Employment

[Alyssa]

Please share your current and past experiences with employers.

[dreamin1037]

My previous employer was very understanding about my condition. I explained what was going on. I only lived a few blocks away, so when ever the need arised I was able to run home and change and return to work after wards. Unfortunatly I have had to leave my job due to my back injury getting worse. They have put me on a bone stimulator belt in hopes that it will help my back heal. I have learned that people out there are more understanding and will acceping if you open up to them and let them know what is going on. I spent alot of years trying to hide it from everyone and just got more depressed. The more I tried to hide it, the more I was pushing everyone away that was around me. I wish you all the very best.

[Alyssa]

I agree that you always feel better when you are open about anything in life. It's just getting past that initial wave of fear that comes over people about possibly being judged or shamed. Thanks for sharing your story of being brave and open with your employer. Hopefully, this is something that will continue to come to the forefront and someday will be a non-issue.

[dreamin1037]

Yes I agree. Hopefully one day it will not be an issue. It would really be nice to start seeing more bathrooms in public where you can change your diaper without having others around. There have been times where I have had to change in a public bathroom and I could hear people talk about it. It don't bother me as much anymore. I found out the hard way, that the key is also finding the right product for you. I had a really embarassing incident not too long ago. I went to a friends graduation from college and during the graduation I had the bowel incotinence hit. Not only did I smell really bad, to the point that the people right behind me got up and left, but when I got to go change, I also leaked all over. So it was visible along with the smell. That is the most embarassing occasion that I have had. I ended up having to change in the back of my SUV in a parking garage. The key is to go prepared and find the right diaper. Hope you all have a great day.

[Alyssa]

I agree, public restrooms have a long way to go. I would like to see private restrooms like you see at some places that are unisex and or made for families. Those type of restrooms not only benefit people suffering from incontinence, but they are also a huge benefit to families. As a mother of two boys who are now to old to go to the bathroom with me in the women's restroom but I feel too young for men's, those type of bathrooms are much safer. Those type of bathrooms are also easier for changing children who wear diapers. Private restrooms would help so many groups of people. Even if they continued to have the typical stall restrooms which I am sure are cheaper and save space but also offered a few private restrooms for people that need it for a variety of reasons...it just makes sense.

[dreamin1037]

Yes it would be nice to see more of them. When my daughter was younger, I was the same way. I didn't want her to go into the lady's room alone, but I didn't want to take her into the mens room with me. I completly understand. Even more so now that I have to wear diapers 24/7. When I was driving truck I used to see a few rest areas where they had a private bathroom unisex. At that time I didn't need it, since I had my own little house with me at all times. Now that I don't drive anymore it makes it rougher. I don't get out much anymore, specially since I am not working anymore at all. Hope you have a great day.

[Alyssa]

It seems like in the past 10 years there are a lot more of the unisex, private bathrooms. Especially, in newer places and in places like gym and pools. Maybe the incontinence community should ban together with some children's groups to work on legislation requiring at least one or two of the private bathrooms per public facility.

[dreamin1037]

I agree with you on that. That would make life alot easier.

[cnagene]

Does any one know about what I should do about having to take a pre employment physical. Im completely without bladder control due to surgery and I do wear adult diapers to cope. What about the drug test? Iv been reluctent to tell any new employer that im incontinent, and have to wear diapers! But when I have to take a physical at the medical clinic I will have to ask them to do a blood test. They wont take a urine sample from a leg bag, and they cant test my diapers! Should I put on my application the plain truth about being in diapers! I dont think they would even give me a chance.

[RichardJ]

Hello cnagene:
My thought is that if they want a urine test and you don't give it they might deny employment for that.
So it probably is in your best interest to mention incontinence on your application.
Maybe inquire at the clinic and see if they offer a better solution.
Good luck. You will be in our thoughts.