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yet another incontinence question

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Posted 1/23/2010 12:18 PM (GMT -5)
T-3 and counting. I have another one of those questions that I'm sure cannot really be answered since everyone is different. Obviously, I suddenly have some time on my hands, but, here goes:

I teach at a university. In fact, my last day was yesterday and I plan on returning at the start of a new term on or about 3/9/10. This will be 6 weeks post-op. My schedule looks like:

On some days, 2-hour class; 2-hour break; 2-hour class.

On other days: 2-hour class; 5-10 minutes break; 2-hour class.

Will incontinence make this schedule or part of it impossible?

Incidentally, I have quick access to my office and can change pads there if needed. Also, during these 2-hour classes, I often give the students a choice: take a 5-10 minute break or we can finish early. So, if there is a problem, I can always do a quick break.

(Obviously it is hard to predict, but perhaps you can chime in based on your experience).

I might add I am usually active in the teaching process, standing up and moving about 90% of the time. From time to time I'll sit down and then stand up again. Of course, on test days I am mostly sitting. I'm sure this description is a big surprise.

Mel

Posted 1/23/2010 12:32 PM (GMT -5)
As long as you have access to indoor plumbing you can do what ever you want when you want.
Posted 1/23/2010 12:46 PM (GMT -5)
Mel,
You shouldn't have any problems as long as your are wearing a pad and have access to your office or a bathroom. I can't imagine soaking a pad so much that it won't last 2 hours.
Posted 1/23/2010 12:55 PM (GMT -5)
Mel,

I think that planning is great, but this may be extreme.
From my other posts, you may have picked up that I have problems at DaVinci +13 weeks, but the guy who was in for his catheter removal right before me (same surgery) is said to have been bone dry since (or so says the nurse).

So maybe you will be using a Depends Male Guard just for insurance. Lets hope for that, as it is thin enough to let you wear normal clothing.

You will have a good sense of your progress a week or two after catheter removal.

You may be like me - the other end of the spectrum, with very slow progress.
I wear the depends pull-up pant with a depends male guard when I get out. It all varies with fluid intake and fluid types, so I avoid anything acidic or anything in excess for the couple of hours before I leave the house. I carry a spare pad at all times, and change it when I can immediately after I realize there has been a leak, not when it is "full". If it is "full", you are one drop or one sudden position shift away from an accident. I find that normal activity out of the house takes one every 2 hours, more or less.
Standing up is a stress point. Staying seated, or remaining standing reduces the strain leaks. Going over speed bumps in the truck is now an art, not a sport.

Also, I've seen others make the same comment - no more light colored pants for me - navy blue and black are the official colors if you are in the 2% club.
Posted 1/23/2010 1:27 PM (GMT -5)
Mel,
I spoke at a large conference 2 weeks ago, which was just shy of 4 weeks post surgery for me, and my first "public" performance. I am using the Depend male guards and find them to be well suited for my need. I stood for 30 minutes, and then remained seated for the remaining 60 minutes. At the conclusion of the conference, I arose as a number of participants came over for questions. I had not anticipated the pull of gravity and urgency sensations, but with a combination of kegal and some leakage, made it through without any problems noticeable to anyone other than me. It also was a confidence boost as I had some anxiety about this.


Best wishes to you.

vespatime
Posted 1/24/2010 12:48 AM (GMT -5)
Mel, if you have a chance to change to a dry pad as soon as you can before your lectures, you'll be fine. Worst case. You might be surprised how much better than worst case you will be. At the most you will have a bit of an inconvenience. I would not plan against your schedule.
Regards
Posted 1/24/2010 1:26 AM (GMT -5)
please tell yourself DONT  SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF you will be amazed at how well you do , you are completely valid with worrying about your continence, however in the same breath your not giving any attention to how WELL you might do  relax  your gonna be fine .promise

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,dirt,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Posted 1/24/2010 3:01 PM (GMT -5)
you will most likely be fine. Act like a boy scout and always be prepared with back up pads, briefs and maybe even pants in the very beginning. It's easy to have things on hand if you need them. I carry all that stuff in my service van. Good luck, see you on the other side in the healing zone. As always Carry On!
Posted 1/24/2010 4:48 PM (GMT -5)
One thing that I did learn was to go to the bathroom as often as the opportunity presented itself. I think that you will be fine if you institute a break half way through the class, then you can go take care of business if you need to do so.

I was back coaching varsity high school softball games (which generally last 2-3 hours) within about a month of surgery and had no real problems. Just went to the bathroom right before the games, used a new pad and changed out the pad as soon as I could afterward. After two years, I still sometimes suffer stress incontinence while exercising strenuously.
Posted 1/24/2010 6:39 PM (GMT -5)
Hi - I too am a Professor, and had RPP on 12/15/09. Classes started again 1/3/10, and I have been able to get through class, standing for up to 90 minutes, without any problem - make sure to use the bathroom before class and change pad if necessary, and then after class, and answering questions (I must be pretty confusing), I head to the nearest bathroom again.
Posted 1/24/2010 7:34 PM (GMT -5)
I was back to lecturing after two weeks. Visit the WC before and after class and you will have no problem except answering questions for that pretty co-ed while you know that you are peeing your pants and she doesn't. Amazingly, you get used to this. And then it stops.
Posted 1/24/2010 7:43 PM (GMT -5)
The pads hold a lot, I went on a few 2 hr drives and made it with no stops, pad was holding plenty of urine but never leaked once.

As long as you can slip away for a moment, a pad change takes seconds you will be ok
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