My diabetic husband who is not doing what he should for his diabetes (that's another story), eats junk all day, is always thirsty, and consumes an incredible amount of diet drinks and unsweetened tea all day long. He has to go to the bathroom constantly and several times he has not made it in time and wet his pants. He does have some Depends-type products, but he says he can't get them off in time to go to the bathroom and ends up getting urine on his pants anyway. His doctor put him on an overactive bladder med, and it seemed to work for a while, but not so much any more.
Our sons both want us to come visit them this year, and these trips require long plane trips with some stopovers. If he wears a Depends-type brief, should he just pee in them rather than try to make it to the airplane or airport bathroom? Then he would have to change them in an airport, I guess. I think at this point maybe he just can't travel except by car when we could stop every hour. That would mean I would be driving 4 or 5 hours a day for several days. His driving is terrible. I'm not sure I'm up for that.
How do others deal with this?
Sometimes people will cut down on liquids because they think that they will not have to go to the bathroom as much. BUT in reality, you don't go to the bathroom as much but INSTEAD the volume of urine increases.
So YES to the RIGHT liquids esp water - for both you, and your husband ❤❤❤
sll my neck snd back surgery’s. Then someone told me about them. I ask his VA dr and he ordered them I didn’t know what size so I bought some on my own until I found the right size . They come in CM . I am so grateful because I can sleep through the night now. I’ve had 5 female surgeries myself and I have been butchered by Dr’s in the past , I’ve had to cath sense 1993 so I’m a pro at it. The hospital showed me how to cath Tick but it’s so painful for a man I just couldn’t force that on him on top of all his other problems.
so please go to a medical supply store they will help you with sizing there’s a chart they Will give you buy a few to make sure it’s worth it. Also very important shave the hair away from the area it’s painful to rip out a patch of hair from his penis he will be very upset. Make it easy on him and you. The condoms have some sticky stuff to hold them in place . You can leave them on two or 3 days with no problem. Their great for nights and travel. Be sure to purchase a leg bag or over night bag they can be washed out with hot soap and water and reused .
And for the ladies have to use the Caths with a tiny balloon that blows up inside the bladder with 5 or 10 cc of water then hook to leg bag or over night bag. I hope you find this information helpful . God bless 🙏🙏🙏🌺💕
they have all kinds of stuff for this issue, including what they call a “Texas catheter”. It’s a device that can be used externally but has a bag attached to catch the urine. Supposed to be good to use on car trips and such. Good luck.
It is important he stay hydrated, but water would be far better than those diet sodas. They are NOT good for his health. Some of the chemicals are toxic. He might like coconut water which is great for hydration. Coffee if he needs to stay awake and alert.
Ideally he should change the pee pad out every pee to avoid uti’s.
He can do that going down the road if he’s not driving 🙃, then put the soiled pad into one of those blue bag things made for diaper genies for babies diapers to avoid it smelling. We just twist it up till there’s 3 or 4 in there then tie it off and throw it away. Keep baby wipes handy if he needs to clean himself off every now and then, then antibacterial hand wipes for his hands when he’s done.
Years ago another nurse and I were applying one to an unresponsive patient one night. I looked up at her and she said, "our friends have no idea what we do for work". I replied, "my mother said that this was a nice job for a woman". We both burst out laughing. Always keep your sense of humor. Best of luck.
Switch to Pajama bottoms type pants with elastic waist, now in fashion! No belt, buttons or zipper to slow him down.
Water proof incontinence pads. Disposable for the plane (or train?). Washable for home. Garbage bags to collect the Disposable ones.
Seat in first class, first row. Easier to get to the bathroom. No caffeine no booze.
Now the hard part, one cup coffee in the morning if necessary. Allow zero sodas, sugary fruit juices (massive carbs). My dad liked Gatorade, those kool-aid type drops in water but we were trying to get him to drink fluids. Talk with the doctor about how much fluids he should have and divide that over the day. Sugar free hard candy 🍬 for dry mouth unless he has swallowing problems.
Do the kids know his condition? They should which is a good reason for one of them to visit and maybe help you on the flight.
Gold luck.
Make a vacation out of it. You can learn to drive either one if you put your mind to it. I am 87 and still drive.
We eventually upgraded to a 36' diesel pusher, which I drive, but that is another story.
I never drink sodas but I love my coffee, which is a diuretic.
So sorry that you and hubby are dealing with this. It’s very bothersome.