Browsing Tag

Bladder

Veganuary and Bladder and Bowel Health

We know that for many with a bladder or bowel condition, eating vegan may seem daunting but with some careful planning and advice from a qualified dietician you can adapt this lifestyle to fit with you. We share the facts about going vegan…

Lifestyle, Fluids And Diet

There are some general lifestyle changes which may help to alleviate your symptoms of bladder conditions such as overactive bladder, stress incontinence, Urethritis, Nocturia, and many more. Diet changes your bladder will love Try and eat…

The Wide Awake Club

Elaina Cutting joined the Bladder and Bowel Community Support Facebook group after experiencing bowel issues and hoping to find others who understood what she was going through. After a particularly bad night, she reached out to see if…

Abbie’s Intermittent Catheter Story

Abbie Stapleton, 25 from St Neots tells Bladder and Bowel Community how endometriosis and Fowler's Syndrome led to extreme bladder pain and bladder retention, resulting in her intermittent catheters.

Ask a Catheter Nurse – Your IC Questions Answered

At Bladder and Bowel Community Home Delivery service, as well as delivering your catheter needs directly to your door, we also have trained catheter nurses who are able to help guide you through what can be a tricky and overwhelming time.…

Natalie’s Bowel Cancer Story

Natalie, 39 from London was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer at the age of 36. The cancer had grown extensively and even after intense chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, she ended up undergoing Pelvic Exenteration surgery, which…

Sacral Agenesis – Estelle’s Story

In this video for Catheter Week, Estelle Stevens, 37 from Devon talks to the Bladder and Bowel Community about growing up experiencing bladder incontinence due to her disability Sacral Agenesis, the importance of normalising conversations…

Blood in your Urine? Don’t Ignore it

We're highlighting the importance of early detection by knowing the symptoms of bladder cancer. David tells us how his urostomy stoma saved his life - and how noticing blood in his urine was the key.

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) defined as a sudden unintentional loss of urine during normal day-to-day activities, also commonly referred to as weak bladder or bladder weakness.

What Is A Stoma?

A stoma is an opening on the abdomen that can be connected to either your digestive or urinary system to allow waste (urine or faeces) to be diverted out of your body. It looks like a small, pinkish, circular piece of flesh that is sewn to…

Why ERIC, The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity exists

Having a child with a bladder or bowel issue can be scary and frustrating for both the child and parents/guardians, especially when it can take multiple trips to a GP and/or a lengthy amount of time to get a formal diagnosis. It can be

Continence FAQs

If you are experiencing continence issues, or someone you know is, these frequently asked questions may help you in understanding what help is available.

How Does A Catheter Work?

A catheter drains urine from the bladder into a drainage bag which may be supported at thigh or calf level. The leg drainage bag requires changing every 5 to 7 days depending on manufacturers instructions. A Belly Bag or a catheter valve…

Catheter Problems

Dealing With Urinary Catheter Problems Occasionally people may experience problems with their urinary catheters or accessories and the advice below should help. In all cases remember that good fluid intake is essential and often…

What Is A Catheter?

A urinary catheter is a soft hollow tube, which is passed into the bladder to drain urine. Catheters are sometimes necessary for people, who for a variety of reasons, cannot empty their bladder in the usual way.

Hannah’s Story – Interstitial Cystitis

Introducing Hannah, who will be contributing as a regular guest blogger for the Bladder and Bowel Community. Hannah has a painful bladder condition called Interstitial Cystitis (IC) and will be telling her story over a series of posts as

Diabetes Week

This week is Diabetes Week and Diabetes UK are working to raise awareness of the condition and demolish some of the myths and stigmas that are associated with the disease. Diabetes is a condition where your blood sugar levels rise

Mental Health Awareness Week

Having toilet issues can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety If we have a physical illness most of us wouldn’t think twice about contacting a doctor to remedy this, however those who are suffering emotionally or mentally are

Share Your Story – Tara’s Story

Tara has agreed to share her story with the Bladder and Bowel Community. Tara has a combination of rare conditions, which have led to her experiencing painful bladder symptoms. In April 2012, Tara woke up one morning with excruciating

Bladder & Bowel Community Support Group

We are proud to provide an essential support service in the form of the Bladder & Bowel Community Support Group on Facebook, allowing members to discuss issues, ask questions, and connect with others in a similar situation. Find out…

Mark – Living With Overactive Bladder

Mark has bravely agreed to share his story of living with an overactive bladder. Mark is 40, a Project Manager and lives with his wife and two children in the Midlands. Mark has lived with embarrassing bladder symptoms for several years…

Menopause And The Bladder

Yesterday marked World Menopause Day and an opportunity to discuss a change in life that affects every single woman at some point. Menopause appears to be one of those taboo subjects where women will just ‘put up’ with menopausal symptoms.…

World Mental Health Day

On World Mental Health Day, Bladder and Bowel Community Manager, Gemma Savory talks about how bowel cancer led to depression and anxiety.

Niki Wells – Living with Interstitial Cystitis

Niki Wells is 33 years old and lives in London with her partner Dany, her son and two step-children and their Whippet Greyhound Meg. On the outside Niki appears to live a normal life but underneath she suffers from a debilitating…

Happy 70th Birthday NHS

Today the NHS turns 70 years old and Bladder and Bowel's Community Marketing Manager, Gemma Savory writes about how much the NHS means to her.

Time 2 Talk Ostomy Support Group

Time 2 Talk Ostomy Support Group is a new group for those who want to meet others with an ostomy or bladder/ bowel disorder or seek advice on how to live your best life with your condition. Experts from all areas including nutrition,…

Catheters And Me: A True Story From 21 Year Old Gemma

By Gemma Harenburg: So the story really begins since I came home. The background you ask? Well, let me explain. Although first of all, I would like to let you know that I want this article to be positively working towards reducing…

Taking Control Of Stress Urinary Incontinence

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is a very common condition, affecting an estimated 30% of women worldwide. The condition can have a significant impact on daily life affecting activities, relationships and emotional well-being. Two-thirds…

Coping With Incontinence Following A Stroke

This month is Make May Purple for Stroke Awareness and we will be highlighting this devastating illness that affects over 1.2 million people and is the leading cause of disability in the UK.

MS Awareness Week

This week is MS Awareness Week (23 - 29 April), Multiple Sclerosis affects thousands of people across the UK. MS commonly affects the bladder and bowel but not many people talk about this aspect so we want to highlight how MS affects the…

Penile Sheaths

Penile Sheaths, also known as Penis Pouches, is a popular and effective alternative to absorbent pads for many men. They fit over the penis like a condom and are attached by a tube to a drainage bag and can be used during the day and during…

The Importance Of Hydration

Poor nutrition and hydration can sometimes make bladder and bowel symptoms worse, this article looks at all the reasons why good hydration is so important to the bladder and bowel.

How to Empty your Bladder Completely

Urinary bladder function is an important to your health. Find out how to empty your bladder completely and how this affects your bowel, with 8 methods to help you fully empty your bladder.

How To Travel Happily With Bladder & Bowel Conditions

Travelling with bladder and bowel conditions can be a stressful process, and many will simply neglect the opportunity to venture across the world in fear that they won’t have fast access to a toilet. However, this doesn’t mean that you…

Understanding Urinary Incontinence in Adults

Urinary incontinence can be painful, embarrassing, and even debilitating. Whether it is yourself, a member of your family, or even a close friend, this is an issue many will have to deal with.

NHS Trusts Bladder And Bowel Events February 2018

On 28th February 2018, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust will be running a Bladder And Bowel Event which is open to members of the public and patients who may be experiencing bladder or bowel issues. Some further dates for the diary…

Indwelling Catheters

The indwelling catheter is retained in the bladder by a balloon which can be inflated and deflated. Short-term (less than 30 days) or long-term (more than 30 days) drainage can be maintained but the end of the catheter should either be…

Female Incontinence Products

There are many products on the market that can help you feel more comfortable and more confident when suffering from either bladder or bowel incontinence. There are some devices that are designed to either place pressure on the urethra or…

Male Incontinence Products

There are many incontinence aids and products on the market that can help you feel more comfortable and more confident when suffering from either bladder incontinence or bowel incontinence. When considering male incontinence products, many…

Bedding And Chair Covers

Bedding and chair covers are absorbent pads that can be used on your furniture, bed or car seat to protect fabrics for becoming damp, stained or from odours. You can get washable protectors and disposable protectors and both are made from…