"Not Shrinking": How One customer Reclaimed His Music, Running, and Life After Incontinence

In September of 2024, I had terrible chest pains and ended up in the ICU with heart problems. My body couldn't regulate my heart rate, causing severe symptoms. My condition deteriorated from there and I began having bowel and urinary incontinence. Then in December of 2024, the cardiologist insisted that I get a pacemaker. So I did, and I couldn't believe that this was all happening to me.

I felt a lot of bitterness. I am a very active 44-year-old. These things should not be happening to me. I enjoyed playing basketball with my sons, running outdoors, and singing live music. I would often get live gigs singing for weddings, restaurants, and farmers' markets. With my health problems, I found myself resting in bed most of the time and I stopped doing those things I loved. I sank to the lowest point in my life.

I began wearing NorthShore products to get through my nights and workdays, but I didn't want to accept any singing opportunities for fear of having an incident while singing. Then the town where I live asked me to sing the national anthem for their July 4th, 2025 celebration. I was leery, but I decided to accept. With the confidence that the NorthShore products gave me, I set up all my equipment and sang the national anthem without trouble. I even stayed and sang many other songs when I was asked to continue. I had no problem at all.

It was at this time that I remember hearing something that a church leader once said during his fight with leukemia. He was asked the most impactful thing he learned was from his experience, and he said, "I have learned that not shrinking is more important than just surviving." (Neal A. Maxwell, October 1997 General Conference) I realized that up to that point, I was just surviving, but I became determined not to shrink. So, with the help of your products, I began to do the things that I love again. This summer I have sung at over a dozen events, including one wedding where I had to practically stand for 4 hours singing and playing music. I didn't have one embarrassing moment, thanks to the products that you provide. Not saying that I haven't had to change at times, but no one even suspected that I had incontinence problems.

I have also begun running again. I usually wear the MegaMax adult diapers, but I have some pull-up style underwear that I use to run in. When I started running again, I couldn't run a mile in under 11 minutes. I can now run 4 consecutive miles, averaging an 8:30-mile pace.

 

Thank you for reading our customer stories. NorthShore works to remove the confusion and isolation surrounding incontinence, helping individuals better understand that “incontinence is very common, often treatable, and regardless, very manageable.” — Adam Greenberg, President & Founder of NorthShore We are grateful for the opportunity to share these journeys and provide products that help people live life to the fullest. Learn more about sharing your story through the NorthShore Hero Club. Have a story to share? Submit it below to help others feel less alone.

Yes, I would like to share my story Story provided by* My Story... *Email Address Get the latest incontinence tips and advice delivered straight to your inbox!

---