8 Tips on How to Deal with Overactive Bladder at Work
Manage Business and Your Overactive Bladder
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1. Don’t Dehydrate
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Many people with overactive bladder and urinary incontinence issues think dehydrating yourself will lessen urination. But this just isn’t true. Initially you will experience less leakage, but very soon your dehydration will work against you. You urine will become more concentrated without any fluid to break it up and clean out your system. Your body needs to be detoxed, and urination is a major form of getting rid of bacteria. So when you dehydrate yourself, your urine will be more concentrated and it will irritate your bladder. Your bladder will then contract more and react to this irritation, causing frequent urination and increasing your overactive bladder symptoms. So drink up! The trick is to drink the recommended amount of fluid, 2 liters of water, but take sips instead of chugging it all at once.
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2. Make a Schedule
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Everyday at work might be different. One day you could be sitting at the desk for 7 hours, the next day you may have a big presentation. Be away of this schedule, and make your own bladder schedule. You know how I said dehydration is bad for overactive bladder? Well it is. But if you schedule out when you drink you water and still intake the recommended amount of fluid, it’s okay to not drink fluid for a little while. For example, if you have a presentation at lunchtime, stop drinking fluids around 11 am, then right before your presentation take a bathroom break. After the presentation, go ahead and sip away. Those with Overactive bladder have benefited immensely from making a bathroom schedule at work. You can still maintain your work responsibilities and your bladder.
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3. Know Every Bathroom Location
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This one might be obvious, but not to everyone. If you only know where the closest bathrooms are to you, you are limiting your emergency time. There may be an instance where every close bathroom is occupied. In a frenzy of trying to find another toilet, you may have accidental leakage. So on the days where you have limited responsibility, browse in and around your workplace for multiple bathroom locations. There may only be one bathroom at work, so try looking outside of your building – there may be one in the coffee shop next door. This is especially important if you are relocated, or visiting a different office. Even if you are traveling on an airplane for a special conference, book an aisle seat. Being prepared is key for people with overactive bladder. And if you are extra prepared at work, you will be able to comfortably maintain your bladder control.
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4. Plan a Quick Escape
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Although sitting in the center of the room is considered the “power spot”, you should probably give that up. Sit or stand as close to the door as you can. This way you allow yourself a smooth exit without interrupting any work meeting. Even though you are “giving up” the power spot that doesn’t mean you can’t make an impact in the meeting. Try speaking up a little more so your presence is still known. You don’t have to let your Overactive Bladder control you life. You just have to make little changes in your behavior, and then you can thrive.
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5. Document your Food and Drink
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If you write down what you eat and drink every day, you can easily discover what your urination triggers are. Every overactive bladder is different, so different foods and drinks can trigger leakage. Diuretics like caffeine, alcohol and acidic juices are very common triggers. Sometimes spicy food and even chocolate can cause the urge to urinate. There are very specific foods that cause the urge to urinate, but your body can differ from others. Document what you are consuming and find the link! This way you can know what to stay away from while you are at work. That doesn’t mean you have to stay away from these foods in general, you can indulge! Just know you may have to skip off to the bathroom more frequently than others. But in the realm of friends and loved ones, I’m sure they wouldn’t care.
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6. Find Allies
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Try confiding in a coworker about your Overactive Bladder. Because it is such a common condition and nothing to be ashamed of, you’ll be surprised as to how many people will understand. If you have someone on your side, they can help you in all aspects of the workplace. For example, if you have to rush out of a meeting, they can bring you up to speed. Or if you need some sort of great excuse to go, you will have someone to rely on.
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Allies do not just pertain to friends. If you are in a comfortable work environment, you might want to confide in your boss. If your superior knows about your Overactive Bladder, they will understand the frequent/random absences from your desk or office meetings. Get a medical note from your physician to confirm your story as well, so it doesn’t seem like you’re taking to many breaks. As long as you are an effective worker, it should not matter. The truth will always set you free. You don’t have to go into detail, just inform them that you have a bladder control issue that requires you to go to the bathroom every few hours (or whatever your schedule is).
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When you are on a plane for work, inform the flight attendant that you need to use the bathroom frequently. Because Overactive Bladder is a health condition, they will find you special access to the toilet when you need it.
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Finding allies with an overactive bladder is never a bad idea. Why not make life easier on yourself with a little extra help?
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7. Kegel it Up
rnKegels are specific exercises that strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Both men and women can perform kegels. And the best part is, kegels can be done anywhere. They involve the contraction of your urinary and or anal sphincters. Pretend you need to pass gas or pretend you have to go pee, then squeeze! This strengthens the exact muscles you need to focus on to strengthen bladder control. You could be sitting at your desk and battling Overactive Bladder without anyone even noticing.rn
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8. Own your Extra Absorbency
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If you are just getting used to your Overactive Bladder, or you know you’re going to have a busy day, try out a liner guard or an absorbent pad. These absorbent devices are very discreet and effective. If your overactive bladder is more severe, try wearing an adult brief or an adult absorbent pull on. These bladder leakage supplies enable heavier absorbency, so you don’t have to worry about leakage. Thanks to modern technology there are plenty of adult briefs that are incredibly discreet, they are similar to underwear. They can be worn underneath your clothes and prevent leakage at the same time. Again, don’t let your Overactive Bladder control your life. Own your extra absorbency and get what you need to get done in your work day.
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These tips should seriously help you at work with your Overactive Bladder. If you make certain behavioral changes and plan out your life a little bit more, you can retain an awesome lifestyle. Battle Overactive Bladder and get that promotion!