Turning Shame into Strength: Finding Freedom Beyond Incontinence

Adam L shares his story...

My name is Adam L, and my life’s challenges started before I was born, with an in-utero stroke at 26 weeks that rewired my brain. Born at 34 weeks, I faced Congenital Hydrocephalus, Spastic Cerebral Palsy, Nonverbal Learning Disorder, and later Bipolar Disorder. Seizures began at age 12 with puberty, dominating 25 years of my life, disrupting work and relationships. Growing up, I also had urinary and occasional fecal incontinence due to Cerebral Palsy’s effect on muscle control. I didn’t fully recognize it as incontinence then — leaks during long days or moments of lost control faded into the blur of seizures and other struggles. The shame and guilt were crushing. 

In summer 2023, I moved to Cincinnati for world-class neurological care. After three successful brain surgeries in 2024, my seizures stopped. This triumph brought a new hurdle: post-op neuroplasticity, worsened spasticity from Cerebral Palsy, dementia-related struggles from Hydrocephalus, and other new factors. Together, these made my incontinence more noticeable, with leaks disrupting daily life.

In 2025, I decided to tackle my incontinence head-on, refusing to let shame hold me back. I discovered NorthShore, whose premium products promised dignity and reliability. Their MEGAMAX Adult Diapers were a lifeline, offering high absorbency and leak protection that let me feel secure while chatting at neighborhood coffee shops or volunteering in the community. I now rely on their GoSupreme Pull-On Underwear daily, for discreet and comfortable wear throughout the day.

NorthShore’s blog and Instagram showed me others living confidently, helping me shed years of guilt and embrace my reality. I hope to begin speaking more on an incontinence front with NorthShore in the near future, sharing my story to inspire others. 

I am now pouring my heart into advocacy, connecting with others at volunteer events and community meetups to lift the stigma around incontinence and neurological conditions. NorthShore’s mission fuels my drive to help others see they don’t have to hide. NorthShore gave me the tools to live boldly, turning shame into strength and proving I can thrive, no matter the challenge.