Kilts and Aging

[Riverkilt]

Another "medical" reason to wear kilts at work.

If aging isn't your issue, it will be.

Like many men I'm diagnosed with BPH Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy enlargement of the prostate gland from aging. Any time in front of the television will inform you of this condition.

I take one of the advertised medications and it helps...some...but not completely.

I work with another guy, older than me, with the same condition. We often meet up at the men's room during the day.

Last week we were talking and I brought up the subject. I noted that one of the problems I was having wearing pants at work now was that when I finished in the rest room I wasn't always sure that I was indeed finished. And sometimes, usually when I was in a hurry already, I found that I needed to somehow dry a bit of my pants before I left the rest room.

Boy did he identify with that. We talked about how embarrassing it was, even when no one else could see, and how we worried it might happen after we left the rest room, how to use paper towels to dry the spot, whether there was any residual evidence of a dry spot. The later is particularly important to me since I often am standing in front of groups for my work.

Then, I pointed out to him how I didn't have to worry about that back when I was allowed to wear kilts to work. Since I wore boxers with my kilts that was the first line of defense. But if I did have a bit of a small drip then the underapron concealed that fact from the public.

He seemed interested, though I doubt he'd ever wear a kilt. In addition to being a coworker now he was the man who was my supervisor before and carried the message that I'd no longer be allowed to wear kilts and he is acting director when the CEO is gone. Don't know if it will help my cause any.

But thinking about the conversation realized there are a lot of guys my age on the board who might also have BPH, its very common. Guess if they can talk about it on television we can talk about it on this board.

Hope I've been appropriate here and haven't offended anyone.

Ron

[Fedgunner]

You silly!

Men don't talk about "embarrassing" conditions. They are to be borne in silence and ignorance.

Actually, While I don't think I suffer this particular malady, I do have scar tissue in my urinary tract that makes a "clean break" damn near impossible.

You are correct in that I am much more confidant in underdrawers and a kilt.

[Ozman1944]

Ah yes; At 63, know it well, but for me it's more due to hurrying. But I've noticed when Kilted, nothing soaks through to the surface of the free-hanging Kilt, whereas with trousers it's right there-as it were- squashed up against the fabric and the good ol' "spot" appears. Apart from wearing black pants all the time, a Kilt is certainly preferable.

[Irish in Tacoma]

We men are sure at a disadvantage when it comes to diagnosing those embarassing symptoms. We don't usually talk about it, or we if we do we lie and exagerate, so its difficult to tell what's really going on.

I'm 41, but experience similar symptoms. Maybe its time to make an appointment to get checked out.

Thanks, Ron, for being so candid and open. And I agree that your solution works great.

[demobud]

Riverkilt, I know where you are coming from. I am 39 and seeing this happen to me. My father also has had two prostate surgeries so if there is a hereditary component, I am sure my brother and I are in for it.

[way2fractious]

My paternal grandfather, my father, and all my paternal uncles have - or died with - prostate cancer. You bet I've had my prostate checked repeatedly over the years! Those pesky digital exams (true digital is NOT electronic!) and the PSA tests (prostate-specific antigens) have not indicated cancer but have confirmed BPH. I have most of the symptoms to some degree but have not sought any of the medications. Long stretches on a bicycle saddle may accelerate that need, however.

The worst part for me is that the symptoms of BPH translate into a very bad case of "bashful kidney" when using a public facility. If no private stalls are available, no amount of concentration or "relaxation" exercises produce the "let-down."

Wearing a kilt is great, but I cannot wear one at work nor all day on a bicycle, so the particlar benefit Ron points up is only available to me at home in the evenings or on the weekends.

[Andrewson]

I too have BPH. The medications have helped reduce the really inconvenient symptoms (or maybe I have just got better at managing them) but I do strongly identify with Riverkilt's probem - especially when wearing, as I sometimes do, light coloured, lightweight trousers.

As he says, the kilt has this added advantage - added to all its many other attractions. Can't quite see how you'd mount a sales pitch for kilts based on this particular feature, though, 'cause (as Fedgunner says) we men do not talk about these embarrassments to others - we barely let on about them to ourselves!

[Freedomlover]

It seems that BPH is a lot more common than I thought. At 60 I am beginning to enjoy it too. Andrewson mentioned light colored trousers. For me they are a definite no-no.

[CelticRanger66]

Evidently when men are freed by kilts they also open up to discuss freely other subjects we should have been discussing all along!! True Freedom brought by the Kilt!! Good Job Ron!!

[ncof300d]

OK this is probably going to seem weired, but this changed my mindset........just as a kilt has done. In 1996 a dear friend of mine died at the age of 86. Four years prior to his death he had bladder cancer which was was successfully stopped with a radioactive isotope. During the time that he had the isotope the doctor recommended that when he need to 'go' to sit rather that stand. My friend told that he this changed his habit of going to urinate for good. It has done the same for me as well.
Think about it....how many times are you in a hurry to get the job done and you still do not feel comfortable? I have learned that if you want to 'make you bladder gladder' you need to take the time to do so. When you have to go sit down and relax. Give your self the time you need to void. I have learned that I a void much better sitting than standing. I live in a rural area of farms. The only time I stand to go anymore is if I am working outside by myself
I know that some men thing that this is 'unmanly'. Hey, if you are willing to wear a kilt to be comfortable why not do your body a favor to make it comfortable.