Griffin Speaks

URINARY INCONTINENCE

An elderly woman walked past me the other day and she smelled like urine. To my surprise she was no derelict or homeless person. She was a very prominent citizen. She was just old and suffering from some type of incontinence. I debated as to whether I should mention it to someone close to her or just keep my mouth shut. I would not want to embarrass anyone. 

Just what is urinary incontinence? Urinary incontinence is what occurs when you can’t always control when you urinate. This results in you wetting your clothes. While this can be very embarrassing, it can be treated. There are 12 million people in America suffering from urinary incontinence. You find it more in women over fifty, but it can also affect women who have just had a baby. Many people suffering from this embarrassing but treatable problem find themselves avoiding family and friends because of fear and embarrassment. I don’t know of anyone who wants to be known as a “piz mo gizmo” the nickname my late brother Mann gave to a childhood friend who frequently peed on himself. 

What causes urinary incontinence? There are many different medical conditions that can cause incontinence. Some of the causes are: weak pelvic muscles, diabetes, thinning and dry skin in the vagina or urethra, enlarged prostate gland or prostate surgery, certain medicines, the piles (a build up of stool in the bowels), Urinary tract infection and high calcium levels, etc. 

My research revealed that there are four types of urinary incontinence. They are: Stress incontinence, Urge incontinence, Overflow incontinence, and Functional incontinence. 1.) Stress incontinence occurs when urine leaks because of sudden pressure on your lower stomach muscles, such as when you laugh or cough, exercise or lift something. This type is found most often in women especially after childbirth or surgery. 2.) Urge incontinence occurs when the need to urinate comes too fast. You don’t have time to make it to the bathroom. This type is most often found in the elderly. 3.) Overflow incontinence is a constant dripping of urine. This is caused by an overfilled bladder. This type is most often found in men and can be caused by an enlarged prostate gland or tumor. Diabetes or certain medications can also cause the problem. 4.) Functional incontinence occurs when you have normal urine control but have problems making it to the toilet in time because of arthritis or other debilitating diseases that impede your movement. 

Urinary incontinence is not just a part of growing old, but changes with age can reduce the amount of urine the bladder can hold. Treatment is out there. You have to first figure out the type of incontinence you are suffering from. I strongly urge you to consult your Physician and get treatment. 

Family and Friends please intervene when you walk past someone and they smell like urine. You must tell them even if it will embarrass them or hurt their feelings. They are unaware of the odor. 

My kids have come up with an unusual way of alerting one another if they need mouth wash. They will ask: “Is that your breath or your butt I smell?” One day when Greg asked Chris that question Chris responded, “My butt! Do you have a problem with it?” We have to let each other know when our grooming needs attention!