First time to Doctor - what to expact

[gregs]

I managed my incontinence very well and accepted that I have to wear diapers, this works good for me.

However I think to go to talk with a doctor in the upcoming days.

What to expect if i tell him the first time about IC?

 

[DeejayLittle]

mate its the doctors, they dont give a fuck dw just be honest no point in feeling embarrest with the doctor chances are doctors seen worse, more embarrising things

 

[SparkyDog]

I managed my incontinence very well and accepted that I have to wear diapers, this works good for me.

However I think to go to talk with a doctor in the upcoming days.

What to expect if i tell him the first time about IC?

Family doctor or specialist like urologist?

 

[daylight]

Family doctor or specialist like urologist?

Really the same isn't it? You have to see your PCP before being referred to a specialist; least with my insurance.

@gregs, You should go and talk about what you are experiencing. It might help to write down your symptoms and any questions you may have in general beforehand to help organize your thoughts. Appointments can be intimidating as it is new to you. Remember it is something they work with daily so, nothing to be embarrassed about.

Know: 0) existing health issues and meds, 1) history of (when), 2) symptoms, 3) day/night frequency, 4) number of pads used per day, 5) your observations of triggers.

Likely will want to: 0) create a bladder/voiding diary, 1) scan for retention, 2) schedule a follow up, 3) pay your copay.

 

[SparkyDog]

Usually (speaking from personal experience) Your GP / Family doctor will ask for a bunch of history so explain everything that has been happening.
They will likely send you for blood work, urinalysis & an ultrasound
After that You might be referred to a urologist if your GP thinks its a good idea or you can request for a referral.
Urologist will ask even more questions

What happens
when
how often
does it affect sex life
be prepared to answer everything

they will order even more tests such as cystoscopy (camera up your urethra)
then likely urinalysis testing again as well as urodynamics (pee in special toilet while it monitors flow, they sometimes add xray or ultrasound)

Then depending on finding its medications or surgery or both
Getting coverage for diapers in last on the list after everything else is tried

Then depending on healthcare plan pay bills or if universal healthcare no charge.

Feel free to ask for questions if needed

 

[Spyder51]

Usually (speaking from personal experience) Your GP / Family doctor will ask for a bunch of history so explain everything that has been happening.
They will likely send you for blood work, urinalysis & an ultrasound
After that You might be referred to a urologist if your GP thinks its a good idea or you can request for a referral.
Urologist will ask even more questions

What happens
when
how often
does it affect sex life
be prepared to answer everything

they will order even more tests such as cystoscopy (camera up your urethra)
then likely urinalysis testing again as well as urodynamics (pee in special toilet while it monitors flow, they sometimes add xray or ultrasound)

Then depending on finding its medications or surgery or both
Getting coverage for diapers in last on the list after everything else is tried

Then depending on healthcare plan pay bills or if universal healthcare no charge.

Feel free to ask for questions if needed

I'm seeing a urologist next week. Would it be helpful to tell them about my diaper wearing habits and preferences regarding them? I've seen people post about urologists and that they discourage against wearing them.

 

[SparkyDog]

I'm seeing a urologist next week. Would it be helpful to tell them about my diaper wearing habits and preferences regarding them? I've seen people post about urologists and that they discourage against wearing them.

I tell mine
I only say how many a day I use
they don't need to know anything beyond that

 

[slimjiminy]

I'm seeing a urologist next week. Would it be helpful to tell them about my diaper wearing habits and preferences regarding them? I've seen people post about urologists and that they discourage against wearing them.

I didn't need to. When I arrived and lying on the table, the nurse said "Drop your drawers. Isn't this a good way to meet for the first time?" I had to laugh and agree. By then the pull-up was obvious but nothing was said.

 

[uknappygirl]

I agree with the great advice here as usual. If I’m going to the doctor with something new, is usually try to write down what’s been happening and any questions before. It helps if I get distracted or anything when I get in to see them. I’m lucky that my doctor is really good and understanding and has known me for a long time so gets all my history but it might be a good idea to write that down if you haven’t seen the doctor very much before. I also try to be open about most things with the doctor, even my little/ab side but I know not everyone would be ok with that. Hope the appointment goes well. Xx

 

[KrankyPants]

I am glad you are considering discussing it with your doctor. The other day when I was at my doctor to discuss my back pain my doctor asked if I was having any bowel or bladder incontinence. It was hard to tell him, but I said "yes, both" and when I did he made a remark to me that he is a great doctor but not a great mind reader. It changed how he wanted to help me get better.

He gave me a referral: one for an MRI and then he said he may need me to see a neurologist to help figure out why I am having daytime incontinence.

The bottom line is most doctors will ask simple questions and expect an honest response. I hid my incon. from my doctor the time before when I had a flare up in my spine and I regret not being upfront and telling my doctor that I have been having problems with daytime incontinence earlier.

 

[KrankyPants]

I agree with the great advice here as usual. If I’m going to the doctor with something new, is usually try to write down what’s been happening and any questions before. It helps if I get distracted or anything when I get in to see them. I’m lucky that my doctor is really good and understanding and has known me for a long time so gets all my history but it might be a good idea to write that down if you haven’t seen the doctor very much before. I also try to be open about most things with the doctor, even my little/ab side but I know not everyone would be ok with that. Hope the appointment goes well. Xx

Writing things down ahead of the appointment is an excellent suggestion! The worst feeling is that "oh, darn" moment when you remember something on the drive home, lol!

 

[ParaRomeo]

Not sure if you have seen the Doc by now, there are many great suggestions and if it's your first time seeing a doc about IC they are going to want to run tests to find the cause. You can refuse meds if you want of it's suggested, but will say medicine has changed alot & depending on type of ic you have it maybe treatable.

But many people try or use absorbent products before seeing a doctor & usually why on most medical products there is a warning.

But understanding the cause is a big part because potentially the cause could be lead to something else like say a pinched nerve or something else. Usually most run few different tests. But basics are like some mentioned keeping a log.

Yes some docs discourage use of absorbent products but it's because of potential risks like infection or skin issues. But the thing about anything medically related is you have the right to choose what care you do and don't receive and that is not for me or anyone to decide is right or wrong, but the thing is you need to decide the reason for seeing a doctor is it just to have this documented or are you looking for potential fixes or causes. You mentioned you have accepted use of them would you be willing or interested in if they have a potential solution? But here is the thing there are many you have documented issues and may find absorbent products better solution but everyone is different. Like if you have a type where you get the I gotta go's & either don't have to or wet beforehand than maybe a solution. But also know they may suggest something else like say a pullup, or pad because their potentially easier to use the toilet.

I will just throw this out there because I know some look into a docs to potentially get diapers paid for by insurance(only do it if medically & financially needed ). In the US the only insurances that pay for them(that I know of) are State run Medicaid & Veteran Admin, both have their own requirements like VA you need to be a Veteran that eligible for care through them, Medicaid usually it's based on income and or if you have a significant disability or disabled(each state and their own lists), each state also has their own policies as well also what they provide (usually not the top of the line). I have heard and seen both sides some may just provide a script but most states do require a medical letter of medical necessity and what tests were done and some what to know why a certain product is requested vs another like why timed voiding & cathing can't be done.

 

[EmmyBaby2000]

Having seen many doctors and nurses over the last 22 years, I have never had any issues with any of them over my use of diapers. Not being potty trained until I was 7, we were always told that it may take some more time because of my health issues. When I was 11 and having "accidents" again, we were told that it's just a phase as I might have been starting puberty. Then the nighttime accidents started to become real accidents by the time I was 13, we were told it was just an undersized bladder for my age. And now at 22, there is just a permanent note in my file that says daytime and nighttime incontinent, so the sight of me in a diaper isn't much of a shock.

 

[NotTheAverageMan]

My doctor was an arse. it has been, and still is an uphill battle. Now he just asks when I’m going in for a yearly examination, how it’s going with my wetting issues. I shrug it off, and says I’m managing. He knows I’m wearing protection.

 

[Constantlydamp]

I went to the doctor with a case of balanitis (swollen and inflamed foreskin) and it was when I removed my trousers that he saw I was wearing a pull up. After prescribing an ointment for the balanitis he then asked me about the pull ups and I opened up about my incontinence. He was helpful and caring and through him was seen by the urology team at the hospital and then referred to the Continence Advisory Service. Tell the doctor about your symptoms and I hope he will then put the wheels in motion for your assessment and treatment.

 

[SparkyDog]

I went to the doctor with a case of balanitis (swollen and inflamed foreskin) and it was when I removed my trousers that he saw I was wearing a pull up. After prescribing an ointment for the balanitis he then asked me about the pull ups and I opened up about my incontinence. He was helpful and caring and through him was seen by the urology team at the hospital and then referred to the Continence Advisory Service. Tell the doctor about your symptoms and I hope he will then put the wheels in motion for your assessment and treatment.

Been to the doctor many time for foreskin issues in my youth
but thankfully it's been good now for years
Keeping it clean is the biggest thing. Especially with diapers

Have to pull back and clean the head then the inside of the skin between changes.
Hopefully the cream clears things up quick
Its definitely bit of an embarrassing appointment hey?
Hope you get help at the incontinence clinic

 

[Constantlydamp]

Hi Sparkydog, the balanitis cleared up immediately with the cream and I am so glad that I went to the urologist as it showed I had an enlarged prostate (BPH) and that an over active bladder was the cause of my urge incontinence. Referred to the Continence Advisory Service who prescribed me the Tena Maxi nappies and got a specialist nurse to fit me with the pubic pressure urinal. Best doctors appointment ever !.

 

[SparkyDog]

Hi Sparkydog, the balanitis cleared up immediately with the cream and I am so glad that I went to the urologist as it showed I had an enlarged prostate (BPH) and that an over active bladder was the cause of my urge incontinence. Referred to the Continence Advisory Service who prescribed me the Tena Maxi nappies and got a specialist nurse to fit me with the pubic pressure urinal. Best doctors appointment ever !.

That's awesome seems like a quick process.
Getting help with diapers here takes years.
Hopefully enlarged prostate shrinks back down
I had mine checked was abnormally small. Normal volume is 25ml
mine was just 15ml

 

[Dinotopian2002]

I'll be honest, my doctors struggle to treat me at times.
Thankfully, they realise that my bladder issues are legit, and we've agreed that keeping me in diapers is the best way to handle it.
Took them a while to reach this point but I'll take it as a win

Breathe Deep, Seek Peace
Dinotopian2002

 

[weethepeople]

I managed my incontinence very well and accepted that I have to wear diapers, this works good for me.

However I think to go to talk with a doctor in the upcoming days.

What to expect if i tell him the first time about IC?

G'day ..I have seen a number of doctors over the years about my incontinence . About four local GP's and three urologists if memory serves me but the one that helped me the most wasn't a doctor ... She was a medical professional though , a continence nurse .. Went to her three times . She told me more in three short consultations than all the others combined .. The single bit of non medical advice I got from her was to not be frightened to talk to others , to tell trusted people and to not be ashamed of being incontinent .. It's actually very comforting every so often when it gets to me too much to discuss it with a workmate but also a good friend , She isn't incontinent but she suffers with a chronic condition called fibro myalgia so occasionally she leans on me talking about that and to get her worries off her chest ..The old saying A problem shared is a problem halved for us is certainly true . My advice to you or anybody else is be totally honest and up front with your doctor and people you are happy to share your incontinence issue with .. It does help ..