I hoped I spelled that right!! This is the first time I have used this feature but this subject it alittle embarrassing to say the least!! Lately it seems I can't cough or sneeze without peeing my pants, I've been sick and so I've been doing alot of coughing and sneezing of course, I've had three kids and am in my late thirties. Now I am making sure that I get to the bathroom often enough before I have an "accident"... This is really beginning to grate my nerves. Any experience with this??'

By Paulas on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 10:32 am:

Yes, as a matter of fact I spoke with my doctor just recently about this. I have two children and am 36. I have another problem. I have very low blood pressure so I should drink LOTS of water which makes the situation worse. I usually just cross my legs when I have to cough or sneeze.

I explained to him that I want to be able to run and jump on the trampoline with my kids. He did forward my name on to a GYN but around here there is such a HUGE waiting list (one of the problems with our health care system) so who knows when I might hear from him. There is a minor surgery they can do. It is like a sling on the bladder or something. I'm hoping to get that.

By Crystal915 on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 10:55 am:

VERY common with women who have given birth, especially vaginally. Kegals can help, that is tightening and relaxing the muscles that control your urine flow. There are also devices you can use to help strengthen your kegals, just google "Kegal Exercises", and see what you find. It really is nothing to be embarassed about... it's quite common, thus the demand for panty shields for that purpose! (((anon)))

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 01:53 pm:

Crystal's advice is good, and is what is usually recommended. I have this problem, which got worse as I got older. I would also suggest seeing a urologist. If the problem is simply a sphincter (valve) problem, there is a medication - Detrol - which works wonders. I've been taking it for 4 years. I would certainly try medication before trying surgery.

By Pamt on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 04:00 pm:

Actually before trying surgery or medication, try physical therapists. There are physical therapists who specialize in this. I work with 3 of them. And I have this problem as well. I told them that I can't see them as a patient--I eat lunch with them, so I can't have them up in my business, but they told me some things to try. First, a workup with the GYN to see exactly what the problem is. Second, Kegels and "sexercise" (practicing Kegels repeatedly during sex. Your DH will love it! ). However, physical therapists can also specifically assess what muscles are not functioning correctly and they have some biofeedback machines they use so basically you Kegel while getting feedback about the strength and accuracy of the muscle contraction. Definitely ask your doctor about a PT consultation after you have a thorough check-up. I had no idea that PTs did this until I started working at a hospital exclusively for women.

By Mom2three1968 on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 07:16 pm:

thank you all for the wonderful advice, I knew that I could count on it. I will try the exercises, and hopefully I can get into the doctors and the military won't have me jumping through hoops so that I can see the right type of doctor!! Because I don't need to be out somewhere and wet my pants like I have been doing here at home!!

By Mom2three1968 on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 07:17 pm:

Ooops well now my secrets out!! Lol!!!

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 11:00 pm:

In the interim, until you get the problem solved, do wear some kind of pad. I know, it's a nuisance and they aren't always comfortable - BTDT, just in the past couple of days (I'm working on a UTI and trying to get rid of it) - but it is a whole lot better than being embarassed by wet spots on your clothes. I really have BTDT, and don't mind sharing.

By Cocoabutter on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 11:10 pm:

OMG! I just did this the other day. I have allergies, and mornings have been difficult b/c of the heat. I put fans in the windows to pull in the cool night air, so in the morning my allergies explode!

I now remember that I was told WHILE I was pg that Kegal exercises were necessary for the future so that this doesn't happen. Oh well.

By Hol on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 11:25 pm:

Boy, is this MY topic, too! I used to have a minor problem with this (sneezing, coughing, laughing, etc) since having kids. Also, if I took a long walk, I'd end up stopping in the woods to pee because I couldn't make it home.
Then, last summer, when I got Lyme Disease, it did something to my nervous system and bladder. I wouldn't even feel like I had to go when I woke up in the morning, but as soon as I stood up, I would have to run to the bathroom, dribbling all the way. I now wear a Depends (yes...a diaper) to bed, and I wear a pad during the day, because if I wait too long between bathroom visits, I find it hard to hold it.
I have been to a GYN, a neurologist, and a urologist. The GYN said it was lack of estrogen, being post-menopausal; the neurologist said that I suffered neurological damage (from the Lyme) to the "sensors" that tell me when I need to go. The urologist suggested PT with biofeedback, but it sounded hokey to me. Thank you, Pam, for clearing that up for me. I guess it is real. I had hoped for a simple surgery, but no one mentioned that as an option.
Ginny, I'm glad to hear that Detrol works so well. That is my next move, I think. I just didn't want to have another pill to take. I already take meds for hypothyroid, asthma, acid reflux and arthritis.

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 06:05 am:

Hol, Detrol is specifically for sphincter problems, and if your problem has a different cause it may not be appropriate for you. I would definitely talk both to a GYN and a urologist. My primary sent me to the urologist because I was having almost chronic UTIs, and the urologist was the first to take this problem seriously and not shrug it off as one of the hazards of having had children and getting older. He did some tests to determine the cause of the problem first, and the prescribed. Oh, and because I don't want to take hormone medications (and, given recent research, am glad I made that choice), he prescribed a hormone cream that helps and has minimal affect otherwise.

And I follow my mother's advice and always go to the bathroom before I leave the house/office/whatever.

By Karen~admin on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 07:37 am:

Kelly, don't feel bad. SO many of us are going through this, myself included.

By Happynerdmom on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 09:42 am:

As you can see, this is a very common problem and nothing to be ashamed of! Hello, my name is Michele and I pee my pants!! I take Detrol for urge incontinence, and it has been a life saver. I had trouble for years, and was on regular Detrol, but it gave me really bad dry mouth. I stopped taking it and just dealt with it, but a few years later it got so bad I had to do something! By then, Detrol LA (long-acting) had come out, so I went on that. Works like a charm, and no dry mouth. I still have issues, but it is now managable. Ditto Ginny on the pads...Poise makes a thin one that isn't uncomfortable and it holds a lot! (Don't ask me how I know....lol) Unfortunately, I'm not sure Detrol works for stress incontinence, but do talk to your doc. Good luck!

By Mom2three1968 on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 10:29 am:

Thank you ladies, I'm going to go through this thread, take notes and be prepared when i go to the doctor. I also have been making sure that I don't hold off when here at home to go to the bathroom, it's so easy to get busy with chores and such and not take the time to go to the bathroom like I should...

By Hol on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 11:09 am:

Stayfree also makes a nice pad for this sort of thing. It can be used for monthlies, but it is also for incontinence. It's in a purple and orange package and is called Stayfree Advanced Protection. They work really well.

Ginny, I have consistantly refused all hormone replacement therapy over the years, too, and glad I did. I had two Grandmas that never took any. They got through menopause just fine. One lived to be 89 and the other to 90, and the 90 y/o died from a fall.

I would like to do something so I can get rid of the nightime Depends. S-E-X-AAY!!! LOL! The urologist that suggested the biofeedback also talked about doing some sort of in-office procedure where they stick some sort of sensor in the urethra. I glazed over at that point. Didn't want to hear anymore. They did do some sort of test where they had me pee, then put an ultrasound type device on my belly, and it printed out this paper strip. It told them that I retain 20% of my urine after voiding. Maybe that's why I fill up again so quickly.

By Annie2 on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 09:22 pm:

Add me in to the mix, too! I try to go many times a day but sometimes I have to hold my crotch and pray I get to the toilet in time.

I drink alot of water and milk so this doesn't help. I do Kegels in the early am, while laying in bed but they haven't helped.

I love getting older!

By Hol on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 09:57 pm:

I LOVE my coffee, too, even though I drink decaf, and that is a major diuretic. PS I love water and milk, too.