We are closing in on Christmas and New Year’s, which means many people will be traveling or hosting relatives over the next two weeks. Travel and/or hosting over the holidays can be tough enough if you are feeling healthy. However, if you suffer from a chronic condition, like urinary incontinence, the holidays can be especially stressful. We wanted to take a second and talk about things you can do to mitigate the effects of your condition.
First off, you should know that you are not alone. We understand that urinary incontinence might feel like a solitary disorder. However, millions of people in the United States suffer from the same condition as you. And your friends and family should understand. You should never feel ashamed about your condition or be afraid to ask for help. This is the season of giving, and you are sure to find a helping hand if you ask for it.
If you do need to travel or you’re hosting people this year, though, you do have some options. Let’s talk about air travel first. Start by reserving an aisle seat if you can to make going to the bathroom easier if you need to use it. Another thing you should definitely do is contact the airlines to make sure you know what rules they have about items you can pack. The TSA can also provide you with help here. Finally, you might want to consider wearing protective undergarments, like an adult diaper, to mitigate the risk of an accident.
Are you traveling by automobile? There are a number of apps out there that will allow you to find the closest bathroom wherever you are. When you plan your route, be sure to use these and other resources to make sure you have enough time to use the bathroom. In addition to that, you might want to pack extra incontinence supplies just in case.
Finally, whether you’re hosting and/or traveling, be sure to keep the basics in mind. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will affect your condition. Drink enough liquids and schedule bathroom visits to reduce the risk of an emergency. Finally, make sure you practice good hygiene and stock up on incontinence supplies so you are covered if your condition worsens. And, as always, contact your doctor if you begin to experience pain or other symptoms that you’re not comfortable with.