Hints on Vacationing with Incontinence
Posted: Friday, August 06, 2010
by Tammy Chamberlain
DryDiapersPlus.com
Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:
1 - If you are traveling by plane, train or bus, try to always ensure that you pick an aisle seat, close to the washroom, so that you can effortlessly access it when nature calls.
As a reminder, buses, trains & planes have limited trash bins. So, plan ahead for this concern & use an adult brief that has a higher absorbency rating (for example an overnight rating), so that you won't have to change as frequently. This also works best for those who don't feel any warning signs of an impending accident, or if the warning signs don't occur early enough to get to the bathroom.
This tip also applies to those who tour by vehicle for their vacations. In the US, rest stops can be found very easily on the foremost highways of the countryside, but countless other countries don't present this escape route. So, if you are traveling on the side roads of the US, or the highways of Canada, Australia, Japan, etc, you will be better off to use a highly absorbent, hospital grade, incontinence product.
2 - Pack all of your incontinence supplies into a bag (aka: handy travel kit). This could be a shoulder bag, a rucksack, a business case, etc. You can think of various ways to disguise your 'adult diaper bag' so that no one but you knows that you've got your incontinence supplies with you. Necessary things for your bag consist of:
*Spare underwear & outer clothes
*Travel soap & disposable wash cloths (flannels) or wipes
*Plastic bags for clean & straightforward disposal (you ought to be able to come across 'nappy bags' at your neighborhood dollar store in the baby section, or otherwise, you can use 'poop bags' for dogs if you can't find diaper disposal bags.
*Barrier cream - for any rashes or other skin conditions owing to incontinence.
3 - Watch what you swallow and swallow. If you are traveling for extended periods (for instance flights, trains, bus trips), restrict your liquid intake prior to your trip & during your trip. However, do not allow yourself to become dehydrated - doing so will cause headaches, nausea, etc. So, a short list of those bits and pieces to avoid are:
*Something continaing caffeine (ie: tea, coffee & soft drinks)
*Salty munchies & drinks; such as chips (crisps), peanuts or other nut mixtures, pop, etc,
*Alcohol
4 - Plan Ahead. Make the most of your trip. If you arrange on visiting museums, parks, etc, make sure to have a map (usually found at the reception counter or visitor's center). Ascertain where the public restrooms are for rapid & unproblematic entrance. Don't overlook to take your "travel kit" (diaper bag) so you won't be short of provisions & left in an awkward position.
A good place to map out bathrooms, that we found, is the NAFC (The National Association for Continence). They have an interactive map on their site that shows you where the washrooms are!
Always arrange for a bathroom stop about 30 minutes after meals, when on the road. Also, don't make any radical changes to your diet when on break, as this could have strong consequences. Always carry water with you, so you won't be tempted with caffeinated/salty drinks.
5 - Daily routines. It's very effortless when on holiday to overlook your normal schedules. With incontinence, that cannot occur. Always make time for your pelvic floor exercises.
Knowing how to properly manage your incontinence by planning ahead - & NOT allowing your incontinence to manage you - will allow you to get out & enjoy your rest. So, go ahead & set out planning your holiday...today!
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Can you write an article on pelvic floor exercises for strengthening bladder control?I sure can try to get one pulled together. It's very important for those who's issue is a weak pelvic floor to definitely do the exercises. Unfortunately - for many it's not just a matter of weak pelvic floor muscles - but a side effect of something else (diseases, motor vehicle accidents, etc).Hi, Jennifer
Here's a link to an article I've written about pelvic floor exercises and strengthening http://tchamberlain.searchwarp.com/swa761953-Women-Beware-Is-Surgery-Really-Necessary.htm
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