Saturday 22 February 2014

CONTINENCE

Before Christmas I received an invitation.

I was invited to attend the 'CONTINENCE CLINIC' at Leicester General Hospital (LGH).  I always refer to it as the 'incontinence clinic' - but my GP always corrects me, as the correct and more positive terminology (we have to at least try to be positive about these things) is the 'Continence Clinic' - anyway... I wasn't thrilled about it.  It hadn't been high on my 'To Do' list.  Not something I wanted to do.  Not something I wanted to think about.  Not a charming day out.  I wasn't looking forward to it.

Anyway, I was certain that I had a shred of dignity as I walked in there...

I mean, I consider myself to be a fairly open and honest person.  I talk to my friends.  I confide in my friends.  (I'm BLOGGING about it now.)  And like to think that they feel the same way about me.  Can ask me anything.  Can tell me anything.  But within five minutes of meeting Janet - the Continence Clinic Nurse - we were discussing bowel movements and the like, and certainly in more detail than I usually care to discuss them!

Janet, I have to say, was really really lovely, (considering she quite literally has a 'shit' job) and put me at my ease - probably a good job as moments later she was poking and prodding and inserting things in places I'd much rather she didn't.  One of those occasions when you lie there thinking, 'I really should have shaved my legs'!  You feel you at least should have made some sort of an effort.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, and spare you the details, and despite the fact that Janet really couldn't have been any nicer, I felt, an hour or so later that when I left the clinic, I left without my dignity (those of you have had children probably can relate in the 'loss of dignity' stakes - but we don't talk about these things in too much detail either, and I haven't had children so I wouldn't know).

Apparently a lot of people with MS do suffer from incontinence and/or constipation, and have bladder and/or bowel problems.  It isn't something to be embarrassed or ashamed about.  But you do.  But you are.

Apparently it is estimated that around 200 million men and women suffer from 'involuntary urine discharge disorder' or incontinence.  And although it is not a 'disease' it is a 'health disorder' which can be embarrassing, is something that people understandably do not wish to discuss, and is something that can certainly impact upon people's quality of life.

So, there you go.  Just thought I'd share!  Thanks for taking the time to read this.  I do really appreciate it.  Not an easy topic to approach.  Not something you want to talk about - perhaps you rather wish I hadn't. Anyway, thanks for listening/reading.  I just want people to know that whatever it is that they are going through, they won't be going through it alone.  You are never alone.

World Continence Week (WCW) is supported by the International Continence Society (ICS) and is being held 24-30.07.14.  More details are available on their website: http://www.ics.org/

14 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing this. It is a very personal topic that many are embarrassed to talk about...

    Ila from hehasms.com

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    1. We shouldn't be embarrassed to talk about any issues - it makes you realise that you are not alone x

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  2. Very good piece. No way I could share something like this!

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  3. As you know, this is a subject of which I have some knowledge. Despite the serious nature of the subject, I found myself laughing out loud at the light-hearted, yet so accurate description of events. You have a remarkable talent - keep cheering us all up!

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    1. Glad that you found the humour in the piece, it makes it easier hopefully to discuss an issue that people feel embarrassed about x

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  4. Great piece Hanya, I love your openness about it. And I bet Janet loves her shit job lol! X

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    1. Thanks. As a nurse (and a Mother) I expect you can relate. I am seeing Janet on Tuesday. I will shave my legs this time. I'm just wondering if painting my toe nails is going too far?

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  5. I've spoken to Janet several times and agree with you.that she's lovely. It's so humbling to know that she really understands and sympathises with us.

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  6. Yes, Janet makes it a much less unpleasant experience x

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  7. That is a gem of an article H. You should offer the Spectator to write a column. I'm with John, I was howling. I hope you intended it to be funny.

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  8. I did Geordie. You have to laugh at these things, other wise you'd cry. I'm sure talking about, and laughing about it is helpful x

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  9. Hi Hanya,
    Just ran across your blog, and this post. If you want a few laughs, pop by my blog...http://www.bbhwithms.com/ Although I have not posted for a bit, it is not because I have thrown in the towel, just life and it's crap has gotten in the way, but coming back shortly:) Looking forward to reading more!

    Cheers,
    Meg@bbhwithms.com

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    1. Will do Meg, look forward to sharing the journey with you x

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