Terrible PT visit

[DiaperedG]

So I want to rant just a little and see if there are any opinions out there.

A bit of history, I was in a blast when I was deployed to Iraq. I was thrown in an explosion, woke up under rubble in shock. I would walk about five feet and then fall over. Turns out I had some fractures, including S2. Just to today I am mobile but completely incontinent bowl and bladder. So I use adult diapers, which is actually recommended by the neurosurgeon and neurologist. Turns out I am not a candidate for really any other option out there.

So I moved to a new area and got a new PT therapy. They had me fill out a big long list of questions and one of them was about incontinence. So of course I say yes. This… let’s say older PT, asked med about details and when I folder I use adult brief she made such a disgusting face. And then I get a lecture on how not to use the word chronic and my incontinence can be fixed. Three different neurosurgeons and four neurologists have said chronic conditions and I just have to manage the symptoms.

I feel kind of terrible after the visit. Am I wrong? Did I just give up and accept something that has made me a disgusting human being?

OMG! God bless you, and thank you for your service! I’m so sorry you were treated that way! This post made me so sad and angry! I don’t even know what I’d do in your situation. I at least would’ve made a complaint about that bitch

 

[Bigbabybret]

So, I have been in the whole PT for years, and also regular drs' visits at least once a month many ambulance rides and icu stays over the last few years.

I'll say that I find that PT people are the worst in the industry, they are often rude, dont read the actual orders and/or instructions they have been given and quite often find that they dont even know my name after they put the piece of paper down let alone the issues i'm dealing with.

I think it has to do with the lack of required training and also the shortage in the industry, and maybe the fact that most the peple they have to deal with dont want to do the work.

I myself have worked every injury i've got well more than the PT does and usually quit PT early as i work on the muscles all the time i'm awake if at all possible, i used to walk miles for fun all the time, etc.

But, i've had many rude PT people, and also many times they are wanting to do things that the surgeon specifically say to NOT do, or even to try walking on broken leg before it's even been delt with (was broken when i was found without pulse), or them reading the info for the wrong person (Not for me for someone else) or just totally not even knowing your name 5 mins after they got there and call you different name, or write/spell say name wrong time and time again without seemingly any care to change that.

But, of the prob 24+ PT people ive had at various icu's and/or home and/or hospital i can only think of like 2 that i'd consider good at being even attentive to the situation, and even to the point of not caring about and even saying to ignore the drs orders as to what to do/not do.

On the other hand, i can only think of like 4-5 drs that i've had any issue with at all, and i have NO issue in arguing with a dr or nurse.

Sorry you also have had this experiance and NO it's not on you at all, they should be professional and at the same standard as any other professional in the medical industry but they seem to have some indemenic issues IMHO

 

[diaperedEMT]

I'm sorry you've had to deal with this. Sounds like this clinican needs some education. She works for you, not the other way around. She may not like or agree with your chosen path of treatment or that of your physician team but at the end of the day it is none of her business. She has a job to do and it isn't to chastise, demean, or otherwise citicise someone's else's decisions. Working in the medical field has taught me a lot, but nothing more important that this. As long as you are alert and oriented no one can make you receive any treatment you don't not wish to do. (As long as you aren't a danger to yourself or others. That will get you a pink slipped and probably B52'd or 500 of some special K if you refuse and start fighting) Oh you don't like the fact I wear a diaper? Fuck off, I'll find another therapist. Stay in your lane and until you have a Dr at the beginning of your name go back to doing what your medical director says.

 

[babyscotty37]

I’ll echo what others have said in a hearty thank you for your service!

Many of us are managing long term chronic incontinence and it doesn’t mean that we are dirty human beings. Just means that we have to accept that our bodies have a malfunction and that we’ll be managing it with one of the many resources at our fingertips. I’ve got urge incontinence and my management system that best allows me to live a normal life is full tab briefs (diapers). They’re comfortable, convenient (better than pull ups because I don’t have to undress to change), and the healthiest option for my needs. Taking charge of my health and making the decision to discontinue pharmacological and surgical options and just wear diapers was liberating. I’m more relaxed, easy going, and don’t have to be chained to a bathroom or my bladder’s urges. If I can make it to a bathroom, great! Most of the time I don’t have more than 10 seconds from the start of an urge to my bladder overpowering my sphincters…but it’s ok. I’m protected.

Best thing you can do is be the master of your own destiny and find what works best for you. Ignore all the negativity and noise from the medical profession and make decisions that best suit your needs. I wish you all the best, and we’ll be here to support you along the way.

Exactly!! I deal with my sometimes extreme urge incontinence the same way for the same reasons. Not having to worry about getting to a restroom within a few minutes, the embarrassment of a leak without protection, and using briefs instead of pull-ups for ease of change are all the same for me.
Yet, my desire to return to infancy started at about four years of age to deal with all that was happening to me physically because of a club foot and severe scoliosis. Many early surgeries, braces, and bullying, drove the desire to escape to a safe place. But after my first two back surgeries at 13, I began to have problems with urgency due to damage from a nurse having all but yanked a catheter out which I had the week between surgeries. I eventually had urinary tract reconstruction done in my early 20s. But then in my late 30s, I had a lumbar reconstruction that left me with extreme urge incontinence.
It's been a challenging road dealing with my ABDL desires that then combined with my incontinence and need for protection. Thankfully, I live a satisfied life and am now content with everything.

 

[sbmccue]

Thanks for your service! We all appreciate everything you've gone through in the service of your country.

Unfortunately, many PTs, OTs, et al think they're actual practitioners. They haven't the power to advise, prescribe or diagnose, but that doesn't stop them trying. If you can't find or otherwise acquire the services of another PT, just go back to this lady, have her do what she's supposed to do, and ignore everything else.

And remember my motto: People who think they know everything are extraordinarily irritating to those of us who do!

 

[Joeysms]

wow where to start. first off there is nothing disgusting about wearing diapers. there is nothing shameful or embarrassing about it. the majority of people dealing with IC both urinary and bowel relay on diapers. Diapers being a healthy option without side effects. be proud of who you are especially the fact you served your country so there is an added level of respect that goes with that. Don't go back to that PT she is a jerk and has no business instructing you on how to handle your medical conditions outside of her job as Physical Therapist. where i live there are many PT clinics to choose from. They are almost like barber shops they are all over the place. you have a right to choose and be at easy with your health care providers. you look for the right match. i personally would have gone off on her and followed up with one hell of a negative review not just online but with my insurance. I had PT for my shoulder and low back after an injury and my therapist was great. Since she was already working with me on the shoulder and back she also added in some pelvic exercises that might help with managing the incontinence some. all the exercises were good but i favorite part was the massage and heating pads. never accept crap from anyone especially regarding your incontinence. best of luck finding a new PT.

 

[DiaperedJoey]

I work in the medical field, and this is what we call medical bias. This is also where the patient must advocate for themselves as well as report such behavior. You, as the patient, have the right to choose how you manage your diability, especially with the support of your numerous specialists behind you. Diapers do not define us, nor should medical staff. You sacrificed much, and deserving of compassion and understanding. Hugs to you, and as others have said, find a new therapist, or, if you see this one again, be frank, explain your specialists views and your peace with how you manage, all you need for them to do is help with the physical therapy.

Hope things look up for you.

Joey

 

[artemisenterri]

Diaper shaming in the medical profession is real. I’ve experienced it. I’m sorry you had to hear this from this person. Try to get another therapist. I’ve had numerous surgeries and injuries and PT people are usually nice, but I’ve run into some that are full of themselves. Your doctors should know what they are talking about. PT’s are not doctors.

This is one of the main reasons I haven't been to any doctor's office in over 5 years. I'm not IC, but like to wear for comfort and convenience factors, if I'm "out and about", I don't want to be playing "potty roulette" to find a usable toilet in a clean restroom...