Incontinence pads

 Jumping Jack when I started my Radiotherapy I got free incontinence pads through a district nurse.  It was a weird process as I had to be recommended by my GP first.

The pads were massive, great for sleeping on.  I had to use Y-fronts and comfortable (tighter fitting) boxers.  So the pads can be wrapped around.  Not being a woman and never having worn pads before, they took a bit of getting used to.

After the Radiotherapy when I started to go out again it was a case of "needing the loo" and having to go immediately.

Last year I got some vouchers through the door for free "Always Discreet " pants and pads.  I found these very comfortable.

Some friends of mine use pads from Lidl.

There is a surgery support pack you can get for free from PCUK.

https://shop.prostatecanceruk.org/surgery-support-pack

My husband uses TENA pads and finds that a pair of slips or briefs with them give him the most security with no leakage at the sides. At times he has to resort to incontinence pants so make sure you get the right size for you and absorbency level. I wouldn't invest in a lot to start with as each person is different. 

It might be an idea to invest in a waterproof mattress cover or you can also get a waterproof disposable mini sheet to put under your bum at night. 

My husband has not had surgery so I can't answer your question.

The pelvic floor exercises should help once your catheter has been removed but it is important to make sure that they are done properly as per the SQUEEZY APP.

I hope your surgery goes well.

Hi Jack

i had my prostate removed (robotic) in March25. The Prostate Cancer UK free operation support pack comes with a selection of pads (including Abena) I’ve always worn briefs which are best for support with the pads (boxers are to loose fitting imo). I had no incontinence with catheter fitted initially so dry nights etc. then used tena pants to start with for confidence but since week 4 have used the Abena pads day / night (see pictures). big bit of advice the PCUK specialist nurse help line is invaluable!!! Any questions let me know?

Hi Steve,

Thank you for the advice.  The hospital told me that you couldn't get pads on the NHS, so I will follow that up we my GP 

Jumping Jack

Hi,

Thanks for the advice. I think i have their number or website address so I will get the free pack on offer. I will look into the incontinence pants you have recommended  Like you say, it's a confidence thing. Until I've had the operation (this Sunday) I won't know what it will like for me. 

I've had my operation brought forward a week and so I was panicking a bit and wanted to make sure I got the right ones. It's amazing how you think you have plenty of time to get things all sorted and all of a sudden they say can you come in on Sunday and your brain goes omg what do I need and then you don't think straight

Hi, 

Thank you for the advice and the link. Both you and someone else have recommended the Tena pants/pads.

I was looking at different ones on line and as usual the reviews were mixed so I thought I would ask on here instead.

I had been wondering about sheets for the bed.

Can you tell if the sheets are comfortable to lie on I.e. not making you sweaty or russell when you move about?

I have been using thr squeezy app si hopefully I've been doing them correctly. 

Jumping Jack

We live in Greece bit I can recommend Silentnight which is also available in the UK for waterproof mattress covers from a well known on line platform named after a South American river- make sure you type in rustle free. The ones we have do not rustle but they can feel warm on occasions. We use natural fibre bed linen, base and top sheet but if it is very hot I do sometimes put a normal mattress cover over the waterproof one which does the trick. We also have fans by the bed which makes sleeping a lot more comfortable when the hot flushes happen.

Thank you. I have just purchased a mattress cover (rustle free ) on your advice.  I had been thinking about one.

Jumping Jack 

 Alwayshope , as always you come up with some great information.

Alwayshope said:

We also have fans by the bed which makes sleeping a lot more comfortable when the hot flushes happen.

That's brilliant!!!  Take note everyone!!!

 Jumping Jack the pads I got from the district nurse, you could stitch 6 together and you would have a quilt!!

A lot of the time mine were 'just in case' and they did the job.

Way back then (3 and a half years ago), it was so embarrassing asking for them.  If it was now. I wouldn't think twice about it.

Yes I will get my fans ready

Wow, that made me laugh, they must have been huge

I've noticed that they have just started to advertise mens pants/pads on tv or i have just connected with it as they are now on my radar. I have looked at some in the Supermarket and there is a twinge of embrassment, but there should be any really as its nothing to be embarrassed about. 

Jumping Jack