read more about the Types of Urinary Incontinence.
Once you are able to describe your symptoms and how they affect your everyday life, you can confidently speak with your healthcare professional, and work together to find the best treatment options for you incontinence. Keeping a daily record of your fluid intake, well as your voiding history plus all medications you are taking is a way to open discussion with your healthcare professional. This can save everyone a great deal of time.
Click here to view the Bladder Retraining & Consumer Guide
For more information on incontinence and what to do about it, or for a list of interested healthcare professionals in your area, contact The Canadian Continence Foundation:
Click here to send us an email
Or write to:
The Canadian Continence Foundation
159 , King Street, Suite 110
Peterborough, ON
K9H 2E2
Help your doctor to understand your symptoms by keeping a bladder diary.