Wearing a Diaper is NOT failure: One Customer's Story of Interstitial Cystitis, Overactive Bladder, and Learning to Adapt

Several years ago, in my early forties, I noticed I was having small dribbles. I started wearing some type of protection all the time, usually just pads or liners. They were discreet, and I didn't worry too much. It was manageable and the protection was discreet so I didn't worry I would be found out.

Then I was diagnosed with EBV — Epstein-Barr virus. Battling through that for a couple of years took a toll on my body. During that time the leaks became more frequent, nothing alarming, but definitely disruptive. When I beat the virus, I thought everything would go back to normal, but... it didn't.

I started experiencing sudden urges to urinate. Some of these came with extreme pain in my pelvic area, and sometimes on its own lasting for hours. I felt like I had to urinate constantly, even right after going. Sometimes I made it to the bathroom. Sometimes I didn't. Protection became necessary. Depending on where I was going, liners weren't enough protection anymore. I started wearing pull-up full diapers to avoid showing I was having leaks and it being found out that I had incontinence.

After seeing a urologist, I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder. The medications didn't help and there was no clear explanation as to why it was happening.

Only recently did I learn about the possible connection between EBV and neurological damage that can lead to incontinence. It wasn't a cure — but it was an explanation. And having an answer gave me clarity, even if it didn't take away the anxiety of navigating life with increasing symptoms.

Having some knowledge was helpful, but it didn't resolve the anxiety that I was experiencing, especially as symptoms increased.

Then came a new challenge: I began wetting the bed again, something I hadn't experienced since childhood. It began with small amounts. Now, I wear a full diaper with a booster at night to handle the heavier episodes. It was difficult to accept that in my late forties I needed nighttime diapers again.

But with the support of my therapist, I am learning to accept my incontinence and the protection I rely on. Choosing to wear diapers is not a failure. It's a practical step that gives me confidence and prevents a different kind of embarrassment. It's a way for me to take control.

I have found some hope — which is a victory. I found a supplement that helps ease my pelvic and bladder pain. And while the incontinence will probably never go away, I discovered high-capacity pull-on diapers that let me go through my day with less fear and more freedom. I have reliable overnight protection that lets me sleep without constant worry. 

Diapers have become a tool in my tool belt, helping me stay confident, adapt, and keep living my life.

 

Thank you for reading our customer stories. NorthShore works to remove the confusion and isolation surrounding incontinence, helping individuals better understand that “incontinence is very common, often treatable, and regardless, very manageable.” — Adam Greenberg, President & Founder of NorthShore We are grateful for the opportunity to share these journeys and provide products that help people live life to the fullest. Learn more about sharing your story through the NorthShore Hero Club. Have a story to share? Submit it below to help others feel less alone.

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