Regular readers will know that I underwent a kidney procedure last week. It's a problem that often creeps up on a victim unawares, not revealing itself until it's fairly advanced; and the consequences of dealing with it may be very uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing. I'm writing this in the hope it may help readers who may one day face the same problem, so that they have more information than the doctors typically provide. (I've been very unhappy by the casual, offhand, uninformative way two urologists have dealt with me so far. Professionalism, it ain't!)
My problem is known as hydronephrosis. Unfortunately, it did not make its presence felt until it was relatively far advanced, making treatment more difficult and possibly having already caused at least some permanent kidney damage. Coming on top of another serious medical condition (of which more later), it's an unwanted, unneeded and excessively painful irritation, to put it mildly.
The first procedure, last week, implanted a stent in my ureter (the tube between kidney and bladder) to promote drainage. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to have worked as planned. There's still a blockage, and at least one more procedure will be needed to deal with it. A third may be necessary, but we're hoping and praying not. Provided the kidney is still functional, that may make an end to the problem; if the accumulated damage is too great, removal may follow.
Unfortunately, one of the side-effects of the stent has been to render my bladder completely uncontrollable. When there's urine in it, no matter how much or how little, it's going to flow, whether I like it or not! (It's also a rather painful process, but that's beside the point.) That applies particularly whenever I stand up from a seated or lying position. Within ten seconds, the urge to urinate becomes unstoppable. Since I can't always make it to a bathroom in time, that means I have to temporarily wear adult incontinence diapers.
I've been astonished at the varying (in)effectiveness of most of the half-dozen products I've tried. They almost all displayed one or more problems; inadequate absorption (leading to embarrassing leaks), tearing, poor fit, discomfort and other issues. The only one that (in my limited experience) fully lived up to its billing and worked exactly as advertised is the Tranquility Premium Overnight brand.
It's sizing chart was accurate, and its biggest size is definitely adequate for large people (something all other brands of similar size got wrong). The wrapping claims absorption of up to 34 oz (approximately one quart) or 1,005 ml (approximately one liter), and it lives up to its claim. Even under the heaviest flows, it stays in place and soaks them up without fuss or bother. (A daytime version of the same product does almost as well, but the overnight version offers greater absorption, so it's the one I prefer to use). It's relatively comfortable to wear, although conventional underwear should be worn on top in order to hold it in place, particularly when weighed down by contents, so to speak.
I was disappointed and frustrated to find that other brands simply did not live up to their claims. I won't list all those I tried, because I don't see any point - none of them were worth what I paid for them. The Tranquility product is the only one where I've been willing, after trying it, to place a bulk order in the confidence that it'll do the job. Those of you who may face the need for incontinence diapers at some stage might want to make a note of the name, rather than waste your money on less effective products. (No, Tranquility isn't paying me in cash or in kind to promote their diapers. They don't even know I'm writing this. I just want to let my friends and readers know about something that may be important to them if things go wrong - and believe me, something like this is a pretty fundamental need at times like that!)
I see the urologist again today to discuss the next procedure. Hopefully, after that's done and time has been allowed for healing, I won't need these any more. I'll cross my fingers and tie knots in what I can't cross, hoping for the best!
Peter
23 comments:
Peter, I’m still praying for you hang tough! Thanks for the information. If we are lucky enough to grow old, the servings of humble pie become more frequent. RM
Good luck in all your procedures. It is rare to find a doctor who actually cares about a patient. If you find one, see if that doctor will be an advocate for you.
I have had two occasions/periods where some protection was necessary; there will undoubtedly be more in the future.
I tried pads as well as briefs and found the same issues. I suspect there are so many different ones on the market not only because the actual absorbency is different, but also because the fit is so varied among people. This is one of those situations where the the road of experimentation is littered with byproducts and discomfort. Believe me, you are not alone.
Not an unnecessary post. Could be quite useful.
Also, very brave of you.
Bladder cancer survivor here. Good info. Thanks for sharing and thanks for your courage.
Remember - this too shall pass. ;)
Peter, Thank you for posting this. While this isn't an item I anticipate needing, your writing about it is an example of something that should be done more often. It can be incredibly difficult to obtain detailed, objective information on products of all types, but especially on those that are related to subjects not normally discussed "in good company". I worked in a healthcare setting in a past life and I was frustrated in not knowing whether my recommendations of products to patients was actually providing them a benefit or just lightening their wallets. I often would ask later about their experiences with products so I had some have some information outside of the corporate marketing hype. I was trusted enough that I could ask very personal questions and receive honest answers, and I tried to use that information to help others later. You are doing a number of people a big favor doing this review, and because of your blog, potentially reaching more people in need than I ever did in my past line of work.
A stent something I hope to never again have to be done, you did not mention the pain it causes when you just move to fast.
God speed, Peter. May your healing be rapid and effective.
Peter, check out Prevail at Walmart.
One way to perhaps save money is to use a leg bag and a condom catheter.
I took care of a quadriplegic from cerebral palsy and he chose that method instead of adult diapers.
You do have the reoccurring cost of the condoms but might be cheaper. Might want to secure with a little medical tape just in case.
Stephen
My wifes incontinence stems from her MS. She went thru the issues you are going thru.
She now uses a Foley catheter which has eliminated the problem completely.
You may want to talk to your doctor about that option.
Best of luck
Seen a second line to that phrase that may be appropriate here. This too shall pass; it may pass like a kidney stone, but it shall pass.
Prayers for a solution to your problem and a quick healing.
for all the guys and gals who read and comment here:
some of you may be older than I am (doubtful) and, hopefully, in far better condition
the only way I got to my present position is a very fine GP who demands quarterly blood and urine plus a physical exam when the results return (five years ago, it was only annual); if he has the slightest question, off I go to whatever specialist or for whatever scan.
At a certain point, if you want to see tomorrow from your windows (not a hospital's of "rest home's"), this becomes a necessity; for some earlier, for some of us much later, but come it does.
BTW: I'm enjoying my grandchildren and vice versa.
Side note:
I followed your link to the definitions of hydronephrosis.
Under the list of causes, there is a primary list, and then a secondary list for "People with uteruses".
Not women, mind you. People with uteruses.
We daren't call them "women"; that might misgender someone.
Hydronephrosis is not a disease.... it's a symptom. Itr caused bo something else. Part of the necessary treatment is identifying and treating the underlying cause.
And yes, urological conditions are annoying, embarrassing and at sometimes difficult to deal with. As for blase Urologists...seems most physicians these days have little patience and few people skills.
As to the ambivalent attitude of doctors these days. This seems to be prevalent throughout the medical industry. Almost as if they collectively decided to create a laize faire (sp?) gestalt.
Do they really think the patient has a better interaction experience with the doctor? Is it a warmer more inviting interaction?
Or as my doc does; refers me to the company's specialists?
Foley indwelling catheter. Buy em on line.
TMI? I don't think so. None of us are getting out of here alive (unless the Lord comes first).
Getting old is a privilege, sounds like you're handling it well.
God bless.
Good info if I am ever in need. I pray that your kidney decides to stay the course. You have helped me in many ways with your blog. Most recently, where you mentioned givesendgo. I created a post right then and there. No one has used it, or been able to, directly, it but I've had surprising results, and quick too! If I reach my goal, I'll be awestruck.
If additional absorption is needed, booster pads are also helpful. Good ones can provide and additional 2-4 cups absorption. Look for the ones that allow flow through.
Peter, praying for healing for you, and perseverance for you and your wide through this.
As far as absorbent products go, you might try North Shore Care, an online/mail order company. They carry a variety of such in differing capacities and fit, including some far more absorbent than what you can find at a typical drug store, as well as significant savings for buying in bulk. Their customer service is also very helpful in picking product(s) that may work for you.
As we age this is a subject we mostly try to keep the need or problems silent. As a woman I have had this type of surgery 3 times. Each time for a year or so after it was up every two hours each night. Did get more manageable as the year went on. After the last surgery I can sleep at least 6 hours every night and sometimes 8 or more. It took finding a specialist in another state before it was taken care of to my satisfaction. Luckily I have insurance that allows me to pick which doctor I want. Goggle was my friend so I was able to find one a couple of states away that this problem was what they are known for. Good luck and certainly will keep the prayers up.
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