How One Social Worker Lets His Passions, Not His Diagnosis, Define Him

Hello, my name is Joel. I am a young professional, a creative, a traveler, and incontinent.

While incontinence is a part of me, I don't let it define me. Throughout my life, I've struggled with incontinence. I wet the bed consistently until the age of 12, and still occasionally today. I've struggled with incontinence more when I'm stressed, and it's become more apparent as I've transitioned into college and then into my career.

This past year, I started working at a non-profit as a social worker providing services to families. Social work is something I've always been passionate about and I am proud to be where I am today. I have personal life experiences as an adoptee, and my family has done foster care through most of my adolescence and into adulthood. I am very privileged to be serving individuals who want to become foster parents.

This job demands me to go into others' homes and work with them in the home. As part of my training, I learned it was invasive to use another's bathroom. This caused issues as my incontinence does not always allow me to wait long periods of time. I would dehydrate myself, use the restroom once before leaving for the home visit, and a second time at a gas station before going into a client's home. But thanks to NorthShore diapers I have been able to confidently go into people's homes without having to go through such extremes and stresses. While it may be inconvenient and embarrassing, I am glad I am able to confidently walk into a client's home without a worry of using a restroom.

A passion I've been cultivating is photography. I have always loved being in front of and taking photos. I enjoy the process of coming up with a narrative, a story, and a moment within a photo. Up until recently it's been something I've always enjoyed casually. But lately I've spent more time exploring, experimenting, and creating. Another aspect I enjoy about photography is the communities you can form. I have found an amazing community that celebrates and embodies positivity through incontinence products. I found a community who does not judge me for wearing them and celebrates my journey and my wins. Because of this community I am able to express myself and show my appreciation of these products in ways that I am so happy exist in our time.

I am also a traveler. I love to visit my friends in big cities, see different landmarks, and enjoy nature. Something I've always struggled with is long distance travel. It feels like every 5 minutes I have to go to the bathroom. Liquids were always out of the question. Every time we passed a gas station I would never have to go, but when it was just long stretches ahead it would always be an ache. Or even on a plane, the thought of getting up a few times is always annoying, but especially when you are required to sit in your seat. When you're hiking there isn't a bathroom, so that is always scary to think about. Just like my first example, I am so grateful for incontinence products that can last a couple or even a few hours on an airplane, car, or walk. It allows me the assurance of peace and security through long trips. I do not have to constantly think about where the next bathroom or gas station will be, and I will be able to enjoy the sights instead of the constant nagging of my bladder.

I may be incontinent, but I am first a professional, a creative, and a traveler at heart — and I will not let incontinence define me. I hope sharing this can inspire others to label other positive, meaningful pieces of themselves over incontinence. For those like me, who are just starting their careers, you're not alone. I hope you are able to find some peace knowing you and I are one of many. Let your passions and strengths define you over incontinence.

 

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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