Commuting to work, sitting at a desk, lunch meetings, and conference calls all part of a normal day in the office. But, if you are experiencing incontinence, these everyday tasks can be exhausting mentally, and challenging physically. Incontinence can break your focus at work. It can cause you to stay up at night, agonizing about the next day. Overall, incontinence can be difficult to manage on a day-to-day basis especially with the responsibilities of a job.
Incontinence has a major effect on a working person. The thought of spending 8 or more hours working without constant access to a restroom can be daunting. Working in the service industry, retail or medical, there may be even less chance to get to a restroom than an office worker. But there are some ways to help get you through the day.
Tips for work with incontinence:
- Wear incontinence undergarments there are a variety of undergarments available now including washable ones. In the event of an accident, it is better to be prepared.
- Don’t drink coffee – Avoid drinks with caffeine such as coffee, tea or soda. Caffeine is a diuretic and can contribute to incontinence. Plus the carbonation in soda can irritate the bladder. Water is the best thing you can drink to keep you hydrated.
- Bring a change of clothes – Be prepared in case a leak happens. Stick with dark-colored clothing.
- Plan bathroom breaks as best you can – Try to ensure that every 2 hours, you will be able to go to the restroom. This is often a better strategy than waiting until the urge hits and you may not be able to make it.
- Tell your boss – You may feel very uncomfortable and want to hide your incontinence which is understandable. But it is a good idea to let them know, explaining your behavior and your concerns.
It can also take a toll emotionally, causing anxiety about potential leaks or embarrassing situations. But you do not have to plan life around your incontinence this condition is treatable. A study from Johns Hopkins University on working women with urinary incontinence showed that only 36% of women with incontinence at work sought help from a physician.
There is help to alleviate your symptoms. If you are suffering from incontinence, contact us or call our discreet, dedicated Medical Concierge at 800-771-1953 to learn more.