The Struggle Continues…

Even though switching from diapers to urinary drainage bags has improved my life, my problems are far from over. Due to wear and tear, the urine leg bag attached to my calf frequently leaks. Sometimes, due to body movement, the pipe connecting the leg-bag to the silicone funnel placed over my genitals, or the elastic straps holding the funnel in place, gets disconnected, resulting in a mess. It gets awkward and embarrassing, especially when I’m in public.

There are also times when the urinal aids I use aren't available online or in any drugstore for several days or even weeks. As a result, I'm left with little choice but to substitute or go back to using diapers. Substitute products like the urinal funnel sometimes cause infection due to their poor quality.

How does it feel and what do I do?

Honestly, going back to a phase of a life that you’ve evolved from can be very frustrating. Under such circumstances, I remind myself that I didn’t choose to be born with a disability and that some things in life are simply beyond my control.

I try to keep myself occupied with a variety of activities to distract myself from my current predicaments. Some of these activities include:

• Focusing on work and studies.
• Watching a movie, TV show, or videos of interest on YouTube.
• Listening to music.

Sometimes, talking to a friend or family member you're comfortable with, or with someone in a similar situation, can also help relieve the stress.

Here are some suggestions for managing oneself or avoiding an unpleasant situation:

• Empty the urine leg bag every 2-3 hours, as waiting too long can increase the likelihood of leakage.

• When heading out, always carry an extra pair of pants, underwear, and an extra-leg bag. If you are going to be out overnight, then a urine drainage bag and a small bucket should also be carried.

• Keep an eye on your urinal aids and restock them as needed.

Finally, I'd encourage anyone in my situation to recognise that the problems we face as a result of our physical condition, whether it's a shortage of assistive products or the embarrassing situations that occur due to incontinence, are an unfavourable part of life. The only option is to accept what can’t be changed.