Male urinary incontinence --suggestions for Camino

[kildowgut]

I received no good answers when I posed the question in the Forum--
"Do Spanish pharmacies carry Depends Guards (or a similar product)?"

I have some good news and bad-- I never once saw Depends Guards or a similar product in the pharmacias or supermarkets. The closest thing I saw is baby diapers, which worked ok for me in the early days after my prostatectomy.

American males have no doubt seen the advertising for Depends Guards: "protect your manhood". The guards work very well on the Camino (if worn adhered to UnderArmour undies). I took a full package of Depends Guards with me and don't regret it. Get a bigger backpack and tough it out.

 

[Dan]

Good on you. I salute you. That took guts. Go back and finish it off. Time your arrival: there's nothing like reaching Santiago dirty and tired then immediately attending the pilgrims mass and worrying about getting your brains smashed out by that oversized smoking gadget - and meeting all your mates from the journey.
buen camino

 

[annelise]

Not having your problem (female), I would think that 3-year old diapers could be the solution - just cut off the sides. But I realize they are bulky. However the weight is minimal.

annelise

 

[t2andreo]

You could always try panty liners - seriously. Depending on the volume of liquid we are talking about, you could even use "old-school" sanitary napkins.

Both panty liners and sanitary napkins They are commonly available along the Camino in tiendas and in Supermercados. The Supermercados will have a better selection, but not as much as you likely find back home.

Another use panty liners can be used for is as an expedient blister protection dressing. They work especially well for the heel and ball of the foot. I know these two uses from personal experience last April and May. Think of them as a "battle dressing."

Anneliese's idea is also workable. But, an alternative to cutting off the sides would be having two pieces of velcro strip long enough to connect the sides so they "fit." This should also be adjustable. But consider which side of the velcro will face your skin...

If the diapers / nappies have adhesive tabs instead of velcro closures, consider two strips of polyester ribbon - from your local sewing notions store. I am not talking about gift wrapping ribbon. I am referring to ribbon that resembles very lightweight web strap material. Measure in advance at home, leave extra length and choose a proper color. Use small pieces of duck tape to adhere the ribbon to the diaper material - voila - one upsized protective garment. Needs must...

You will find something that works. Don't worry about it.

I hope this helps.

 

[RickParkes]

Hi, folks, I am lucky not having any trouble these days, but did notice on my last trip de la Plata, major supermarkets in cities had Tena pads.

Keep walking prostate cancer survivors.

Pilgrim Rick
Go in Peace
Author of;

“The Spanish Pyrenees Adventure(GR11)” and
“Camino de Santiago – A Pilgrims Walk for Prostate Cancer Awareness”
Available Amazon.com or Lulu Publishing. Profits to Cancer Research.

Brisbane QLD

Australia