Recovering from Urinary Incontinence After a Stroke

Over half of patients recovering from a stroke will develop a form of incontinence. Fortunately, there’s a good chance that this won’t be permanent. Of these patients, only 15% will still be suffering after a year. Oftentimes, dealing with incontinence is something of a waiting game. Fortunately, patients can often lessen these symptoms. We made a brief outline on dealing with incontinence after a stroke and how you can work to regain it.

Use Proper Protection

While you work through your incontinence, you’ll want to make sure that you’re protecting your clothes, as well as a few other things in your home. TotalDry carries high-quality products, such as waterproof underwear for women, that are reusable and help prevent any leaks that may damage your clothing. You can also use waterproof sheeting to protect your mattress. Having protection that isn’t only functional, but comfortable, will better help you manage your condition.

Restructure Your Diet

We cannot overstate the importance of maintaining your diet while dealing with incontinence. Many types of food and drink can irritate your bladder, worsening the symptoms caused by incontinence. You may wish to avoid anything too acidic or spicy. Consider foods that can cleanse your system—fruits and vegetables being some of the most ideal options. Don’t withhold any water from your diet, as this will also help to cleanse any irritants.

Perform Certain Exercises

Many have suggested that pelvic exercises can improve the strength of your bladder. Kegel exercises are an incredibly popular method when it comes to bladder management. These oftentimes include laying down and tightening and releasing the pelvic floor muscles several times. You must empty your bladder before attempting to perform any of these exercises.

If you’re struggling with exercises, you may be able to receive behavioral therapy. Talk to your doctor and see what your options are. There are different forms of bladder retraining that you may be able to utilize; however, it’s best to talk to a professional and get their suggestion for your situation.

Consider Medication

If the struggle with incontinence persists, your doctor may prescribe you a medication. There are different types of medication, and your doctor will determine which one will work best for you. Some pharmacists design medication to increase the amount of urine your bladder can hold, while others will serve to calm your bladder and lessen the urge to urinate.