by Bertram on Sat Jan 03, 2009 1:32 am
Some people, especially those who don't have to deal with the problem, are quick to criticize those who choose to utilize diapers to control wetting. The fact that such a basic level of "control" is lost is upsetting enough. When this occurs, steps must be taken to take charge and re-establish some sort of control. This asserts oneself as being adult and capable of making adult choices. Cloth diapers and plastic pants ARE comfortable. My wife experienced a prolapsed bladder after the birth of our twin daughters. She suffered through unexpected leakage when laughing or sneezing, as well as bed wetting at night.
This was not her fault! She did exercises and discussed surgery with her doctor. In the interim, she needed to take steps to avoid wetting the furniture, her clothes and our bed. Some people seem to think it is preferrable to soak one's clothing or bed, rather than resort to protection that seems "babyish." This is absurd reasoning! Yes, diapers are "babyish"- but they work. Cloth diapers and plastic pants are particularly effective at containing leaks, and they are very comfortable. Of course, while she needed the diapers, she could not wear her tailored jeans. However, she never worried about unexpected wettings if she laughed or sneezed in public!
It's easy to criticize the choice to wear diapers for protection, when one has full control of one's bladder. However, for those who have soaked themselves in public, ruined a mattress or a sofa, or suffered with a cold, slimy pad that slips and eventually leaks, diapers are simply a tool to make the best of a bothersome situation. Within six months, my wife no longer needed diapers, but we never look back at those times as when she was "acting infantile." She made a choice, and it was a choice that suited her.
Again, until one is put in a position where they have to deal with the loss of bladder control, they should NOT criticize a person's choice for an effective and comfortable means of living with the problem.
