Wondering what others are planning to do about the leaky bladder problem so many have but don't talk about. Had four kids of my own, raised three others and spent many long hours on my feet at home and at work. As time went on the old bladder just wouldn't hold anymore. Had surgery and it worked for about a year and then the old problem came back. Bladder control pads are expensive and not something I want to spend my money on when food and other needed supplies are needed. In the old days during that time of the month we used to say, "on the rag". Not much fun in the old days...and don't want to go back to that. Had thought about purchasing some diapers and making my own pads by using old nylon stockings and the holder and making my own old style belt out of elastic. Just wondering if anyone has come up with a good idea for us 'out of control' people.

-- Old Gramma (Gotitincalif@webtv.net), April 28, 1999

Answers

Old Gramma,

My wife is a Physical Therapist, and coincidentally she mentioned yesterday that she was offered to be sent to course in a couple of months to learn how to treat this problem (she accepted). The hospital she works for would like to provide this particular service to women as an alternative to surgery. I will ask her to get more info, and perhaps she could recommend a course of action for you. She's already asleep (hospital hours start early), so the soonest I could have an answer for would be tomorrow PM. Feel free to email reply; mine's valid.

Hope this helps,

Spindoc'

BTW, my username is not political; it was a callsign I was given in the Navy. Have no fear, confidence is assured.

-- spindoctor (spindoc_99_2000@yahoo.com), April 28, 1999.

Spindoc' You went ahead and opened the can, now you get to empty it::: What in .... caused the folks in the navy to come up with that call sign?? I know of a couple BAM's who were assigned TROUBLE but you had to know them.

Chuck incorrigibly currious, but a LOUSY speller

-- chuck, a Night Driver (rienzoo@en.com), April 29, 1999.

Here's a site that may have some answers for your problem.

-- John (jerkenbeck@aol.com), April 29, 1999.

Old Gramma...have you checked with your Dr. My MIL had to have surgery and she had the same problem of it worked for awhile. She went back and he put her on some medication and the leakage stopped. (I couldn't help but wonder if the medication might have worked WITHOUT the surgery!!) I will ask her what the medication is when I see her tonight. It takes a couple of weeks to work, I know that much. You might also find that there are forms of Kotex that work as well as the bladder things and are a lot cheaper. And just a thought....and it might not be a very bright one, but how about those real soft sponges. The ones that are soft even when dry? One could put into water and squeeze and rinse a couple of time and lay out to dry. If you had some of those you could reuse. Just a thought. Might need to make a cover for them as they might chafe. Its a bitch, ain't it?????

Taz

-- Taz (Tassie @aol.com), April 29, 1999.

Pelvic Muscle Exercises to Improve Your Bladder Control is the name of an article from Educational Services, HIP. Inc. Spartemburg, South Carolina that will tell you how to self-correct your problem. The exercises are also called Kegel exercises. Most all doctors and public health offices will have free copies of essentially the same thing. Just takes a little time and effort.

-- maggie (maggiem@nehp.com), April 29, 1999.

sometimes the problem is a lack of magnesium, which is epidemic anyway. try taking a combo calcium, magnesium and zinc tablet, 3 a day. try for a month and see if there is any improvement.

-- jocelyne slough (jonslough@tln.net), April 29, 1999.

Chuck!!! Well, I never!! What do you mean BAMS!! Semper Fi from WM61@siu.edu

-- Melinda E. Mason (wm61@siu.edu), April 29, 1999.

Old Gramma, Try to find out about homeopathy. It worked on my mother with a very similar problem. It is individualised treatment, not a generic one size fits all solution. This healing method is 200 years old and widely practiced and respected in Europe and India. Wonderful results, no side affects. J.

-- J. (jim@deliousdeliveries.net), April 29, 1999.

Lose weight, do abdominal and pelvic (kegel) exercises. A search on internet for "+kegel +incontinence" should give you info.

-- A (A@AisA.com), April 30, 1999.