Living with Urinary Incontinence

FOr almost 30 years I have had problems with urination. It started with not being able to urinate and getting a Foley catheter for a few days. Over time I was diagnsed with neurogenic bladder (of unkown origin), stress and urge incintinence [incontinence]. Intermittently I have had to use a Foley to be able to get the urine out, let the area around the meatus heal and dilate the meatus so I could urinate after the Foley was removed. Intially I could go a year or two between using a Foley. Now, I am told that I am getting close to having a Foley 24/7. Now I have to learn how to live with the catheter, insert it and take it out to change the catheter. I don’t know anyone I can talk to about the practical aspects of learning these techniques and living with it 24/7. I am learning on my own.

This is not a topic I want to discuss with friends as I think most people would be horrified by the details. I would like to connect with females especially who have gone through the same adjustment I am facing. I have questions like: What do I do at airport secuity? Is it possible to use a leg bag discretely under pants? How do I manage at night when I roll from side to side in my sleep? I feel really alone. But I know there are others out there living with an indwelling catheter. I just don’t know these people. I am hoping I will find support from this group of individuals. Any suggestions or ideas for connecting with others in a similiar situation?