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Ten questions for your doctor
Poor bladder and bowel control is a symptom of other health problems. It is important that this symptom is not overlooked, ignored or 'put up with'. Seeking help early is always best.
For most people, the starting point will be their local doctor. When making an appointment with your doctor, ask for a longer consultation to give you more time to talk about the problem without feeling rushed. Write down all the things that are happening and questions that you have before you go to the appointment. This will jog your memory and make sure you cover all your concerns.
If you are caring for someone with poor bladder and bowel control, ask them to tell the doctor about their problem in their own words, where possible.
Ten questions for your doctor
During your appointment, you may like to consider asking the doctor some of the following questions:
- What is causing the poor bladder and bowel control?
- Could medicine be causing the poor bladder and bowel control or making it worse?
- Do you need to check any medicines?
- How can it be prevented or managed?
- Will medicines fix it?
- Will further tests need to be done?
- Will any surgery be needed?
- Where will I get help to buy pads and products?
- Are there any benefit schemes to assist with costs?
- Should I see someone who specialises in this problem, such as a continence nurse advisor?
A continence nurse advisor can be seen without a referral from a doctor, but, it is helpful if your doctor knows. A continence nurse advisor will need the medical diagnosis, medical or surgical history and a list of current medicines, including those without a prescription.
Page last updated 20 Nov 2006