Bladder
incontinence summary
Do I need to see my doctor?
Have you had your annual specialist check-up?
Are there any further surgery or drugs needed to improve your continence
management?
If any new changes or problems occur before your next appointment,
contact your doctor immediately.
How well is your catheterisation routine working?
Are your products - catheters, pads etc. up to date and suitable for
your needs?
Use the attached continence management planner
to record your visits and follow up.
Do I have a urinary tract infection?
Summary of key symptoms to watch for:
• smelly or cloudy urine
• fever, nausea or vomiting
• loss of appetite
• headache and fever
• just feeling ‘off colour’.
Am I following good management
principles for bladder incontinence?
Summary:
• regularly dipstick urine and if the stick
turns red see your doctor immediately
• always drink lots of fluids
• drink cranberry juice regularly
• always follow your cathing routine and fully empty the
bladder
• see your doctor immediately if there is unexplained pain
or your continence changes.
Do I have symptoms of tethered
cord syndrome?
See a doctor immediately if you have any of the following:
• new pain
• changes to your urinary incontinence
• changes to your gait (way of walking)
• altered sensation in genital regions and during sex
• increasing muscle weakness or loss of sensation in your
legs.
How do I find the best continence
products and appliances for my needs?
Seek specialist advice from a continence nurse, and the Resources
section on page 23.
Try as many products as possible. Trial and error is the best way
to determine the most suitable products for you.
What products are available?
• drainage bags and equipment if you have had
a urinary diversion
• pads (for day, night, sport, swimming etc.)
• anal plugs and bowel strapping material
• single use catheters and reusable catheters
• lubricants
• wipes
• latex free gloves
• carrying equipment
• special swimming gear and clothing.
• bedding.
Bowel incontinence summary
Have I had my annual specialist check up?
Ensure that you see your urologist and continence nurse at least
once every 12 months for a thorough check up and tests. This is
to find out:
• how well your bowel is functioning, and how
effectively your continence management routine is working
• whether you need to change your routine in any way
• whether any further surgery or drugs are needed to improve
continence management
• if any changes or problems that have occurred over the
last year need further investigation
• how well your enema routine and use of products is working.
Use the continence management
planner at the end of this booklet to record your visits and
follow up.
Am I constipated?
• If I have not been able to empty my bowel
for two days, and my stool consistency is very hard I am constipated.
• If this occurs go to the doctor immediately for advice.
• Constipation should be attended to immediately.
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