Joy's story

‘The impact of losing control of your bladder can never be fully explained in just a few lines, but I really felt it was controlling my life.

I worried about about laughing, coughing or picking up anything slightly heavy. Everyday, I wore the maxis that I used during my period but they didn’t protect me. And I wouldn’t tell my doctor because I thought he might tell me to use something that felt like a giant diaper! 

It’s the denial that was really childish: “How did the green felt tip pen marks get on the wall?” Despite evidence to the contrary, kids always insist: “It wasn’t me. I didn’t do it!”

Going out put me in a real tizzy. I would limit my fluid intake until I was dehydrated. I thought: “If I don’t drink, I won’t leak.”

Bladder weakness changed my behavior towards friends and family, and my feelings toward myself. I felt isolated, helpless and ashamed – just like a naughty child. Eventually, I had to go the doctor. She was a fantastic help. Naturally, if I’d known earlier what I know now, I would have gone much sooner.

These days I use TENA, which have really given me back my confidence and sense of freedom. They’re small and discreet, and they stop any smell. And, the good news is they also work out cheaper than sanitary pads because you don’t get through as many.

And best of all, I feel in control of my body again.