I'M 13 And Still Wet My Bed
Hello, my name is Olive. I may be just 13 years old, but I have a story to tell. It's not a story I'm proud of, but I believe it's important to share. You see, I still wet my bed every night. Now, before you burst into laughter or make fun of me, let me assure you that bedwetting is no laughing matter. It's embarrassing, and it's something I've dealt with for as long as I can remember.
When I was five years old, my parents noticed that I hadn't outgrown bedwetting like most children do. Concerned, they took me to the doctor, hoping for a quick fix. The doctor initially dismissed it as a phase, assuring my parents that I would grow out of it. But my parents wanted a solution, and they wanted it fast.
To stop my body from betraying me each night, I was prescribed medications. Let me tell you, those pills tasted absolutely horrible. Unfortunately, they didn't work as expected. Frustrated with the lack of progress, my parents resorted to using diapers instead. They were tired of washing my sheets every single day. Can you imagine entering third grade, knowing you're still wearing diapers to bed? It was a nightmare.
Not only did I have to wear diapers, but I also had a special bed that would beep loudly if it detected any liquid. It was so sensitive that even sweat would trigger the beeping. The bed itself was hard and cold as steel, making it nearly impossible for me to fall asleep. Most nights, I found myself crying myself to sleep, overwhelmed by anger and self-hatred. I believed I was a loser and a baby who couldn't grow up.
As you can imagine, the combination of diapers, beeping beds, and sleepless nights took a toll on my well-being. I developed sleeping issues and struggled to function during the day. My parents enforced strict rules, refusing to let me drink water after 7 p.m. and making me sleep by 10 p.m. They even woke me up at 5 a.m. just to ensure I could use the bathroom. I was beyond exhausted, barely able to keep up with my daily activities.
The hardest part was keeping this secret from everyone around me. While my friends enjoyed birthday sleepover parties, I was left out. I couldn't risk wetting their beds or having them discover my secret. The fear of being labeled a loser at school kept me from attending a single sleepover. I distanced myself from my friends, pushing them away to avoid any potential embarrassment.
Finally, my parents took me back to the doctor's office. They requested every test imaginable, desperate to uncover the root cause of my bedwetting. Most people visit the doctor when they're sick, but I was there because I couldn't control my own body at the age of ten. It was a heartbreaking experience, filled with tears, needles, and invasive examinations.
After numerous tests, the doctors discovered what was partially wrong with me. They explained that my bedwetting was a result of dehydration caused by not drinking enough water. Additionally, the pills my parents had been giving me caused constipation and put pressure on my bladder, leading to nighttime accidents. The doctors assured me that eventually, I would outgrow this condition. They advised me to pay close attention to my body's signals and try to wake up when I needed to use the bathroom.
Today, at the age of 13, I still wet my bed. However, I no longer feel like a loser or an outcast. I have special pants that resemble comfy pajama pants, allowing me to attend sleepovers without fear. I am fortunate to have two best friends, one of whom had a similar experience until they turned ten. When I confided in them about my bedwetting struggles, they shared their own story, and suddenly, I didn't feel alone or embarrassed anymore.
This is why I am sharing my story. I want others who may be going through the same thing to know that they are not alone. Bedwetting is embarrassing, and we may have to hide it from our friends, but it doesn't define us. We may miss out on sleepovers and face challenges, but we can get through this together. After every doctor's visit, I've learned one important lesson: there is nothing wrong with us. We are strong, resilient individuals capable of overcoming any obstacle. So, let's embrace our journey and support each other along the way.