PATIENT PERSPECTIVE: MY NIGHTTIME LEAKING IS SO FRUSTRATING
I’m 57 years old and have been an adult who wets the bed for about 5 years now. My nighttime leaking started after my divorce, and I haven’t been able to shake it since. At first, it was just 1 or 2 nights per week but it’s progressed to the point where I have to wear protection every night. My doctor doesn’t know what the problem is and seems to think that it may eventually go away.
Being an adult bedwetter has been so hard. Waking up wet is humiliating, even if I’m the only one there. It’s definitely affected my ability to get out there and meet someone. The worst part though is the exhaustion I feel every morning. My bedwetting wakes me up and then knowing that every day I have to change sheets and do laundry is such a drag on me emotionally. I wear pull-ups to bed, but because I sleep on my side, I still experience leaks almost every night. I wish there were better absorbent options out there – I haven’t found anything that’s foolproof yet.
The best thing that has worked for me is to buy a big pack of heavy-duty waterproof pads. I sleep on them every night and then if I’m lucky, that is the main thing that gets wet if I have a leak. Saves me from having to change out all my bedding every day.
I never thought this would happen to me. The only thing that has helped me get through it is the NAFC message boards. I struggled with nighttime leaking on my own for so long and it was such a relief to learn that I wasn’t alone. The people there have truly become like family to me and I can’t imagine how I’d feel if I was still keeping everything inside. It’s true that just venting to someone else who knows what you’re going through can make such a big difference in the way you perceive things. And the tips I’ve learned from others (like the waterproof pad tip above) have been worth their weight in gold. I don’t know what I’d do without them. Even though I still experience nighttime leaking, I find it easier to cope now that I have a community of others who understand.
Hopefully, someday my bedwetting will go away, but for now, I’m stuck with it. But, at least with the NAFC message boards, I know I’m not the only one. If you’re struggling, join us. It’s a great relief and a wonderful resource for people like me.
James N., Jacksonville, Fl
Helpful Resources
If you’re struggling with adult bedwetting, here are some other resources that may be helpful to you:
How To Find The Best Adult Absorbent Product: a great guide that walks through the most important things to look for in an absorbent product – form, fit, and function.
NAFC’s Trusted Partners: our Trusted Partners provide professional and high quality products to keep you dry. They can help you find the right product for you, plus, many offer our NAFC readers a discount.
Bedwetting Diary: Download this free resource to help keep track of your bedwetting. You may notice some trends that can help you pinpoint the cause, and help you and your doctor determine an appropriate treatment.
Bedwetting Brochure – “Your Guide To Good Nights And Great Mornings”: A free downloadable brochure filled with strategies for addressing adult bedwetting.
