Pads and the Workplace

Looking like robotic surgery will be the eventual decision for me as the radiation oncologist thought my prostatitis makes radiation a no-no.

For men who need or needed pads for continance issues - what is the impact at work?  I am a professional who sits with others in my workplace as well as suit and tie with clients.  Not to get intimate, however, are there issues with smell, etc?  How does one handle this aspect?  Trying to prep myself for the inevitibility...

J

After my RP, I used pads for 18 months. They do a remarkably good job of catching everything and preventing odors. Even so, I wore dark cloths, avoided drinking a lot and did not eat asparagus. Better safe than sorry.

Like Jazzman said, frequent changes, and moist towels are key. Also keep extras in every pocket. Carry a spare in your shirt pocket. When you go into the stall and drop your drawers to change it you want the pad to be within easy reach.

Jeff

JJ good luck with your surgery..Wear pants loose in the crotch and no one will know you have a pad unless you tell them...Keep a couple handy always...I still have some in the truck and here at home. Remember your routine NOW. Even though it will be different in the beginning you may not really "know" you need to go so memory helps. Plan on going more often as well in the beginning just because you will want it as empty a possible during work and you need to practice because you are re-trainng yourself...kinda.

Everyone is different and I peed myself a few times in the beginning but I went back to work (supervisor) two weeks after...coughing/farting/straining/certain moves will be your enemy for a a little while..Keegles and time are your friend and don't give up.....There are also those who never loose it as well...Here is hoping you are one of those..

The hardest time I had at work was I had a winter cold in November after my August surgery and that was very frustrating at work as any little gutteral cough caused me to leak.. I also had a virus later in the winter and though I made it home there is no way not to pee yourself if you thow up. I was gagging and peeing alone in my front yard lol and that was a site to behold...I showered cleaned up and went right back to work...Sometimes you just have to laugh..Luckily no one else knew it even happened. Also serious laughing will make you dribble like a point guard too but you learn how to laugh anyhow..

Prayers going out and good luck..
Hawk

You know, maybe I understated things a bit given the amnesia that comes with bad experiences after time elapses. If not for that, no woman would have a second child.

Truth is, I kept a spare pare of trousers and shorts in my desk for a long time, and they came in handy a couple times. 99 days out of 100 there were no accidents, but prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

Hang in there, J. You'll get through this.

I work in an office, wear a suit, have meetings and all. Found best place for extra pads was the side of my socks. I carried one. But hell, in the beginning when far from my desk, I carried two. You can carry 4 if you use the Tena brand. never a problem.

The most embarrassing part is the dash from the stall to the trash can to throw away the old pad. But even with that, after the first few times you realize that nobody in the men's room is that interested in what you are throwing away.

JJMAN,
I used to wear a smaller pad inside a larger one. That way I could rip out the small one in seconds if needed.

As a side benefit, the double thickness presented a more impressive package to the ladies.
(Psst... Is that a pee pad in your pocket or are you happy to see me?)
Jeff in NY

Lot's of great points are covered above. Someone use the term indignity. It fits, but it describes best what we may perceive of ourselves. The reality is few will even notice. Most are wrapped up in issues of more import to them.

A few discretely placed pads and slight alterations to your routine likely won't be noticed. Chances are you'll soon be looking back on this as a pass through on the way to full recovery. Take it a step at a time.