Post surgery stress incontinence: Any good advice for everyone?

Have you used Tena pads? They are very absorbent and quite wide so they don’t easily get out of the right position. You can wear them in jockey shorts and they were quite well. A jockstrap probably wouldn’t even work right with them.

I got those small towels from Costco and use them when I go into the bathroom, Get out of the shower. You just wash them and you can reuse them.

My hubby used those kind of briefs and his Tena pads never moved anywhere.

Also, it is important to engage kegel while standing up from any position. If you are sitting and plan to get up, engage pelvic floor and hold kegel while standing up - it should prevent leaking. Actually that is one of the exercises that was recommended here on the forum. My husband used that method and there was no leaking siting up or siting down.

Some members here had big improvement using stair-master and some after starting using rowing machine. Both of those engage a lot of core and pelvic muscles.

You are still very early in your recovery - you will get there 😎👍, just keep up with exercise and kegels.

PS: There was a member here who actually warned against using Depend briefs and pads at the same time since he discovered that this "bulk padding" caused undue pressure on his pelvic floor and caused him to leak much more. Perhaps you might try to use pad alone and see how it goes. Just a thought.

@jeffmarc
Hey Jeff-yeah, I am actually using Tena pads. I think the issue was when I was spending a lot of time in the recliner during those couple of early recovery weeks. I'd slide around and so would the pad. I have less issues when I'm moving around.

Oh, yeah, big thumbs up on those microfiber towels. I got those and it's $17 for 36 of them.
https://www.costco.com/p/-/kirkland-signature-ultra-plush-microfiber-towel-yellow-16-in-x-16-in-36-count/100356999

@surftohealth88 OK-I need to do more intentional kegels on standing and sitting. I've read from a PT book on this that it's good to also lightly pull in you stomach as you do this. I've tried that and when I remember to do it, it helps.

Wow-rowing and Stairmaster. Maybe the idea is that you're doing lots of reps and build up more pelvic floor. Don't have access to those machines but I could climb stairs at work.

I wonder....can I start doing my scientific seven minute routine or is too soon? It's 30 seconds of each of these at high intensity; Jumping jacks, wall sit, push-ups, crunches, chair step-up, squats, tricep dips, plank, lunges, push-up with rotation and then side planks. Takes about nine minutes (Scientific Seven Minute workout). I've been doing them for years....but not the last five weeks.

My big issue is that I know that when I go for a walk, I'm going to saturate a pad completely. The three mile walk pushes my pad capacity (using Tena Maximum pads right now)....but I do it.

@surftohealth88 I do have briefs like that...but I probably need a size smaller to hold it in place better. Got a set of jock straps at a cheaper price and that has worked. Not as comfy...but I'm getting used to it.

@fritzo

Oh no, no , no - too early for any fast moving full body-weight exercises ! Nothing high intensity now. Stair climbing is OK but since you are just 5 weeks post op it is too early for rowing. I just wanted to mention that as a back-up plan for later if regular exercise do not help with incontinence. Your belly muscles are weakened by those small port holes and they need to really heal, otherwise you can get ( god forbid) a hernia 😟.

I am so sorry to hear that your pad gets saturated so fast *sigh. If you do not notice any extra pressure with using both briefs and pads, than by all means do what works for you the best - it is all individual as everything else with PC . I just remembered that observation from one of the members and thought perhaps it could be the case for you too.

Underwear - oh yes, it has to be tight fitting, cotton spandex or anything else with spandex, otherwise "things" can move around, and not only the pad 😉.

Are you weighting your pads to observe the trend in incontinence ? If not, I would strongly recommend it. It will help you make objective assessment of the progress. 👍

As many here know I’ve commented about incontinence clamps. Whether as a short term measure after a procedure while waiting for continence to return, or while contemplating a Sling or an AUS, or a long term measure if a not a candidate for a surgical fix, i found the clamp to be far superior than other methods like multiple pads or external catheters in terms of maintaining life style. With a clamp there are not limitations regarding activities or what cloths can be worn.

I preferred to wear boxer briefs. Duluth Trading Company has a line of underwear that has a pouch on the inside (for your privates) into which a pad fits and stays pretty well.

Kegal exercises are a definite
And lots of walking on gentle slopes