By Lyn Mettler
Whether you're out at the grocery store or on a plane headed for vacation, the last thing you want to experience is wetness. But there are ways you can plan to help make accidents when you’re out and about a thing of the past.
Where Is the Nearest Restroom?
When Christine Malachuk, of Windham, N.Y., travels she worries about being able to find a bathroom. The 53-year-old suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS), which causes her to frequently experience loss of bladder control. "I try to get to a bathroom, but am not always successful," she says. "With MS, [I don’t] always get the usual signal that have to go."
"Scouting out bathrooms is always a good idea, so that one won't get nervous when there is some urgency," says Donna Schempp, program director at Family Caregiver Alliance, a support organization for caregivers. Locate restrooms in places you visit regularly, like restaurants, gas stations and stores. If you’re visiting a new part of town, check out www.mizpee.com for listings of the cleanest, closest restrooms in your area! Plane travel can make restroom access a little trickier. Malachuk tries to sit in an aisle seat for closer access to the bathroom, and she says, "Once off the plane, I head for the restroom before even going to the baggage pick up."
When traveling by car, she says, "I always let [the person who is driving] know before it becomes an emergency that I need a restroom if possible."
But what if you're on a long car trip and there's no rest area in site? Wearing absorbent products can help in these situations, allowing you to go longer between stops. "Traveling before Depend® absorbent products was really miserable, especially when you are going across the United States," says Margie Klinger, a 60-year-old woman from Norton, Ohio, who has experienced incontinence for five years. "The interstate is beautiful and the scenery gorgeous, [but] the rest stops are few and far between." When it comes to long car trips, the best way to plan ahead is to check your route with tourist boards and auto clubs for restroom locations. If you’re looking for the best or cleanest restroom, try some newer websites like www.bestrestrooms.com, www.restroomratings.com and www.findfamilyrestroom.com. Schempp also suggests trying restaurants, gas stations, airports, banks, supermarkets, hotels, department stores and even churches if you are desperate. All have bathrooms, says Schempp, and if you ask with urgency, they will probably let you use them.
When Accidents Do Occur
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may have an accident, so it's important to have a change of clothes easily accessible. "I always wear easy, comfortable clothes when I travel, and if I do have an accident while traveling it makes it much easier to change my Depend® once I do get to a restroom," says Malachuk. "Slightly harder in airplane bathrooms, but I have done it!"
Also, many people are afraid of leaving the house out of fear that they might smell; however, current absorbent products have almost eliminated this issue by preventing odors from ever developing. "Odor is not a problem for me," says Klinger. "In fact there are some days that I will forget that I have [the absorbent underwear] on."
But no matter the slight inconveniences, you don't have to change your travel plans due to incontinence. Klinger certainly has not let it stop her. "As a matter of fact, we are planning on traveling ... to California again, and you know what I will be putting in the trunk of my car!" she says.
"Boost" Your Confidence During Travel
Spending many hours in a car or on a plane can make it difficult for you to use a restroom as often as you might need. Many people who normally wear absorbent garments find that they can increase their level of protection and the length of time between changes by adding an absorbent pad inside their garment. Depend BOOST® liners are designed to do just that.
"I use [Depend] Boost® liners if I'm going on a trip, as I feel better knowing I have extra protection," says Christine Malachuk, 53, of Windham, N.Y. "With Boost® liners I feel more confident about not having any leaks ... I've never had to change my clothes, as the Depend® underwear and Boost® liners do an excellent job of absorbing the urine, and they have an odor protection in them."
Absorbent liners placed inside absorbent garments can increase your protection by 40 percent. These types of products are also designed to stay securely in place, yet can be easily removed without tearing your absorbent garment.
Visit DEPEND® Women’s Products to see the complete line of solutions for women. Not sure which product is right for your needs? Try the DEPEND® Product Selector.
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Jane1956Extra protection, and cutting down on my liquids, especially coffee, before a trip are 2 of my common solutions. |
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GardenGoddessThank you for posting the link to the company that makes swim diapers...this was a lifesaver and I love to swim. But, I also used the swim diaper as a diaper cover over my depends, when travelling. This is just an extra precaution because you never know when you might get stuck in your seat due to plane turbulance! The combination of products from two excellent companies work perfect for me, when travelling. http:/ |
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