Pads per day

The Nev
The Nev Member Posts: 50
edited March 2014 in Prostate Cancer #1
Seems like a simple question but it could be the difference in why some guys use 3 pads per day and some use say 2 or even 1.
What determines when you change your pad if you’re one of us still dealing with incontinence? I noticed when at work if I have to I can go 12 hours without a change its not dripping wet or soaking through but I don’t like the way it feels. So normally I change after about 6 hours because I can’t feel the wet at all. So what causes you to change your pad? This may help some who think they’re much worse off then say what fairly normal.

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and enjoy your holidays
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Comments

  • tpelle
    tpelle Member Posts: 184
    Type of Pad
    The Nev: Several have indicated that they use eight or more pads per day. I've wondered, too, at what point do they change and what brand of pads they are using. I've tried several brands; some are pretty light weight, particularly the store brands. I've found that the Depends Guards for Men are heavy weights. I am now using about two per day, changing at bedtime and again late afternoon. When I am working I believe the body is evaporating more liquid so longer pad interval is possible. I also change pads (out of the normal interval) when going out to dinner, doctor and dentist visits, etc. The doctors who did the first AMS AdVance trials indicate that they consider the weight of the pads in 24 hours to measure mild, moderate or heavy incontinence. I kept track of the net weight for a week and averaged about 3.8 oz per pad using two per day.
  • 142
    142 Member Posts: 169
    Pads per Day
    I am exactly 8 weeks out from DaVinci, and it is completely unpredictable. Yesterday was a 7. Today a 5. I've had days with only 3. The exercises appear to have been useless so far, but the doctor says keep at it.

    I found the Depends to be good, but the Walgreens house brand holds more. Downside is that it gets very heavy and very uncomfortable if you wait until it must be changed.
    Just because I have no confidence yet, if I am out and find it 30% wet, and I have a place to change it, I do, as one major accident was enough. At home, you can push the envelope a bit. My signal is whenever they get uncomfortable.

    Here is my experience on ranking (prices compared in TX/AR area):
    -Tena guards are thinner and smaller, but probably a different material, as they seem to match the Depends. They are the most expensive.
    -Depends guards are a bit larger, but manageable with normal clothing. Middle of the price range, but they just repackaged reducing the count from 52 > 48. The Tena and depends will fit unnoticed in a jeans hip pocket, the Walgreens will not.
    -Walgreens "certainty" are largest and most absorbent I've tried (appears to be about 2x Depends). That gives you a little more margin. The Target 'Affirm' house brand guards appear to be a different external wrapper, but exactly the same stuff as the Walgreens, at a slightly lower 'list' price. Walgreens runs enough various sales that they are by far the best buy.

    Both Tena and Depends will send a sample pack (2 pads) if you go to their web sites.
    Friends at a prostate cancer support foundation have given me samples of coloplast pads, but they are clearly for those with a lesser problem. It will be a while before they will work for me.
  • lion1
    lion1 Member Posts: 241
    142 said:

    Pads per Day
    I am exactly 8 weeks out from DaVinci, and it is completely unpredictable. Yesterday was a 7. Today a 5. I've had days with only 3. The exercises appear to have been useless so far, but the doctor says keep at it.

    I found the Depends to be good, but the Walgreens house brand holds more. Downside is that it gets very heavy and very uncomfortable if you wait until it must be changed.
    Just because I have no confidence yet, if I am out and find it 30% wet, and I have a place to change it, I do, as one major accident was enough. At home, you can push the envelope a bit. My signal is whenever they get uncomfortable.

    Here is my experience on ranking (prices compared in TX/AR area):
    -Tena guards are thinner and smaller, but probably a different material, as they seem to match the Depends. They are the most expensive.
    -Depends guards are a bit larger, but manageable with normal clothing. Middle of the price range, but they just repackaged reducing the count from 52 > 48. The Tena and depends will fit unnoticed in a jeans hip pocket, the Walgreens will not.
    -Walgreens "certainty" are largest and most absorbent I've tried (appears to be about 2x Depends). That gives you a little more margin. The Target 'Affirm' house brand guards appear to be a different external wrapper, but exactly the same stuff as the Walgreens, at a slightly lower 'list' price. Walgreens runs enough various sales that they are by far the best buy.

    Both Tena and Depends will send a sample pack (2 pads) if you go to their web sites.
    Friends at a prostate cancer support foundation have given me samples of coloplast pads, but they are clearly for those with a lesser problem. It will be a while before they will work for me.

    PADS
    142,

    You're decription and analysis of Pads (Cost&Use)are right on. If I was explaining it, it is exactly what I have found.

    Now in terms of pads usage----I believe it is all tied to what you consume--food and drink---will make you urinate based on how much you take in.

    For instance, I know for me I have to have my cup of coffee in the morning with that being said I leak all morning at work and by 11:00AM---I change my pad----then I eat lunch----change my pad at 2:00PM---------------At the end of work I change my pad again--------use maybe two pads by bedtime---------------that's 5 pads a day.

    You asked what makes me change my pads when i do-----most of the time it's 50% wet--so I feel it's time. Sometimes it just feels uncomfortable and i want to change it---I have been using Walgreens and Affirm they have the best absorbency.

    But as I have stated in an early post----------------it doesn't matter if I drink coffee, water, or beer----it's all bad.


    Another aspect of my incontinence that adds insult to injury is the overactive bladder I have.It's at the point where the urge to urinate every 30 mins is a way of life and I hate it--that's why at the end of this month I am having Botox injections and pray for some relief---and I'll continue to follow the road to a cure.


    Lion1
  • LBlanks
    LBlanks Member Posts: 44
    Two A Day For Me
    I'm 3 weeks from surgery and two weeks from removal of the cath. At first I was at 4 or so pads a day and bought the Depends version with 48 in the package. I'm now at 2 pads a day, One after I shower in the morning and one when I go to bed.

    I'm nearing the end of the 48 pack of Depends and bought the Tena because they seem to fit more comfortable for me. Thats that the Doc gave me when they removed the cath.

    Guess everyone's different.

    Larry B
  • shipjim
    shipjim Member Posts: 137 Member
    Number of pads
    I used depends at first then went to large uncomfortable pads then several smaller ones at a time now it's about2 a day. I've been almost 4 years since robotic, as mentioned above, what you drink impacts it.. Wine (which I drink a lot of ) gets me but beer doesn't. No rhyme or reason.
    When to change, when they're uncomfortable or if you think they smell or are soaked.
  • The Nev
    The Nev Member Posts: 50
    shipjim said:

    Number of pads
    I used depends at first then went to large uncomfortable pads then several smaller ones at a time now it's about2 a day. I've been almost 4 years since robotic, as mentioned above, what you drink impacts it.. Wine (which I drink a lot of ) gets me but beer doesn't. No rhyme or reason.
    When to change, when they're uncomfortable or if you think they smell or are soaked.

    Change
    Well I'm down to 2 per day and one at night. However some days are still worse then others. I usally change my pad as soon as I can feel the wet, as already stated I can go longer without issue I just don't like it. Hope all recover from this very disturbing side effect and can find a way to get just a little closer to normal.
  • Ocean-View
    Ocean-View Member Posts: 26
    No pads per day!
    As of this week I am down to 0 pads per day. da Vinci Sept 24 2009. First week or two I was like the river runs through it. Last week I was down to wearing the same pad 24 hours, just for the "oops" moments. Now I'm on my own control. If I feel a small leak going to start, I head for the bathroom. So far so good!

    New years we went to a cocktail party until just before midnight then out to a local night club for the midnight champaign. No leaks the whole time.

    Tom D Orlando 62 in December
  • lewvino
    lewvino Member Posts: 1,010

    No pads per day!
    As of this week I am down to 0 pads per day. da Vinci Sept 24 2009. First week or two I was like the river runs through it. Last week I was down to wearing the same pad 24 hours, just for the "oops" moments. Now I'm on my own control. If I feel a small leak going to start, I head for the bathroom. So far so good!

    New years we went to a cocktail party until just before midnight then out to a local night club for the midnight champaign. No leaks the whole time.

    Tom D Orlando 62 in December

    Congrats! Don't be surprised
    Congrats! Don't be surprised if you still get a small squirt or two. I've been doing great at 4.5 months post surgery...One day last week a lady told a joke and small squirt. Luckily very small one.

    Larry
  • Ocean-View
    Ocean-View Member Posts: 26
    lewvino said:

    Congrats! Don't be surprised
    Congrats! Don't be surprised if you still get a small squirt or two. I've been doing great at 4.5 months post surgery...One day last week a lady told a joke and small squirt. Luckily very small one.

    Larry

    You are correct Larry
    If the back end says "You have to go right now!" It's hard to control the front and the back at the same time. Found out this morning while shaving.

    Who are you calling a small squirt? Well maybe until the ED meds start to show some results. ;-)

    Tom D Orlando 3 months post op
  • infooverload
    infooverload Member Posts: 6
    lion1 said:

    PADS
    142,

    You're decription and analysis of Pads (Cost&Use)are right on. If I was explaining it, it is exactly what I have found.

    Now in terms of pads usage----I believe it is all tied to what you consume--food and drink---will make you urinate based on how much you take in.

    For instance, I know for me I have to have my cup of coffee in the morning with that being said I leak all morning at work and by 11:00AM---I change my pad----then I eat lunch----change my pad at 2:00PM---------------At the end of work I change my pad again--------use maybe two pads by bedtime---------------that's 5 pads a day.

    You asked what makes me change my pads when i do-----most of the time it's 50% wet--so I feel it's time. Sometimes it just feels uncomfortable and i want to change it---I have been using Walgreens and Affirm they have the best absorbency.

    But as I have stated in an early post----------------it doesn't matter if I drink coffee, water, or beer----it's all bad.


    Another aspect of my incontinence that adds insult to injury is the overactive bladder I have.It's at the point where the urge to urinate every 30 mins is a way of life and I hate it--that's why at the end of this month I am having Botox injections and pray for some relief---and I'll continue to follow the road to a cure.


    Lion1

    Pads & "overactive bladder"
    lion1, from your description, I think you may have interstital cystitis (IC), which means your bladder is sensitive to certain foods, drinks or chemicals. I've found that regular (non-herbal) tea, coffee and acidic fruit juices affect my bladder within a day or two, producing that "gotta go NOW!" urge even if I'm not completely full. Other people with IC have different sensitivities.

    Check out the IC Network (http://www.ic-network.com/) which has a very helpful forum like this one. I've learned a lot from reading about what other people are doing to deal with IC, and also learned to be thankful for having a mild version of IC. Of course, PCa surgery didn't help the IC, but figuring out what triggers my urge to void has helped a lot in my healing.
  • HJ
    HJ Member Posts: 4
    Pads Per Day
    I am currently three months post surgery, initially I was using 6 pads a day that lasted for about two weeks. I noticed on the third week at night I was not wet at all… Because I teach school and stay on my feet most of the day, I was using three to four pads a day… My first change would be at 11:00 am and my second change would be around 2:00 pm and my final change would be around 5:00 pm because from 3:00 to 5:00 was my most activity time with my students… One week prior to our Christmas break I was down to 1 pad a day, not too wet and I have found that depends work best for me…

    HJ
  • shane59
    shane59 Member Posts: 86
    HJ said:

    Pads Per Day
    I am currently three months post surgery, initially I was using 6 pads a day that lasted for about two weeks. I noticed on the third week at night I was not wet at all… Because I teach school and stay on my feet most of the day, I was using three to four pads a day… My first change would be at 11:00 am and my second change would be around 2:00 pm and my final change would be around 5:00 pm because from 3:00 to 5:00 was my most activity time with my students… One week prior to our Christmas break I was down to 1 pad a day, not too wet and I have found that depends work best for me…

    HJ

    each day changes for me
    just over 5 weeks post surgery no robot 25 staples and 100 mm scar plus drainage hole at first once catheter removed first day leaking like a river also but at night hardly any .as soon as I stand up or get out of the car spurts enough to half soke a pad 1 week later spurts and dribbles 3 to 5 pads during the day and 1 at night tried to make that last till about 10am in morning then shower and fresh pad as many have mentioned I think when its time to change you feel it or somtimes smell it hard to exsplain.Its embarressing to have small acidents or leaks even when talking with friends but I am getting used to the pads same as a catheter.week 5 varies 2 to 4 pads no reason why but dry at night thank heavens for that.I walked 1.5 km tonight dry pad got home and went to the toilet nothing stood up and got redressed leak spurt what gives I hope these exersizes help . well good luck all first day back at work tommoro lets count the pads 2 I hope good luck all with the journey thanks Shane
  • lion1
    lion1 Member Posts: 241

    Pads & "overactive bladder"
    lion1, from your description, I think you may have interstital cystitis (IC), which means your bladder is sensitive to certain foods, drinks or chemicals. I've found that regular (non-herbal) tea, coffee and acidic fruit juices affect my bladder within a day or two, producing that "gotta go NOW!" urge even if I'm not completely full. Other people with IC have different sensitivities.

    Check out the IC Network (http://www.ic-network.com/) which has a very helpful forum like this one. I've learned a lot from reading about what other people are doing to deal with IC, and also learned to be thankful for having a mild version of IC. Of course, PCa surgery didn't help the IC, but figuring out what triggers my urge to void has helped a lot in my healing.

    PADS-ic
    info,

    Thanks I'll check it out.

    Lion1
  • JohnK11
    JohnK11 Member Posts: 23
    Question on pads, and Which specific type of Walgreen pads ??
    Re : questions on pads

    (0) I assume that most of you use pads (such as Depend
    Male guard) inside your regular briefs. Are there problems
    with urine leaking into the briefs ?? So far, I always use
    a underpant (i.e., grown-up diaper such as depend) and
    then attach the pad to the diaper, changing the pads as
    needed. I have not yet stop doing that since roughly 1/2 of
    the time when I go to the toilet seat, there are urine
    leaked from the pad to the diaper (very obvious
    since it's on the safety strip, and rubbing toilet paper
    on the strip collect the urine--sometimes, it also leaked
    onto the outside). Several hours before changing my underpant
    (usually in the morning, since I want to have a fresh underpant
    when I go to work), I do remove the wet pad, and just use
    the underpant, so it does take the place of a pad (and the
    additional cost is thus just the difference between an underpant
    --50 cents--vs. a heavy pad --20 cents).

    (1) My case may be different from most of you, since
    my problem is that my robotic surgery went way outside
    the prostate (T3b/c, with seminal vesicle cancerous and removed)
    so that my uro said that incontinence recovery will be much
    slower than normal. Initially after catheter removal, almost
    2/3 of the urine leaked onto the pads/diaper and I have to change
    6-10 pads a day. Now, 3 months after the surgery, my leakage is
    down to about 1/4--still requiring 3-4 pads a day plus the underpant.

    (2) I have been using the Walmart Assurance house-brand male guard--
    though they just raised the price ($9.54 for 52 pads formerly
    --18 cents each--, now same price for 48 pads--or 20 cents each).
    Although they do not specify the degree of absorption, it appears
    to be very good--if I do get it very wet, it must weight at least
    8 oz, perhaps even 10-12 oz.
    I found the Assurance underpants with leakage guard very good (at
    50 cents each--18 pack-medium size) but I'm using the Sam's club
    underpants now (38 cents each, but not as good--but I have to
    finish them since it came in a pack of 64--with my long recovery
    time, I'm sure I can use them up before the needs goes away).

    (3) I tried to find the Walgreen stuff all of you like, but could
    not find them. Are we talking about the (Certainty??) Walgreen
    house brand ?? Most of the almost-ten-different types pads are
    for women, though there are some that are apparently heavy-duty.
    Which specific pad type are your people recommending that is supposed
    to be the most heavy-duty ones?? How much are they (both regular
    price and sale priced)--I would like to try them since I probably
    have many months before I don't need pads at all (although I hope
    that will happen not to far into the future for me). Cheers.
  • 142
    142 Member Posts: 169
    JohnK11 said:

    Question on pads, and Which specific type of Walgreen pads ??
    Re : questions on pads

    (0) I assume that most of you use pads (such as Depend
    Male guard) inside your regular briefs. Are there problems
    with urine leaking into the briefs ?? So far, I always use
    a underpant (i.e., grown-up diaper such as depend) and
    then attach the pad to the diaper, changing the pads as
    needed. I have not yet stop doing that since roughly 1/2 of
    the time when I go to the toilet seat, there are urine
    leaked from the pad to the diaper (very obvious
    since it's on the safety strip, and rubbing toilet paper
    on the strip collect the urine--sometimes, it also leaked
    onto the outside). Several hours before changing my underpant
    (usually in the morning, since I want to have a fresh underpant
    when I go to work), I do remove the wet pad, and just use
    the underpant, so it does take the place of a pad (and the
    additional cost is thus just the difference between an underpant
    --50 cents--vs. a heavy pad --20 cents).

    (1) My case may be different from most of you, since
    my problem is that my robotic surgery went way outside
    the prostate (T3b/c, with seminal vesicle cancerous and removed)
    so that my uro said that incontinence recovery will be much
    slower than normal. Initially after catheter removal, almost
    2/3 of the urine leaked onto the pads/diaper and I have to change
    6-10 pads a day. Now, 3 months after the surgery, my leakage is
    down to about 1/4--still requiring 3-4 pads a day plus the underpant.

    (2) I have been using the Walmart Assurance house-brand male guard--
    though they just raised the price ($9.54 for 52 pads formerly
    --18 cents each--, now same price for 48 pads--or 20 cents each).
    Although they do not specify the degree of absorption, it appears
    to be very good--if I do get it very wet, it must weight at least
    8 oz, perhaps even 10-12 oz.
    I found the Assurance underpants with leakage guard very good (at
    50 cents each--18 pack-medium size) but I'm using the Sam's club
    underpants now (38 cents each, but not as good--but I have to
    finish them since it came in a pack of 64--with my long recovery
    time, I'm sure I can use them up before the needs goes away).

    (3) I tried to find the Walgreen stuff all of you like, but could
    not find them. Are we talking about the (Certainty??) Walgreen
    house brand ?? Most of the almost-ten-different types pads are
    for women, though there are some that are apparently heavy-duty.
    Which specific pad type are your people recommending that is supposed
    to be the most heavy-duty ones?? How much are they (both regular
    price and sale priced)--I would like to try them since I probably
    have many months before I don't need pads at all (although I hope
    that will happen not to far into the future for me). Cheers.

    Walgreens guards
    Speaking just about the guards:

    Walgreens - Certainty Guards for Men, their Item code 535700, pack of 52, price varies around $11-$12 in the store, but often on sale. They were $7.99 the week after Christmas, and have been on the buy one get one half off list recently as well. Obviously I shop for them often (argh).
    This is the everyday standard for me (most absorbent, but you can never leave them till "full", or excess bulk and leakage is inevitable, as you've noted). Biggest, not individually wrapped - you won't carry this in a pocket easily.
    The Target "AFFIRM" brand is the same thing/ same count once inside the wrapper, and has been in the $9-$10 range in the store near me.

    Depends - Guards for Men, yes, down to 48 from 52. The price in stores in my area runs from $12-$16, less often on sale, but watch Walgreens for sales on Depends as well. This is smaller, has to be changed more often, BUT at least it fits in clothing with a lot less bulk. It also is wrapped individually, and fits in a jean hip pocket, so less apparent. This is what I carry in pocket during the day when I'm out. Again, change before you "need" to, as early beats late.

    Tena - Male Guards, pack of 48, price varies around $14-$15. They carry these at some Kroger stores, and sometimes put them on a $3-off sale. They don't have them at Walgreens in my area. Tena's website has a page that tells what stores carry the various products. These for me are on the light side, although they are much thinner and fit in clothing with less bulge.

    None of these were adequate at first for me overnight, so I got the Tena Serenity Heavy pads, pack of 42, but I no longer need anything that heavy, just keep using them to finish the pack.

    Part of the "leakage" issue is that any of these get heavy when wet, and sag away from your body - that guarantees a leak.

    The pant -
    I use the Depend "underware for men" when needed (there is no item # I can find, but the UPC is 36000 198409 - pack of 18, repacked now as 16 I think, equal to raising the price). The Tena men's equivalent is much too fragile - if you change the pad, it may tear out the lining. If you no longer need the extra pad, it is the slimmest, least evident, and would be a good functional choice, but is more expensive. The Walgreen Certainty pant is just not sized right for me, and I can't use them comfortably.

    The Walgreen Certainty pant that is adjustable / with side fasteners is better - used those with the catheter, as I had lots of leakage problems with that. But still too bulky for street clothes (in my opinion).

    All that said - you can go online to both the Tena and Depends websites, and get one sample per household. That's how I checked out the Tena product. Both will send some sort of coupon with the sample, and it is certainly worth the effort to fill out the form.
    Walgreens does not have a sample program that I could find.

    Also, please note that I see different shelf prices in different Walgreens stores within 5 miles of each other - as much as $1 per pack on the guards. Kroger is more consistent, but I have seen differences there as well. Target's AFFIRM brand also seems to be priced at the store level (they don't quote a price online).
  • JohnK11
    JohnK11 Member Posts: 23
    142 said:

    Walgreens guards
    Speaking just about the guards:

    Walgreens - Certainty Guards for Men, their Item code 535700, pack of 52, price varies around $11-$12 in the store, but often on sale. They were $7.99 the week after Christmas, and have been on the buy one get one half off list recently as well. Obviously I shop for them often (argh).
    This is the everyday standard for me (most absorbent, but you can never leave them till "full", or excess bulk and leakage is inevitable, as you've noted). Biggest, not individually wrapped - you won't carry this in a pocket easily.
    The Target "AFFIRM" brand is the same thing/ same count once inside the wrapper, and has been in the $9-$10 range in the store near me.

    Depends - Guards for Men, yes, down to 48 from 52. The price in stores in my area runs from $12-$16, less often on sale, but watch Walgreens for sales on Depends as well. This is smaller, has to be changed more often, BUT at least it fits in clothing with a lot less bulk. It also is wrapped individually, and fits in a jean hip pocket, so less apparent. This is what I carry in pocket during the day when I'm out. Again, change before you "need" to, as early beats late.

    Tena - Male Guards, pack of 48, price varies around $14-$15. They carry these at some Kroger stores, and sometimes put them on a $3-off sale. They don't have them at Walgreens in my area. Tena's website has a page that tells what stores carry the various products. These for me are on the light side, although they are much thinner and fit in clothing with less bulge.

    None of these were adequate at first for me overnight, so I got the Tena Serenity Heavy pads, pack of 42, but I no longer need anything that heavy, just keep using them to finish the pack.

    Part of the "leakage" issue is that any of these get heavy when wet, and sag away from your body - that guarantees a leak.

    The pant -
    I use the Depend "underware for men" when needed (there is no item # I can find, but the UPC is 36000 198409 - pack of 18, repacked now as 16 I think, equal to raising the price). The Tena men's equivalent is much too fragile - if you change the pad, it may tear out the lining. If you no longer need the extra pad, it is the slimmest, least evident, and would be a good functional choice, but is more expensive. The Walgreen Certainty pant is just not sized right for me, and I can't use them comfortably.

    The Walgreen Certainty pant that is adjustable / with side fasteners is better - used those with the catheter, as I had lots of leakage problems with that. But still too bulky for street clothes (in my opinion).

    All that said - you can go online to both the Tena and Depends websites, and get one sample per household. That's how I checked out the Tena product. Both will send some sort of coupon with the sample, and it is certainly worth the effort to fill out the form.
    Walgreens does not have a sample program that I could find.

    Also, please note that I see different shelf prices in different Walgreens stores within 5 miles of each other - as much as $1 per pack on the guards. Kroger is more consistent, but I have seen differences there as well. Target's AFFIRM brand also seems to be priced at the store level (they don't quote a price online).

    Comment on attaching pads to underpant
    Thanks for the quick response. I'll try Walgreen's or Target's pads (it may even be
    the exact same thing as the Walmart Assurance house brand I am using--I'll find out)
    --or even Tena Serenity heavy pads (I keep worrying about leaking when I sleep, and
    visit the toilet overnight far too often--if I can use a heavy pad that will absorb more, maybe I can just go back to sleep without visiting the toilet when the urge arises, and
    get a better night of sleep--lately I have had more trouble sleeping, perhaps the
    hormone shot Trelstar 3 weeks ago (similar to Lupront) is finally having an effect ).

    One quick comment is that I have had great success in attaching pads to underpants by only removing just 1" of the top and bottom of the pad paper from the adhesive, and attaching that to the underpants. It provide sufficient securing, and make it much easier to remove it from the underpants when I need to change pads. It even works fine when I change almost 8+ pads per day for a single underpant just after catheter removal--especially since you could attach it to slightly different locations on the underpant.

    If you do need more underpants, considering trying Walmart's Assurance underpants with leakage control (about $9 for 18 medium or 16 large --make sure that you get the one with leakage control, and not the regular one)--I find that they provide the
    best leakage control (though I have never try Depend--perhaps I should when they are
    on sale).
  • 142
    142 Member Posts: 169
    JohnK11 said:

    Comment on attaching pads to underpant
    Thanks for the quick response. I'll try Walgreen's or Target's pads (it may even be
    the exact same thing as the Walmart Assurance house brand I am using--I'll find out)
    --or even Tena Serenity heavy pads (I keep worrying about leaking when I sleep, and
    visit the toilet overnight far too often--if I can use a heavy pad that will absorb more, maybe I can just go back to sleep without visiting the toilet when the urge arises, and
    get a better night of sleep--lately I have had more trouble sleeping, perhaps the
    hormone shot Trelstar 3 weeks ago (similar to Lupront) is finally having an effect ).

    One quick comment is that I have had great success in attaching pads to underpants by only removing just 1" of the top and bottom of the pad paper from the adhesive, and attaching that to the underpants. It provide sufficient securing, and make it much easier to remove it from the underpants when I need to change pads. It even works fine when I change almost 8+ pads per day for a single underpant just after catheter removal--especially since you could attach it to slightly different locations on the underpant.

    If you do need more underpants, considering trying Walmart's Assurance underpants with leakage control (about $9 for 18 medium or 16 large --make sure that you get the one with leakage control, and not the regular one)--I find that they provide the
    best leakage control (though I have never try Depend--perhaps I should when they are
    on sale).

    WalMart brand
    I've not tried the WalMart brand - my WalMart store seems like shopping at the county fair on a Saturday, so I've stayed with Walgreens for this sort of purchase. Send off for the sample for the Depends Men's pant. Should get to you in a couple of weeks, and mine had a $3 off any Depend product coupon as well.
    By the way - if you have AARP, check their site - in some states (as here in TX, but not in AR), they have a deal with Walgreens to give you a roll-over of 10% on Walgreen's brands that you can use on next purchase. Just what it has saved me on this sort of thing has made up the membership cost. Not promoting them, nor sure I'm lined up with the politics, but money is money.
  • shane59
    shane59 Member Posts: 86
    142 said:

    WalMart brand
    I've not tried the WalMart brand - my WalMart store seems like shopping at the county fair on a Saturday, so I've stayed with Walgreens for this sort of purchase. Send off for the sample for the Depends Men's pant. Should get to you in a couple of weeks, and mine had a $3 off any Depend product coupon as well.
    By the way - if you have AARP, check their site - in some states (as here in TX, but not in AR), they have a deal with Walgreens to give you a roll-over of 10% on Walgreen's brands that you can use on next purchase. Just what it has saved me on this sort of thing has made up the membership cost. Not promoting them, nor sure I'm lined up with the politics, but money is money.

    price of pads
    you guys are lucky in australia we have to pay $9.00 for 10 tina pads but they are very absorbant they fit neatly in your y front underwear .well 1 week back at work average 3 pads for the day but many pit stops to check for leaks I think its a mind power thing hope I can get over this soongood to here some of you are doing well Shane
  • johndz
    johndz Member Posts: 33
    LBlanks said:

    Two A Day For Me
    I'm 3 weeks from surgery and two weeks from removal of the cath. At first I was at 4 or so pads a day and bought the Depends version with 48 in the package. I'm now at 2 pads a day, One after I shower in the morning and one when I go to bed.

    I'm nearing the end of the 48 pack of Depends and bought the Tena because they seem to fit more comfortable for me. Thats that the Doc gave me when they removed the cath.

    Guess everyone's different.

    Larry B

    pad vs Sheath/cathether
    Hi Larry, good to hear all your & other feed back. I do not see anyone mention about sheath/Catheter. This is condom type insert to your tip of P and connect to the cat tube with bag like the one using for Cathether after 1st day of surgery? I'm on 2nd day of Cat. removal. 21 days from Davincy - 1st day it run like river, today it is better butstill too much! I using this one and I feel very comfortable while still heavy leaking! This product made by Hollister Inc. First day with too much leakage and I try to invent something like this with a condom + old cat. bag - next day I call doctor to give me just a new cat bag so I can create something. He told me they have something exactly like what I want so today I have appointment to get this Sheath/Catheter from Kaiser to fit my P size. Thanks for some one already think and create what I like to have for now.Type sheath catheter on web to review & see picture if you don't know. Everyone have surgery should know about the small cat bag but the tip insertion to P. may be new? Good luck to everyone. After cat. removal doctor or nurse should let me know all options available for leakage.

    Thanks

    Johndz
  • 142
    142 Member Posts: 169
    johndz said:

    pad vs Sheath/cathether
    Hi Larry, good to hear all your & other feed back. I do not see anyone mention about sheath/Catheter. This is condom type insert to your tip of P and connect to the cat tube with bag like the one using for Cathether after 1st day of surgery? I'm on 2nd day of Cat. removal. 21 days from Davincy - 1st day it run like river, today it is better butstill too much! I using this one and I feel very comfortable while still heavy leaking! This product made by Hollister Inc. First day with too much leakage and I try to invent something like this with a condom + old cat. bag - next day I call doctor to give me just a new cat bag so I can create something. He told me they have something exactly like what I want so today I have appointment to get this Sheath/Catheter from Kaiser to fit my P size. Thanks for some one already think and create what I like to have for now.Type sheath catheter on web to review & see picture if you don't know. Everyone have surgery should know about the small cat bag but the tip insertion to P. may be new? Good luck to everyone. After cat. removal doctor or nurse should let me know all options available for leakage.

    Thanks

    Johndz

    Condom catheter
    My doctor suggested that it was better to wait and exhaust the idea of Kegel exercises before going to other products. I suspect that he uses the logic that if I used something else, it might take away from the emphasis to keep going with the exercise routine.
    In fact, now 11 weeks out from DaVinci, I am better. Still not off the pads by any means. He gives me a target of March before revisiting other options.

    I'd read up on the various catheters before surgery, and the big take-away from posts and web pages is that ultimate cleanliness is a must, and a bit of a pain to maintain. The nurses who checked me out of the hospital had extreme reservations about one's ability to maintain the minimum needed over time when dealing with any catheter-type solution.

    I'll be watching for your reports on progress.