Encopresis - The Types, Causes and Treatment of the Disorder
Encopresis is a condition that is most often found in children who have been toilet trained. While there are some conditions that can bring this on in adults it is generally more common among children.Studies show that encopresis affects up to 2% of all children. Encopresis is defined as having repeated bowel movements in a location where it is not appropriate to do so. This can be a complex issue to treat and while treatment is being pursued it is important that parents take steps to help manage the issue. Many children can benefits from using incontinence underwear. This type of underwear will protect skin and clothes when the child has an accident. Incontinence underwear for children can be found on sites that sell adult incontinence products. As stated above there are conditions that can bring on encopresis in adults. This is known as a type of fecal incontinence. Adults who cannot control their bowel movements will have to deal with this problem through both treatment and management. There are a number of different incontinence products that can help. Many adults choose to use an adult diaper or wear incontinence underwear with an incontinence pad that can be changed frequently. One of the most popular fecal incontinence pads is found as part of the Abena adult diaper line.Many parents are unsure as to whether or not their child is having encopresis. The diagnostic standard is if the child continues to have bowel movements in inappropriate locations at least every month for 3 months in a row then they have met the criteria for the problem to be diagnosed as encopresis. It is important to understand that there are 2 very different types of encopresis. Knowing about the types will help to determine how to treat it. These types of encopresis are- Retentive encopresis-This is the most common form of encopresis among children. When a child has this type there is a physical problem that is occurring that is keeping the child from having a bowel movement. The child may actually wish to defecate in the toilet but be unable to due to lack of sensation, pain being experienced, or even a blockage. One of the major side effects of this condition is chronic constipation. This can be made worse by a lack of fiber, physical activity, and water. No-retentive encopresis-This type happens when the child simply refuses to have a bowel movement in the appropriate place. This is most often a behavioral issue rather then a physical one. Constipation is usually not a factor in this type of encopresis. In addition, the child may seem fearful or even defiant and use this type of behavior as a control mechanism. It is crucial to determine what type of encopresis the child has since it is important that he or she is not made to feel shame or guilt over something they cannot control. Unfortunately, many times parents criticize or scold a child over the lack of toileting skills only to find out later that the problem was beyond the child’s control. The bottom line is that if your child is experiencing encopresis then a medical evaluation is called for. You should make sure that your pediatrician thoroughly examines the child to determine if there is an underlying physical problem. When a physical problem is diagnosed then the doctor and the family can move ahead to treat it and resolve both the underlying problem and the encopresis. If a physical problem is ruled out then the parents will need to address the behavioral component of encopresis. Many children with this condition have benefited from talking with a counselor and resolving issues that have brought on this behavior.
500 Different Types of Adult Diapers - How to Sort Them Out
After the age of 60 many adults will experience problems with incontinence. It is quite common to see women experience incontinence as they go through menopause and need to use products that help to catch the extra urine that leaks from their bladder when they laugh, cough, or sneeze. This type of incontinence is known as stress incontinence and it is the most common type of incontinence experienced by both men and women. It often happens more to women that have given birth as childbirth often causes the pelvic floor muscles to stretch out and they are not as likely to hold in the urine as they once could. The weaker muscles can not only lead to urine problems they can also cause fecal problems as well.Once you have been diagnosed by your doctor you can start exploring your options to find relief from incontinence. Many women find that using adult diapers is the best option. The new adult diapers are made specifically for both sexes, making it easy to manage incontinence and to still have a social life. Since you are in the market for adult diapers, let’s go over some of the different types that are out there so you can find the one that is perfect for your condition. Some of the categories you will see include the following:· Pads or liners· Adult briefs· Protective underwear· Beltless garments· Belted undergarmentsThere are products that can be reused and others that are disposable. So which one is right for you? It depends on your situation. It helps to have a look at the many products that are out there so you can find the right one: LiveAnew BestFit As far as adult diapers go, the most popular type that is chosen are the adult briefs. These diapers are very discrete and will help you to maintain your dignity as other people will not be able to tell that you are wearing the diapers. You can purchase them in disposable diapers or in reusable ones. The reusable diapers are less expensive and they are made from cotton, which helps them to appear closely to your regular underwear. These briefs are lightweight and are going to be the best option you have if you would like to find underwear that is as close to what you are used to wearing. Protective underwear is also commonly used but it is mostly used for individuals that tend to have more urine leakage throughout the day. The padding is much thicker from the briefs and you can purchase them in a pull up diaper. For light problems, pads and liners are wonderful options. These products allow you to wear your normal underwear, you just have to attach the pad or liner to it. It has a sticky backing so that it will stay secured in place when you are wearing the pad throughout the day. Overnight diapers are commonly used for those individuals that have problems at night. Using the overnight diapers will allow you stay safe at night and really will protect your bedding! No matter which type of adult diaper you choose to use you need to make sure you are using the right product for your situation. You have to look at the different sizes and styles to find one that will be comfortable for your needs and will allow you to enjoy your life without worrying about wetness and embarrassment from urinary incontinence.
Does Insurance Cover My Incontinence Products
Does Insurance Cover My Incontinence Products?Many people of all walks and ages will encounter incontinence in their lifetime, whether it’s on a permanent or temporary basis. As the world’s population grows, so does the instance of incontinence. When you hear the word incontinence, you’re most likely to associate it with the elderly, but it’s something that can occur during pregnancy, after childbirth, surgery, as a result of cancer, or even a common cold can trigger it. If you find yourself managing or caring for a person with incontinence, having a good outlook and attitude toward it will help tremendously. Something else that also helps is technology. For Each Challenge, There Is Always a SolutionThanks to innovative technology, incontinence products keep getting better all the time. Adult diapers, protective undergarments, pads, and pull-up underwear offer greater absorbency than ever before while also offering softer and thinner materials. Greater absorbency and odor control for urinary and fecal incontinence can be found in more incontinence products today than ever before. There are approximately 2.5 million adults in the United States managing incontinence. You would think that with this many adults in the U.S. there certainly must be financial help for those who need it to pay for incontinence products. Well the answer is both yes—and no. Will Private Insurance Plans Cover Incontinence Products? The short answer is—very few. Some private insurance companies may cover incontinence products or other incontinence supplies, but most won’t, but it never hurts to ask. It’s best to contact your plan administrator or refer to your Insurance Manual for allowed benefits and coverage. Medicare will not cover the costs of incontinence products, either. Since the majority of people who have incontinence are indeed elderly, you would assume Medicare would offer coverage for protective underwear and pads, but it doesn’t. This also applies to Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare replacement plans. But don’t give up hope. Does Medicaid Provide Coverage for Incontinence Supplies?Yes. But you will need to check with your State’s Medicaid plan to find out if Medicaid provides coverage for adult diapers or disposable underwear because it will vary from state-to-state as far as which products are covered, depending on which type incontinence you have, and the daily allowance you might receive. Some Medicaid state plans may provide coverage for 5 adult diapers, pads, pull-on underwear, or disposable pads each day; some may provide more or less. Check with your state to see if Medicaid covers any portion of your incontinence products or you can fill out our online form at your convenience and our Customer Care Specialists can check for you. If your Medicaid insurance does provide coverage, LiveAnew will need documentation from your primary care physician stating that your supplies are needed out of medical necessity. Once we receive that information, we can begin delivering the adult diapers, pads, or protective underwear discreetly to your home each month.
Adult Diaper Brief Banks: Your Guide to Helping and Getting Help
Have you ever heard of a diaper bank? Most people have, but in regards to babies. Unfortunately, over 13 million Americans suffer from incontinence and need adult diaper briefs. And many of those who need them simply can’t afford them. Medicare and most insurances will not cover the cost of absorbent products unless the individual is living in a care facility. If they live at home, the individual often must shoulder the responsibility of cost for adult diaper briefs themselves. For many seniors and disabled individuals this means going without other necessities because their fixed income can only stretch so far. It also means wearing products too long, compromising comfort and skin health, as well as confidence, in order to make adult diaper briefs affordable. But fortunately, there are places individuals with incontinence can turn to for help with affording supplies. Adult Diaper Brief Banks are a relatively new resources, but offer aid to those who need it. The following is your guide to helping and getting help:HelpingFirst, how can you help? Diapers for adults usually cost over $100 a month. Public assistance and Medicare do not cover these costs, leaving many seniors with fixed incomes to try and figure out how to afford the products they need. There is a growing need in the US for adult diaper brief banks. The economic downturn and large senior population have contributed to this great need for adult absorbent products. And you can help by donating funds or products to diaper banks across the country. Many diaper banks have websites that accept donations as well. Another way you can help is by starting a diaper bank. There can never be too many diaper banks out there. If you do not think you can do it yourself, consider trying to convince a local organization to start one, such as a church group or local social service center. Getting HelpMost diaper banks distribute their resources using local agencies. These include agencies such as United Way, Food Banks, and religious organizations and churches. They are not distributed directly to individuals, and thus, if you need assistance, it is important to not just find the diaper bank itself, but ask which local agency manages the distribution of adult diaper briefs. It is possible to find diaper banks by doing a simple Google search. Type in "Diaper Bank" and your local area. Then call to find out if they carry adult diaper briefs, and if they do not, if they know of an agency or bank that does. They should be able to direct you where to go to get the help you need. Diaper banks are in place to help those in need. If your local diaper bank does not carry adult products and you need them, ask for them. If you can show a real need, they will likely do what they can to help fill it. You don’t have to live without absorbent products or too few, or give up something you need in order to get protection. There are alternatives, and adult diaper banks exist and can help. Find out today!
"I was in shock when I learned my cancer had been misdiagnosed for ten years and now had spread into my liver!"
Over a period of about ten years, I had been mentioning symptoms to my family practice doctor at my annual physicals – flushing and hot flashes, itching and changing bowel habits. These ‘dots’ were never connected and over this period the cancer inside my small intestines slowly spread to my liver and started growing."You have a carcinoid tumor or a Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET). The flushing and other symptoms you’ve experienced are referred to as"Carcinoid Syndrome." I learned that Carcinoids occur in about 1 of 100,000 people – it is the rarest of rare diseases, is frequently misdiagnosed and is incurable when it spreads to the liver. At first I was mad about the misdiagnosis, but then I realized misdiagnosis is almost always the case. A Mayo Oncologist said he received about 20 minutes of classroom discussion of NETs in medical school. The government classifies it as an orphan disease because it gets so little attention from the medical community, pharmaceutical companies and government. Its also sometimes referred to as the ‘looking good disease’ because many who have it, don’t show any or many outward signs of distress’ because it's so slow growing or indolent."Watch & Wait"After a liver biopsy and a 3 day scan called an OctreoScan ($8800), the diagnosis was confirmed in June 2015. My local oncologist suggested a ‘watch and wait’ strategy which I later learned is referred to as the ‘Wait and Worry’ strategy. My husband immediately went into a complete research mode and within 6-weeks we attended a patient directed conference 5 hours away where NET experts from clinics throughout the middle part of the U.S. presented. What did we learn? If you have this, you need to see a NET expert. I live in Wisconsin and there is no one who is an expert – not in the entire state. My gastroenterologist told me in no uncertain terms, "If I were you, I’d go to Mayo." (generically meaning a center of excellence for NETs). After the conference, I talked with experts in Rochester, MN, Kenner, LA and Iowa City, Iowa. There are a handful of other clinics and speciality groups in other cities, but I didn’t want to have to travel to either of the coasts, especially if surgery were involved.The first key learning was that the ‘watch and wait’ strategy my local oncologist prescribed was 100% wrong for me. Every expert told me that right off. It became clear to me that she was out of her league and didn’t have the intellectual curioscity to learn more about this disease, even when I presented her with facts from my research.One size does not fit allEach NET case is different and there is no one size fits all. In most cases there is tumor growth where it started (in my case, the ileum or end of the small intestine), the lymph nodes and the liver. They are all treated uniquely. If they’re all treated the same, you’ll go down in flames. A NET expert will devise a strategy to tackle each area. It's all about individualized care and a team approach where Oncologists, Surgeons and many other specialities work together. There are quite a few tools they can employ. Surgery to ‘get rid of it’ if it's possible is the first choice. In my case, it was possible and that is what I elected. Because I was in good physical (and mental) shape, the liver metastases were few, small and contained to only the right side of my liver, I was a good candidate for surgery. The surgeons said they could get it all (the visible part) and that I would not need monthly injections of Octreotide that cost about $10,000 each… following surgery. Earlier I mentioned "it's incurable". If it spreads to the liver, this is true. It almost always does spread to the liver because it's allowed to sit, fester and spread due to misdiagnosis. If there is any good news, is that it is usually (not always) slow growing. Where lung cancer may grow at 80% per year, a NET may only grow at 1 to 2%. So you have a little time to develop a plan. Now let me introduce the Zebra. Why the Zebra? "When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras." In the medical field, the term "zebra" is used in reference to a rare disease or condition. Doctors are taught to assume that the simplest explanation is usually the best, so as not to go around diagnosing patients with all sorts of exotic illnesses that are highly unlikely. Common diseases are what doctors should expect to encounter.But many doctors seem to forget that ‘zebras" exist, and so getting a diagnosis and getting treatment can be more difficult for sufferers of rare diseases. NET Newby ChecklistThe information below was prepared and written in its original form by Gary Murfin, a NET patient himself. I modified it a bit for my particular case. If you would like a link to Gary's 'Newby' list you can reach him at gmurfin@covad.net. I thank him for the use of his original material.Record Keeping – get copies of everything. Office visits, scans and bloodwork.Digitize your records – name them so they can be sorted in chronological sequence. A file might say 100 – CT 11/10/15. I number the record in chronological sequence like 1000, 1010, 1020, etc. It makes it easy to sort. Get a scanner or go to a print shop.Get copies of scans on CD’s. Learn how to make copies or take them to a FedEx Office store. Record visits to Doctors. I’ve never been told no. Purchase a recorder or download a free app on a smartphone. With the app on my iPhone, I can easily email the recording to family, etc. I own an app named Voice Record.Resources & Research – I have a file that’s about 100 pages long (after only 6 months). It is a bullet point summary of every event – Doctor Office visits, scans, biopsy, etc. It also contains:A list of contacts including addresses, phone, fax, email, etc. A list of medications and allergies to medicines. Clinics will ask for this information often… it's easier just to email, fax or mail a document.A spreadsheet of blood tests, and scans. What they are for and what were the results. Over 100 so far.A scan of your insurance card and driver’s licenseWebsites, List Serves, YouTube videos of presentationsLinks to relevant peer reviewed articles on Pubmed.govResources & Research Carcinoid.org Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation Dr. Liu's Zebras Northwoods NETS Other NET and Carcinoid sites NETs support groups International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance The NET Alliance NetCancerBlog HealingNetFoundation Carcinoid Crisis — a crisis which may occur when a patient undergoes some kind of invasive procedure — like surgery. This can cause the tumors to quickly release various forms of hormones that cause the blood pressure to rise or fall causing life-threatening conditions for a patient. This can also happen when a surgeon just touches a tumor while operating. Patients who display the syndrome seem more prone to experiencing this condition. The best way to protect against this crisis is for the doctors to be prepared to counteract it with injections of Octreotide. Below is the protocol recommended by Dr. Gene Woltering, a very experienced NETS surgical oncologist. There is research indicating that the use of Octreotide prophylactically does not help. All agree that Octreotide should be on hand in the operating room.The Diagnosis - Testing/Scanning - Prior to my surgery, my first inexperienced, local oncologist ran several tests to confirm the diagnosis. Needle biopsy of one of the tumors in the liver to confirm that it was a NET.Urinalysis called the 5-HIAA where you lug around a gallon jug of urine for over a day. She should have ordered the plasma version of this test which is far less inconvenient), but was likely not aware. OctreoScan. This is a nuclear scan (uses a radioisotope tracer) that detects the presence of carcinoid tumors anywhere in the body. However, there is one caveat to using this type of scan. Not all carcinoid tumors are the same. Some have special receptors that facilitate the absorption of the radioisotope and some tumors do not have these receptors. If you have the receptors then the O-scan will work. If not, then it will not show anything. This type of scan does not show specific tumors, but rather lights up (shows bright spots) in the area or areas where neuroendocrine tumors exist (those with receptors).Because she was not experienced with carcinoids (which I didn’t realize at the time), she failed to order a Chromogranin A (CgA) test or pancreastatin (more sensitive than CgA). These are some of the best biomarkers for determining the presence of carcinoid tumor. Inter Science Institute, located in California does these tests . The web address is interscienceinstitute.com. ISI offers a free guideline manual for NETs that they will send you or your doctor for free. Just call them. The guide is considered by many to be the gold standard and is authored by a number of recognized experts -- and updated regularly. For the past few years there have been clinical trials offered in the US for a scan known as the Gallium-68 PET/CT scan. This scan has been used for years in Europe and is the Gold Standard for detecting NETS (with receptors). They are much more detailed, take significantly less time than an OctreoScan and use far less radiation. Why they are taking so long to get approved in the U.S. is anyone's guess. Where carcinoid tumors startMost carcinoid tumors start in the gastrointestinal tract to include the stomach and the appendix. The pancreatic type of neuroendocrine cancer can develop in or on the pancreas. Carcinoid seems to start almost anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. A less common point of origin is in the lung. The development of the cancer starts with what is called the primary tumor. This is usually a small tumor that sends out seeds that go to other parts/organs of the body. The liver is the most common place to find the metastases along with the lymph nodes. My diagnosis was a primary in my ileum of the small intestine which had spread to four adjacent lymph nodes and two sections of my liver. The original scans of my liver showed 3 tumors. Upon removal, it was found one of the tumors was horseshoe shaped and two tumors came out at the same time. Ki-67 IndexThis is an important test, but can only be done on tumor tissue. The Ki-67 index is a stain test that tells the Docs how quickly (or not) your type of tumor will spread in the body. It is technically known as a Proliferation Index. The Ki-67 stain can be done even years after surgery, if that tissue was retained. Hospitals are supposed to keep cubes of the tissue from the primary tumor as well as the mets for a number of years.This test is run on resected tumor tissue, metastasized tissue and biopsy material. The test is done to determine how likely your form of carcinoid is to proliferate (grow-spread). The scale is on a 1-100 percent basis. An index of below 2% is good. The norm for most carcinoid patients is 1-2% and this means it is slow growing. The lower the Ki-67 index, the slower growing the tumor cells. The results of this test are now categorized into THREE Grades: Grade 1 - < 2% Grade 2 - 3 to 20% Grade 3 - > 20% This index is valuable when trying to determine if chemotherapy will work on a patient. Most chemo agents are designed to act on fast growing tumor cells, so the higher the Ki-67 index, the more likely that the cancer will respond well to chemo. Tumors that fall into Grade 3 are faster growing and therefore may be good candidates for chemotherapy. Some in the 15-20% could be treated with chemo agents as well. If you don’t have this Ki-67 test result, call your surgeon and ask him to have it run on your tissue. A similar test that is like the Ki-67 and measures cell mitotic activity is called the MIB-1 or Mitotic test. This is a proliferation index too. This is sometimes run in place of the Ki-67 depending upon the form of cancer involved. If either of these tests were done, it should be reported in your pathology report which you should have a copy of.Creating Your StrategyRemove the primary tumor. The first and most important step in dealing with a newly diagnosed carcinoid is to get the primary tumor taken out. One of the general rules about this cancer is that most of the time it takes a long time for this cancer to grow and so it is thought that most people have this cancer in their body for an average of 9.2 years before a diagnosis is made. This means that the cancer has had time to spread. The definitive work on the importance of removing the primary (if it can be found) was done by a team of Docs at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland OR. The team was led by Dr. Rod Pommier. Here is what you might expect with this type of open surgery. Another theory is that the primary tumor sends out very small tumors (sometimes called micro-lesions) to all parts of the body via the bloodstream. This continues to happen until that primary tumor is taken out. The other part of this theory is that most people, by the time they are diagnosed, have already had their cancer metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body. When the primary tumor is in the gastrointestinal tract this usually means that the cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes and most always to the liver. The tumors in the liver can remain quite small for a long time, but be aware that tumor size does not equate to tumor activity in terms of the release of the hormones that cause symptoms (if you have symptoms). You can have a few or even a lot of very small tumors that release a lot of bad hormones and these tumors may not show up on your scans. Another general rule for this cancer is that is it not curable. Only under certain circumstances has it been found that surgery could be a cure. This is only when the cancer has been found to not have spread. This is just a fact of life that the majority of us with this cancer must face. The bad news is we can't be cured, but the good news is that this cancer generally grows slowly and there are treatments that will slow the development of the tumors in the body. This means that usually a person has the time to what treatment could be best for them. Bottom line is that this cancer is treated like a chronic illness. You just keep controlling the tumor load, doing treatments that have good benefit but that are low risk. Interpreting test resultsWhen evaluating test results (blood, urine, etc) you have to look at two things…one is the test value in relation to the normal range and the other is the trend of the test values over time (usually at least 3 tests over time). The first thing you need to know is that normal is normal. All of these tests have a normal range. A test number at the low end of the range is considered to be the same as the test number at the high end of the normal range. If the test number falls below the lowest normal number then the result is abnormal. The same is true if the test number is higher than the highest value in the normal range. Abnormal low or abnormal high usually has a different interpretation, depending upon what is being tested.A lot of people get excited if they get a test number that is very high or very low compared to the normal range, but the real importance of the testing is the trend. If over 3 or more tests the values for one kind of test changes in one direction (by a significant enough amount) then that is an indicator of something going on. It could mean that things are getting better or things are getting worse. The best values are those that fall within the normal range. If the trend is a change within the normal range, then usually this means nothing….normal is normal. Also, there can be a trend, but the magnitude of change from one test to another may not be much, so the significance is not much either. Some people get tests done at different labs and this can cause complications in the interpretation of the test values. Each lab may have its own normal range, so you must have the normal range from each lab for each test run. If a test was done multiple times over a period of time at the same lab, then the norm range will be the same. If not, then the range may vary according to the lab and the interpretation of the test values and the trend may have a different meaning. The real question to be asked is will the test results change my treatment plan? For me the value is in knowing if there is something going on with my tumors. If the answer is yes, then it means I must be diligent in monitoring my cancer. The reality is that these kind of test results do not tell you where the activity is in the body. The other reality is that until tumors get to be of a size that they can be found on some kind of scan, they cannot be accurately treated. The only exception to this would be the case where tumor load is spread throughout the body and a "systemic" form of treatment, like Chemo or PRRT, needs to be used. Scans in UseThe CT and MRI scans done in the US have limitations in terms of the size of tumor that can be found by the scans. The Tri-phasic MRI or 4-Phase CT are the best in the US for finding lesions in the liver, but even the best do not get below 5mm. This is pretty small (0.2"), but you could have lesions in the 1-4mm range that are producing lots of hormone. The fact that your liver may still look good on an MRI or CT scan may not be good enough to declare that there are no tumors there. They may be there, but are too small to find. Morphological vs Functional scansThere are two types of scans…one is called a morphological scan and the other is a functional scan. The first type includes the MRI and the CT scans that most patients experience during the course of dealing with NETS. These scans show tumor structure, so tissue masses must be large enough to be identified by the scanner. The purpose is to determine size, volume and location of tumors. Depending upon the vascularity of the tumor, a radiologist may be able to conclude that the tumor is a NET or not. Note - MRI does not use radiation, the CT does. The second type of scan (functional) is able to find active tumors through the use of radioactive tracers that may be absorbed into the tumor. This kind of scan looks at the whole body and if tumors are large enough or have the right receptors or the right cellular metabolism they can be detected on the scan. For NETS, the Octreotide Scan can be done in the US. A relatively new scan for the US, that is currently in clinical trials here, is the Gallium-68 PET/CT. Another type of scan that can be used for faster growing tumors is the FDG-PET scan. It uses a tracer attached to glucose. Fast growing tumor cells consume the glucose and thereby absorb the tracer and the tumor shows up. There are other scans, some actually more effective than the Ga-68, but they are not offered in the US.Sando LAR and Somatuline Depot / Sub Q Octreotide - Octreotide comes in two forms…a short acting form that is given by subcutaneous shot and a long acting formula called Sandostatin LAR which is given as an Intramuscular shot. At present the company making the LAR is Novartis. The short acting is made by a variety of companies. For many years the Sando LAR formulation was prescribed for NETS patients to control the syndrome symptoms. In early 2009, a study, called the PROMID Study, was released by Novartis. This study showed that the medication could slow tumor growth for some patients with certain characteristics, in addition to stopping symptoms. This finding got many Docs to start prescribing this med to slow tumor growth for patients who had no symptoms. Another drug also on the market to stop syndrome symptoms is Lanreotide. This drug is made by Ipsen Pharma. As of 2015, this drug comes in only one formulation — a long acting formula called Somatuline Depot that is given as a subcutaneous shot. In July of 2014, Ipsen did a press release announcing the results of a study called CLARINET. The results of this study showed that Lanreotide in the long acting form (Somatuline Depot), like Sandostatin LAR, could slow tumor growth. For both drugs, there are side effects that can potentially affect patients. One is to pre-dispose a person for Type II diabetes since the med can influence blood glucose levels. Another possible side effect is to cause the gallbladder to produce gallstones. This typically leads to resection of the gallbladder which is a standard of care currently when NET surgery is performed.The timing of treatments. The first objective first after diagnosis is to remove the primary tumor. My first oncologist prescribed a ‘wait and worry’ strategy. That instinctively, did not sound right to me. The type of surgery performed depends on the location of the primary. Depending on the location of any metastases, a doctor may choose to reduce a patient’s tumor load by taking metastases out of the liver or in areas of the mesentery at the time of primary resection. There can be an order to the treatments in that doing one treatment might preclude the use of another type of treatment. That is why it is important to seek out a NET expert and develop a strategy that addresses the primary, lymph nodes and other metastases You don't necessarily treat them all the same, if you do, you can go down in flames (Dr. Gene Woltering). In my particular case, my primary was in the distal ileum with metastases to four of 22 lymph nodes and 3 small metastases to the liver, all on the right side (which is a good thing). Add to this my age (62) and general health (no diabetes, not a smoker, not overweight, etc.) made me an excellent candidate for surgery. Because the tumor had metastasized to my liver, the odds of it recurring sometime in the future is high - but it could be 10 to 20 years. By then there will be new developments. I studied this disease until I knew it much better than my original, local oncologist (and certainly my Family Practice doctor). Keep in mind that the typical F.P. doctor might only see one person with a NET during their entire career. I went to a patient directed seminar on NETs with presentations by a range of NET experts from various clinics throughout the midwest. I arranged a meeting with three of them to get opinions. After meeting with and talking to two and getting the same answer, I decided on the clinic that was closest to home - a four hour car ride. Both the Oncologist and Surgeon are recognized experts. The surgeon had done more liver surgeries than any other doctor at Mayo. The Five Es — it is well-known in the NETS community that there are a number of things that can trigger the syndrome. Epinephrine – or Epi: It is extremely dangerous for us as it can precipitate a carcinoid crisis. Novocaine as used by most dentists can come in two forms…one with Epi and one that is "plain" with no Epi. When talking to your dentist make sure he is using the plain form. There are "caines" without epinephrine (like Mepivacaine). Make sure your dentist and others know that you cannot tolerate Epinephrine. If you have a medical ID bracelet or necklace, NO EPI should be prominently displayed on that. Ethanol (Alcohol): Hardly any carcinoid patients can tolerate wine or beer. That is because those contain amines. They set off flushing, hot flashes, etc. On the other hand, many people can still drink "hard liquor". That is, rum, vodka, gin, bourbon, etc. Some people cannot tolerate any of these. If you drink, you may have to discover your own level. Exercise: The trick here is not to overdo. If not used to a particular exercise regime, take it slowly and work up your tolerance. Lots of carcinoid patients are regulars at gyms, walk, run, ski, etc. Mostly because that is something they have always done and so are used to it. But when starting something new or taking it to a higher level, increase the activity slowly. Eating: Large meals are difficult for most of us, especially those who have had gastrointestinal surgeries. Please do read through the section on Nutrition on the Carcinoid Foundation website. There is a list of "forbidden foods" - which does not mean you have to avoid them exactly. Some can indulge in those foods and some cannot. For instance, sauerkraut is on the forbidden list but some eat it frequently and have no problem. Here again, it is a case of testing out things. Most of us cannot eat an entire "regular" meal. You might want to eat six small meals instead of three big ones. You may want to "graze" instead, e.g. eat a little bit many times through the day. Emotions: Stress! It is difficult to avoid all stress - at work, family conflicts, worry. Learn meditation (transcendental - prayer - whatever form helps you). Take time off and get a massage, sit by the ocean, lake, river, and relax.The 'Newby' information above was prepared and written in its original form by Gary Murfin, a NET patient himself living near Seattle. I modified it a bit for my particular case. If you would like a link to Gary's 'Newby' list you can reach him at gmurfin@covad.net. I thank him for the use of his original material.
Four Ways to Make a Diaper More Absorbent
If you are dealing with incontinence you may feel overwhelmed. One of the first things that you should do is find the right incontinence product to meet your needs.Because of the high absorbency and ease of wearing it many people choose to use adult diapers to manage their incontinence. Adult diapers are just one type of incontinence product. There is a wide variety of incontinence undergarments but for people who have limited mobility or who are experiencing moderate to severe incontinence an adult diaper can be the right choice. It is important to understand that there are incontinence products for men and incontinence products for women so you should choose the adult diaper that meets the incontinence needs of your gender. You can find a large selection of adult diapers on sites that offer adult incontinence products. For help and guidance in selecting incontinence products use LiveAnew BestFit .If you are trying to manage your incontinence or that of someone in your care you may be trying to determine how to increase the absorbency of an adult diaper. While there are highly absorbent adult diapers many times they need to have their absorbency increased in order to provide better protection for the person wearing it. If your incontinence undergarment or adult diaper is not providing the right amount of protection you will find that you are having accidents and leakage. However, there are tips that help you make your adult diaper more absorbent. Here are 4 ways to make a diaper more absorbent- Make sure that you have the right adult diaper-Many times in their haste to purchase an incontinence product many people just choose the first adult diaper that they come across. This is a mistake. Each type of adult diaper will have a different absorbency, fit, and use. You need to take the time to make sure that your adult diaper has the absorbency that you are looking for, fits well, and is designed for the use that you need. Use an incontinence pad-An easy to way to increase the absorbency of your adult diaper is to add an incontinence pad that is also sometimes referred to as a booster pad. Incontinence pads are made from the same type of material as the adult diaper. This means that they can soak up urine and keep it away from the skin. Many people often use an incontinence pad for extra protection inside their adult diaper and then change out the incontinence pad when needed. This can be both a logistical and cost saving management technique when you are dealing with incontinence. Use a boost contour-This is an incontinence product that is designed to go the length and width of the adult diaper. It is most often made out of the same material as the adult diaper to provide the additional absorbency that the wearer is looking for. Tranquility adult diapers is the only line that presently makes these. Double the adult diaper-This is especially effective if you are going on a long trip or need overnight protection. However, keep in mind that you will need to cut slits into the plastic of the first diaper so that it will allow drainage into the second adult diaper. You will need to purchase twice as many adult diapers if you plan on using this method of increasing absorbency on a regular basis.
Common Causes of Oily Diarrhea
Any type of bowel incontinence can be highly distressing. This is often the case when the patient realizes that they have oily diarrhea.While there are many different reasons for oily diarrhea it is important to manage the problem while seeking out treatment. This can be done most effectively with the use of the right type of incontinence products. There is a wide variety of incontinence products that can help patients who are dealing with oily diarrhea. These incontinence products range from adult diapers to incontinence undergarments (often referred to as incontinence underwear), that can be worn with or without incontinence pads. All of these incontinence supplies can be bought from sites that sell adult incontinence products online. For help and guidance in selecting incontinence products please visit The Incontinence Product Finder.While it can be difficult to deal with this condition. It is important to know that there are several different causes for oily diarrhea that range from serious to the not so serious. The most common causes of oily diarrhea are- Medication-There are several different types of medication that can bring on oily diarrhea. From weight loss pills to certain medications that treat stomach and pancreas conditions taking these meds can bring this on. In addition, to having oily diarrhea you may find that you also have oily spotting, complete bowel incontinence, higher fecal urgency and an increased frequency in the number of times of defecation. Many times the doctor can simply change the type of medication that the patient is on and the oily diarrhea is reduced or eliminated. Food-It may be a surprise that many incidences of oily diarrhea are food related. This is especially true for people who have a high consumption of fish. In addition, to being oily, patients with food related oily diarrhea may also found that their diarrhea is waxy and orange. The medical name for this is keriorrhea. The most common types of fish to cause this are the oil fish and Escolar. These fish are most often caught when someone is tuna fishing. The high wax content within the fish builds up in the person eating it and eventually brings on the oily diarrhea. Medical conditions-This is often the reason for the most serious cases of oily diarrhea. Some of the conditions that can bring on oily diarrhea include but are not limited to: cystic fibrosis, Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, acute or chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. All of these are serious and sometimes life threatening conditions. Because of this anyone who is experiencing oily diarrhea should seek out a medical evaluation right away. Because of the intimate nature of this problem many people are embarrassed and even ashamed to talk about this with their health care provider. This is a serious mistake. You should never let your emotions determine if you seek out medical care. As with any other medical issue the sooner your doctor can reach a diagnosis the sooner you can begin treatment that will resolve not only the underlying issue but the oily diarrhea that is causing bowel incontinence.While you are waiting for treatment to work it is imperative to choose the right incontinence product to meet your needs. There are incontinence products for men and incontinence products for women that are designed to help you deal with any aspect of bowel incontinence and allow you to return to your normal activities. You can find all of these and more at sites that sell adult incontinence products.
Best Adult Diapers For Fecal Incontinence
Between 6% and 15% of the population suffers from bowel incontinence. This is a frustrating, potentially embarrassing, and difficult to manage problem. Loss of bowel control, whether severe or only partial can greatly interfere with day to day living and tasks, social, and work life, and more. Therefore, finding the best adult diapers for managing bowel incontinence is a must. Here’s what you should consider: 1. Understand the severity of your fecal incontinence. The best way to do this is to talk to your physician. Despite the potentially embarrassing nature of this discussion, it is something you really should do. Fecal incontinence is not as uncommon as you may think; women are more likely to experience it as men, and often the severity and risk goes up as you age. Knowing your severity will help you understand your options, and find the products that are right for you. 2. Start on a treatment plan. Strengthening pelvic muscles and other treatments can help you regain control over your bowels. The cause of bowel incontinence must be addressed, and a treatment plan created. This may include changes to diet, exercise, and lifestyle. However, it takes time to get the bowels back to functioning properly, and if there is extensive sphincter damage, it may not be 100% reversible, or may require something more invasive, such as surgery. Thus, finding the right products for management is crucial to living with bowel incontinence. 3. Choose the best adult diapers for your bowel incontinence, and know what other products may also be helpful. When it comes to adult diapers you have a number of brand options including: Tranquility Prevail Attends Each of these brands offers a unique combination of comfort, protection and ease of use. Select the best options for your individual needs. In addition to adult diapers, consider purchasing bedpads to help protect mattresses, furniture, and the like from leaks; wipes to help keep the skin clean and healthy; and other skin care products to insure that you do not develop rashes, lesions, or other skin discomforts. Adult diapers for bowel incontinence will give you a great management option to utilize in order to main dignity while you treat the cause, strengthen the pelvic muscles, and work to gain more control over your bowels. To find the best adult diapers for bowel incontinence, check out the wide selection offered by LiveAnew. When in doubt, call a product specialist, at 1-800-411-3008 M-F 9-4 Central. These nice ladies can help you find the right size, and selection of products for bowel incontinence, and can assist you with fast ordering and zippy delivery.
Finally… An Incontinence Swim Diaper for Older Children, Teens and Adults
If necessity is the Mother of Invention, perhaps mothers are the best inventors. When Discovery Trekking Outfitters designed their adult swim diaper for those who are incontinent, they did so out of need. Diane, one of the partners, could not find an effective swim diaper for her teenage son, so he was not allowed in the pool. Although there were a few products available, they simply didn’t fit properly which resulted in poor containment. They were difficult to put on and rigid fabric did not allow for ease of movement. It wasn’t hard to see that the design was wrong. Finding the right fabric was a challenge. As the owner of Discovery Trekking, Diane's expertise was in specialty fabrics. She realized that she could not simply use cotton or nylon, which is what most existing swim diapers are made from. The garment had to be waterproof, but comfortable next to skin. She insisted on 4-way stretch to fit snugly and increase adjustability. The fabric she wanted did not exist, so she worked with several mills to develop what we needed. While more costly, it would have been pointless to manufacture something that wasn’t exactly right. Available in 9 sizes $50-$60 depending on size (shipping is included) Many of our clients lead active lives and are able to dress themselves, however some cannot. Therefore the swim diaper needed to open fully for ease in dressing. There are many body shapes, and the Velcro closures enable adjustments that take this into consideration. The garment can be closed on an angle to accommodate anyone, including persons with small waist and large hips, or persons with larger waist sizes and smaller thighs. This is extremely important for both comfort and effectiveness. Each swim diaper fits a waist or hip size range to allow for weight gain or loss, in sizes from x-small to 5XL.Diane did not set out to become manufacturer of continence products. In fact, Discovery Trekking has grown mainly due to the huge popularity of their specialty moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial towels, stay-dry bedding, and clothing. Most large continence manufacturers have overlooked the needs of adults that require products such as the adult swim diaper. Think of them as Little Swimmers for bigger people. Maybe the name should be named Big Dippers! We continue to provide such necessary products so others will not share the frustration Diane felt when her son was not allowed to swim. LiveAnew sells adult swim diaper products, including adult and youth swim diaper choices, adult size swim diaper reusable products, and adult swim diapers in several colors. Adult swim diapers allow people with fecal incontinence to get back into life. We have swim diapers in many youth and adult sizes and in several colors. Whether you have a special needs child or experience incontinence yourself, these swim diapers allow you to enjoy life a bit more. Adult swim diaper products allow you to confidently spend time at the beach or in the pool. Youth swim diapers help older children or very small adults. An adult size swim diaper allows you to use the pool because they provide containment for fecal incontinence (not urine). An adult swim diaper or youth swim diaper can be very comforting for those who could not otherwise swim in the pool Get Back Into Life! It seems like only yesterday that Kimberly-Clark introduced Little Swimmers brand swim pants. They were an instant sensation and many pools required them. They were fine for babies and little kids... but that was all. Until now. The new Swim Pants are designed to be worn next-to-skin under a swim suit. They are specifically made for bowel containment. Also works great as a cover up for disposable or cloth diapers The Nitty Gritty Comfortable fit: High tech stretch polyurethane fabric with soft fleece lining Fits comfortably and discreetly Wear under a bathing suit, next to skin Worn under swim suit: Designed for bowel containment with strong velcro closures Versatility: Also great as a diaper cover for cloth or disposable diapers Security in the pool: Elastic waist & legs for added security Polyester/Spandex blend bonded to a waterproof polyurethane shell. Latex free. 9 sizes for a perfect fit: XS to 5XL; fits waist/hip sizes 22" to 58" - unisex Women order by hip sizing; men by waist Machine wash warm; hang to dry Not returnable Need a pair custom made for a pre-teen or larger child who has outgrown disposable swim diapers like Little Swimmers. Call us at 1-800-411-3008
Are Incontinence Supplies Tax-Deductible?
As the costs of medical care and supplies continue to rise, consumers benefit from researching ways to be reimbursed for as many of these expenses as possible. For those with incontinence, there are several areas worth checking into to help defray the costs of supplies. Expenses for incontinence supplies may be tax-deductible if you can show they’re needed to relieve the effects of a specific disease, according to U.S. Internal Revenue Service guidelines. Start by seeing your doctor, who may diagnose you with medical incontinence and may be able to advise you on seeking reimbursement based on your health and financial situation. Ask your doctor for a letter that explains your medical need for incontinence products, then consider the following options.Your health insurance planWhile many private insurance plans do not cover incontinence supplies, you may be reimbursed through a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA). With an HSA, funds contributed to the account are not subject to federal income tax at the time of deposit, and funds roll over and accumulate year to year if not used. With an FSA, an employee sets aside a portion of earnings, which are not subject to payroll taxes, to pay for qualified expenses; funds deposited into an FSA must be used within the calendar year. With both types of accounts, receipts are submitted to a plan administrator and participants receive reimbursement checks.MedicareMedicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 or older, people under age 65 with certain disabilities, and people of all ages with end-stage renal disease. Medicare programs include hospital insurance, medical insurance and prescription drug coverage. To see if you may be eligible for benefits, use the Medicare Eligibility Tool. MedicaidMedicaid is health insurance that helps many people who can’t afford medical care pay for some or all of their medical bills. If you are a U.S. citizen with limited income and you qualify for Medicaid because of age or disability, Medicaid may send payments directly to your health care providers. Visit Medicaid for information on qualifications and to find a program in your state. County offices for the agingCheck your telephone book’s county government section for aging and disability resource centers. These county offices may be able to direct you to resources to help you receive reimbursement. Diaper banksSome areas offers diaper banks, where products are donated by organizations or individuals, then given to people who cannot afford them. Although many diaper banks focus on newborns, some include incontinence supplies for adults. Check your phone book or look online to see if your city or state offers this service. Your local senior center may be able to help you find resources as well.Outside the United StatesFor information on resources for citizens in countries other than the United States, visit your country’s government website.Finding the Right Incontinence ProductConsumers buying incontinence products the first time can easily be confused which product, brand, style, size or absorbency to purchase. And once the package is opened, they can’t be returned, so mistakes can be costly. Here are some helpful resources to help you avoid this problem: Explanation of types (pull-ons, adjustable underwear, briefs, undergarments and more) Incontinence Product Finder (quickly and easily sort though nearly 500 choices)
Home Safety Hazards: 10 Places to Look for Potential Dangers
As we move toward our senior years, we need to take steps to protect ourselves from our homes where injuries can occur. Something that may not have been dangerous in the past like your bed can now be one of the worst potential hazards in your home. Here is a list of 10 potential dangers that are prevalent in your home and what you can do to prevent serious accidents and injuries from occurring. The bathroom. This is perhaps one of the most well-known places for injuries. Slips in a wet bathtub or falling off a toilet can break a hip, an arm, or a leg. To prevent serious injuries from occurring in the bathroom, you should install safety bars in the bathtub along with raised toilet seats with safety bars. Also included with safety bars in the bathtub, you might consider purchasing a seated chair so you don’t have to try and stand the entire time you are in the tub. A showerhead with a hose will allow you to cleanse your body without standing or needing to hold onto a support bar the entire time. To find nice shower seats and raised toilet seats with support bars, visit: http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/category/2. A textured bathmat is another wise purchase to prevent falls in the tub. Falls in the home are one of the scariest things for seniors. Scatter rugs in the home can easily cause you to lose your footing and fall down, possibly causing you to break some bones. Always wear a safety device to contact emergency responders in case you have an accident and you are unable to get up. You should use non-skid rugs and floor cleaners to prevent falls on slippery surfaces. Vision problems. The older we get, the worse our vision will get. When you are walking through your home, it can be difficult to see in poor lighting and you can run right into a large piece of furniture if you are not careful. Use bright lights to keep your home well-lit so you can see around dark corners. Bright lights will also help you when you are in the bathroom and kitchen and you are focused on cooking and washing. The stairs are one of the biggest dangers in the home. Make sure your stairs have safety railings installed so you can hold them as you go up and down. Your strength will start to fade as you get older and it may be wise to install a seated chair lift that will move you up and down the stairs. Keep the stairs clean and free of clutter to prevent tripping and falls down the stairs. Your bed is another safety hazard in the home as you can roll right out of bed if you are not careful. Purchase a safety railing that will keep you from falling out of bed and can also help you climb in and out of bed during the night and in the morning. A safety harness will strap you down into bed so you do not need to worry about rolling around and falling out of bed as well. Rearrange the furniture in your home to move it out of high traffic areas. Since you may be hard of hearing, push your chairs and couches closer together so you can be in close proximity with your loved ones and you will be able to hear what they are saying. If you still have problems hearing, consider using a hearing aid or amplifier. Here is a great hearing aid device: http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/landing/nexear. Walking around your home can get tedious and it may be quite painful for your joints and legs. A nice transport chair will allow you to easily get around your home and you will not need to deal with pain anymore. Use ramps on the stairs so you can easily move from room to room. Remove cords from dragging all over the floor as you can trip and fall on them and they can be hard to push the wheels of your transport chair over. Reduce the water temperature in your home to prevent scalding. This is also a safety concern for children, not just elderly individuals. Remove clutter from your home as it can be a hazard. You can easily trip and fall over a sock or cord that is in the way. Stretching your muscles to reach cups and things that are high up can be painful. Instead of using a stool, you may try using a reaching device that will grab onto anything you need that is up high or down low.
3 Steps Toward Successfully Managing IBS-Related Incontinence
by Dianna Malkowski, Physician Assistant & NutritionistIn recognition of IBS Awareness Month, read on for three steps toward successfully treating and managing incontinence caused by irritable bowel syndrome.The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) designates April as IBS Awareness Month. IBS is estimated to affect 9 to 23 percent of the world’s population, according to IFFGD, yet many remain undiagnosed. There are several reasons IBS goes undiagnosed, including the condition being misinterpreted as aging-related changes and difficulty discussing such a personal topic with caregivers. Incontinence can be an effect of IBS. While diarrhea can contribute to bowel incontinence, constipation can lead to urinary incontinence, because of the pressure put on the bladder by impacted stool. In cases of IBS-related incontinence, it’s imperative to first manage irritable bowel syndrome. Here are three steps toward a successful outcome: 1. Because IBS symptoms can range from mild to severe, it’s important to learn about the condition. Symptoms — which often occur after eating — include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea and passing mucus. In addition to physical symptoms, some individuals experience depression and anxiety. While IBS can cause incontinence and/or severe discomfort, it does not permanently harm the intestines or lead to serious diseases like cancer, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). 2. IBS is diagnosed based on patterns rather than standard tests, so it’s helpful to keep a record of symptoms to discuss with a doctor. IFFGD recommends keeping a diary for one to two weeks to identify factors that cause or worsen symptoms. The diary approach also is used to achieve better outcomes in treating incontinence. An IBS food journal will include noting foods and beverages that worsen symptoms, as well as a record of liquid intake and bathroom habits. Visit IFFGD to learn more about IBS and download a free informational packet. 3. IBS often can be managed through diet, stress reduction and/or medications. For the best results, treatment goals should be discussed with a doctor, who will help develop a plan appropriate for the patient and explore options for managing severe pain if needed. When necessary, a doctor or nutritionist will create an eating plan to gradually increase fiber while successfully managing urinary or bowel incontinence.Individuals who experience temporary or long-term urinary or bowel leakage can manage their condition with products made for incontinence. Options include disposable or reusable absorbent undergarments, skin care products that protect against exposure to moisture, reusable swim pants for all ages, underpads for bed and furniture, and more. It’s important to work with an experienced online retailer that provides one-on-one customer service and the opportunity to try samples before buying.Explore our site to learn more about incontinence, use the free Incontinence Product Finder tool and access more than 1,500 caregiver resource links. Or simply call a product specialist at 1-800-985-1353 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Standard Time.Dianna Malkowski is a Board Certified Physician Assistant and Mayo Clinic trained nutritionist specializing in diabetes, cancer, wound healing, therapeutic diets and nutrition support. She serves on the board of professional advisers for The CareGiver Partnership and enjoys working with patients and caregivers alike.
5 Ways to Treat Incontinence After Prostate Cancer Surgery
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, second only to skin cancer. The great news is, it often can be treated successfully. More than 2 million men in the U.S. count themselves as prostate cancer survivors, according to the American Cancer Society. Although men with early prostate cancer often have no symptoms, more advanced cancer cases sometimes problems urinating or holding in urine, erectile dysfunction, blood in the urine, weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, or pain in the spine, hips, ribs or other bones.When cancer has not spread to other organs, surgery is often used to treat it, and up to half of men will experience bladder leakage following prostate surgery. Incontinence following prostate surgery, while often temporary, can disrupt a man’s quality of life and cause anxiety, isolation and embarrassment. Learning to live with urinary incontinence often is a multifaceted approach. There is no one right way to deal with it — the key is to find the best approach for each individual. That may mean a combination of using the right absorbent products, strengthening exercises, bladder retraining and medication.A urologist may prescribe any combination of the following treatments:1. Absorbent products come in an array of styles and absorbencies to fit every lifestyle. Active men who want something as close to regular underwear as possible can choose from washable, reusable briefs or premium disposable briefs like look and feel like cloth underwear. Those who need more absorbency can choose from guards, undergarments, underwear, adult diapers and more.Try the LiveAnew BestFit Helper2. Kegel exercises, when performed regularly, tone and strengthen the muscles responsible for holding in urine. Starting Kegels before a radical prostatectomy may result in quicker recovery of bladder control. Kegels are performed by tightening only the pelvic muscles, while keeping abdominal, thigh and buttock muscles relaxed. A doctor will prescribe the correct number of frequency, sets and repetitions.3. Bladder retraining, or learning to urinate on a set schedule, can be an effective treatment once pain is under control. A health care provider will develop a bladder retraining program that may include keeping a diary and working up to going longer periods between voiding.4. Medication may be prescribed based on an individual’s type of incontinence. A man with stress incontinence — the most common type following prostate surgery and characterized by leakage when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising — may be prescribed decongestants to tighten the urethra muscles. One with urge incontinence — when an overactive bladder contracts without warning — may be treated with anticholinergic drugs that block messages to bladder nerves and prevent spasms.5. In cases where incontinence persists longer than 18 months, treatment options may include collagen injections, a catheter or surgery.
Best Way to Hide An Adult Diaper
200 Million people worldwide suffer from bladder control. Most men and women do not like admitting to this problem. It is potentially embarrassing. So much so that men wait and average of 4.2 years after their first bladder control experience before seeing a healthcare professional, and women wait 6.5 years. Being able to get the protection needed without wearing a big bulky, obvious adult diaper can seem overwhelming. The CareGiver Partnership offers these five tips for hiding adult diapers so that you can enjoy daily living without fear of potential embarrassment: Choose low profile products. Just as there are different levels of incontinence, there are different products designed to meet the needs of those suffering incontinence. Select options that are designed to look and feel like real underwear while offering the protection in the most needed areas. At the CareGiver Partnership, we recommend Depend SilhouetteUnderwear for Women. They are low profile, offer maximum absorbency, are soft and quiet, and fit well for great leak protection. We also recommend Depend Real Fit for Men, which offers the normalcy of real underwear with the protection of an incontinence product. Have a method for disposal. Once you have the right products selected to fit your needs, it is important to have a dedicated method of disposal. No matter how well you hide your adult diapers under your clothes, if you do not have a way of disposing of them discreetly, you will be found out. Fresh Sacks, and Heaven Scent disposal bags are a great option for concealing soiled adult diapers, and preventing odor problems when disposing of them in a trash receptacle. Choose clothing well. Despite the fact that many adult diapers are made from soft and quiet cloth-like fabric, and are designed with a slim side profile for a discreet fit, sheer, lightweight, and tight fitting clothing can still give you away. Choose clothing that will help draw attention away from the groin and bottom, and that will help conceal the adult diapers. Avoid clothing with a lot of stitching, "bling" etc. on the rear pockets, and anything that is too form fitting. Wear regular underwear over adult diapers. If you are going to be in a situation where someone may notice your underclothing, such as at the gym, it can be helpful to wear regular underwear over your adult diapers, or choose adult diapers that mimic the look and feel of real underwear. Choose the right diaper for your absorbency needs. No matter how careful you are in selecting diapers that are slim in profile, or mimic the look and feel of real underwear, if they do not adequately protect your level of incontinence, it will be hard to hide them. Leaking is a quick giveaway. Consider getting help with sizing and product selection from one of the CareGiver Partnership’s knowledgeable product specialists. These nice ladies can help you find the right fit, aTo contact a product specialist call 800-985-1353 M-F 9-5 Central.
5 Celebs Who Own Their Incontinence
What do Katy Perry, Kris Jenner, Tony Romo, Steven King & Samuel L. Jackson have in common?IncontinenceYou may be surprised to learn that incontinence is so much more out in the open that celebrities are even owning up to the fact they have experienced it and are offering advice on how to cope with symptoms. Here are 5 celebs who own their incontinence... Katy Perry is a famous pop artist known for both her music and unique sense of style. While you may be awed by both Katie’s style and talent what you may not know is she had frequent urinary complications throughout high school. It is important to note incontinence is not something only someone "older" has to deal with but it can affect anyone of any age. Katy reports while dealing with this certainly wasn't fun she was able to manage her symptoms and continue with her daily activities. Kris Jenner is matriarch of the famous Kardashian clan as well as a former talk show host and cookbook author. Kris has become highly vocal about her incontinence symptoms on her hit reality show and has readily admitted she uses incontinence products whenever necessary. Today, there is a such a wide variety of incontinence supplies there are some which can even be worn under the most fashion forward and snug fitting clothes.Tony Romo is the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Few would guess this ruggedly handsome football player has ever dealt with incontinence. However, during preparation for the 2009 NFL season, he developed a serious bladder infection. This resulted in him being diagnosed with overactive bladder (OAB). Romo decided to take control of his symptoms by wearing incontinence products during practice. Stephen King is famous for his popular horror novels. When he first began experiencing incontinence symptoms he reported being afraid he had bladder cancer. However, the diagnosis was a simple urinary tract infection. While the treatment was successful and incontinence products helped manage his symptoms he also isn’t afraid to say he keeps incontinence supplies on hand should he ever need them again. Samuel L. Jackson is best known for his starring roles in the blockbuster hits which include Star Wars, Pulp Fiction, and Snakes on a Plane. He has stated in his late 40’s he began to experience loss of bladder control. Mr. Jackson reports being embarrassed until he realized this was a problem millions of people deal with everyday. He has even invested in incontinence products and continues to wear them to help him manage his incontinence symptoms. You are not aloneStudies show one of the most overwhelming feelings experienced by those who have been diagnosed with incontinence is the feeling of being on an island by themselves. Many people feel embarrassment, shame and even fear over the fact they are experiencing incontinence symptoms. This unfortunately has led to some people even isolating themselves from family, friends, work and social activities because of the fear of being found out that they have incontinence. Many people are unsure of how to go about finding the right incontinence supplies and worry if they will have to wear ‘adult diapers’ and everyone will know about their incontinence. 25 million Americans experience incontinenceToday, it is important to understand there are 25 million Americans who are experiencing some form of incontinence. Treatment options along with management strategies are becoming more accessible and more talked about. There is wide variety of incontinence products to help you manage your incontinence symptoms.Using the right incontinence products makes a big differenceOne of the most important strategies is to have the right incontinence product to use whether you are looking for incontinence pads or adult diapers.When you are able to find the right incontinence supplies for your needs then you can continue on with the activities you enjoy comfortably all the while managing your incontinence discreetly. Today, there are more choices of incontinence products than ever before. Confusion reigns. How do you know what’s best for you? With all the choices comes confusion about which incontinence products will work best. In a recent study, Kimberly-Clark, makers of Depend and Poise brands, discovered those buying incontinence products for the first time, waste $130 on average in trial and error mode. That’s about 10 bags of products which can’t be returned, once opened. This means consumers are often stuck with an incontinence product which doesn’t provide them with the highest levels of protection against leakage and accidents. Two new tools simplifies choiceThat’s why The CareGiver Partnership has taken steps to help make choosing incontinence supplies easier. They offer an incontinence product sample service to help you avoid the costly mistake of ordering a case of product which does not meet your needs – risk free. They offer over 100 different samples-brands, styles, sizes, and absorbencies to choose from. The cost is only $3.49 for shipping. The brief video below explains how their Try Before You Buy sample service can help you avoid the costly mistake of ordering a case of product which does not meet your needs.Even when you have an idea of what incontinence products you are looking for it can still be overwhelming. That’s why the free & easy Incontinence Product Finder was developed. It saves you time, money and frustration by making it easy to sort through hundreds of products - fast. The video below explains how it works. Questions? Call 800-985-1353 & speak with one of our knowledgeable female product specialists, who are or have been caregivers.
30 New Incontinence Products Imported from Europe
Introducing Seni incontinence productsLocated in the small village of 33,000 in Brodnica, Poland is one of the most modern manufacturing facilities for incontinence products in the world. TZMO has been manufacturing absorbent personal care products since 1951. The Seni line of incontinence products is known for being extensive, more absorbent and most importantly better fitting due to a wider varieity of sizes offered in briefs and pull-on underwear.Just right sizingWhy is fit so important? Because 80% of leaks occur in the rear buttocks area and is usually caused by an ill fitting product. The makers of Seni understand that fit is crucial when it comes to the protection any incontinence supplies can offer. The Caregiver Partnership is now offering this imported line to U.S. consumers. We feel they will better meet the needs of our customers who need a better incontinence product which offers them the highest level of protection. Too much confusionIt can be overwhelming to try and determine exactly what style of incontinence supplies you or your loved one may need. There are more choices than ever before but this can often create more confusion. The Caregiver Partnership understands this. They have created an easy to use style guide which can help educate you on the options and help you determine what incontinence products are right for you. Why Seni may be just right for youThe Seni brand of incontinence supplies is an extensive line which has a complete range of incontinence products for men, women, and caregivers alike. This super premium brand focuses on offering the highest quality of incontinence supplies from adult diapers, pull-on underwear, pads for men and women as well as underpads. Here are 3 other reasons why you should consider trying Seni for your incontinence management needs or for a loved one in your care. Seni incontinence products offer more sizes[1]. The makers of the Seni line of incontinence supplies understand the fit of incontinence products needs to be precise in order to offer the highest level of protection against leaks and accidents. To help with this Seni offers up to six sizes of its briefs while Depend offers only 2 sizes. This means there is no need to settle for an ill fitting product. You can choose the incontinence product which fits you best and know you will be receiving the highest level of protection possible. Seni briefs and pull-on underwear products offer two absorbencies. Not all incontinence are the same. Seni briefs and pull-on underwear accommodates this with two absorbencies (super and super plus) to meet different individuals needs. Depend only offers one absorbency. This means you can choose the "just right" level of absorbency you need, knowing you aren’t lacking protection or paying for additional incontinence product you simply don’t need. Some people wear the ‘super’ during the day and ‘super plus’ at night or if they are away from home for an extended period of time. Seni incontinence products encompass a full range of incontinence supplies. Many consumers express frustration that one single line of incontinence supplies doesn’t offer everything they need. This means they have to shop several different lines of incontinence supplies in order to get everything they need. With Seni incontinence products you save both the time and the hassle because their extensive line offers what men, women and caregivers need for incontinence management. Questions? Get real help from real people. The Caregiver Partnership are incontinence products experts. Unlike the big box stores which usually only offer 3 brands of incontinence products, The CareGiver Partnership shops the world over to find the best incontinence products - those used by consumers and professionals alike. We offer over 733 choices. Ten times more brands, styles, sizes and absorbencies than even the big box stores. And, we have knowledgeable Product Specialists you can speak with.However, even when you have an idea of what incontinence products you are looking for it can still be overwhelming. That’s why the free & easy Incontinence Product Finder was developed. It saves you time, money and frustration by making it easy to sort through hundreds of products - fast. The video below explains how it works.Did you know those buying incontinence products for the first time waste $130 on average in trial and error mode trying to figure out what will work best for them. This is research from the makers of Depend and Poise. The CareGiver Partnership recognizes this and that’s why they provide online tools to help you select the best choice. They also have a team of Product Specialist who are expert on all the products offered and can send you samples ($3.49 each) to try before you buy. Questions? Call them at 1-800-985-1353.
3 Dietary Rules for Managing Incontinence
Changing eating and drinking habits is an important first step toward dealing with incontinence.Incontinence is not a disease; it can be a symptom of daily habits, an underlying medical condition or a physical problem. Urinary incontinence is often treatable, and is always manageable. Along with maintaining a healthy weight, a change in eating and drinking habits can help bring relief. Monitor fluid intake An important first step is to monitor the liquids you consume. If you don’t drink enough and become dehydrated, your urine can become concentrated with bladder-irritating salts. If you drink too much at a time, the increased amount of urine can irritate or overwork your bladder. Because fluid intake can be perceived inaccurately, it may be helpful to measure and record daily fluid intake, along with incontinence episodes. The benefits are twofold: You may notice patterns, and it may help your health care provider monitor your condition. Increase dietary fiber Eat a high-fiber diet to help avoid constipation. Compacted stool can cause nearby bladder nerves to become overactive, increasing urinary frequency. Insoluble fiber helps move your stool and is found in vegetables, wheat bran and other whole grains, nuts, beans and berries. Soluble fiber helps soothe the digestive tract and is therefore often recommended for those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. Soluble fiber is found in fruits such as apples and oranges, pasta, white bread and potatoes. Men over the age of 50 should aim for about 30 grams of fiber per day; women over 50 should get about 21, according to the Institute of Medicine. A bowl of oatmeal and a banana, along with a serving of black beans later in the day, is enough to meet a woman’s requirement. Add a serving of raspberries, and you’ve reached 30 grams of fiber for the day. If you or a loved one has special dietary needs, there are products that can help meet daily nutrition requirements in forms that are easy to swallow and digest, such as Fibersource, a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber that’s also high in protein. Avoid bladder irritants If you experience bladder control problems, it may be helpful to avoid alcohol and caffeine. Both are bladder stimulants and diuretics, which can cause a sudden need to urinate. Even teas and carbonated beverages may contribute to bladder problems. Other known irritants to watch for are sugar and artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, spicy foods, and acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus.
This is How Many Men Feel Following Prostate Surgery
Prostate Surgery and Incontinence. The Facts.Prostate cancer is the most prevalent male cancer. A man with prostate cancer may not have symptoms at first, but the earliest signs of the disease tend to be those of lower urinary tract obstruction - hesitancy, post-void urine dribbling, decreased force of stream, and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.Although prostate cancer treatments attempt to destroy only cancer cells, they may also damage healthy cells and tissues. Side effects include urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, which will vary from person to per and depend on the type and extent of treatment. Two surgical procedures may be used as treatments for incontinence that is caused by damage to the sphincter. One is the insertion of an artificial urinary sphincter. Approximately eighty-nine percent of men receiving this treatment achieve total dryness. The other treatment, collagen injections, has a reported success rate of approximately forty percent. Although some men feel embarrassed discussing incontinence, it is a common medical condition and is treatable in many cases. The major side effects associated with prostate cancer treatment are urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. The prostate gland surrounds the male urethra, the tube that urine passes through from the bladder to the outside. If cancer grows in the prostate, it squeezes the urethra causing an obstruction that allows less and less urine to pass, and the bladder has to work harder to force the urine out. To understand incontinence, it is important to understand the process of urination. Urine is formed in the kidneys, waste-filtering organs located in the mid-back, just below the rib cage. Urine leaves the kidneys and flows down the ureters, two thin tubes that empty into the bladder, the hollow, muscular organ that holds urine. Urination is controlled by the urinary sphincter, rings of muscles at the base of the bladder and in the wall of the urethra, the tube running from the bladder to the tip of the penis. The sphincter normally controls the flow and leakage of urine by tightening and closing around the neck of the bladder and urethra. When the bladder is full, the sphincter relaxes and allows urine to leave the bladder. At the same time, the bladder muscles contract and squeeze urine out of the bladder. When you are finished urinating, the sphincter contracts and the bladder relaxes. How The Prostate Gland Affects Urination The prostate gland sits just below the bladder and completely encircles the urethra at the point where it leaves the bladder. When the prostate gland is removed in a radical prostatectomy or receives radiation therapy, damage can occur to the urinary sphincter. Depending on the extent of the damage, temporary or permanent incontinence can result. However, when the operation is performed by an experienced surgeon who preserves the urinary sphincter and carefully rebuilds the urinary tract, there is a one percent risk of total incontinence. One study reported that 93 percent of men had complete continence 18 months after surgery - this at a very experienced facility performed by qualified medical professionals. Treatment of incontinence depends on its type, cause and severity. Your doctor or urologist diagnoses prostate cancer through a rectal examination that shows an enlarged prostate but will also test the blood level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) as an additional sign. PSA levels greater than 10mg/mL indicate a sixty-six percent chance that prostate cancer is present. Click play to watch this video.For men with cancer that has not spread to other organs in the body a cure by surgery is the objective. Surgery includes a small cut in the lower part of the stomach above the pelvic bone or a small cut is made in front of the anus.Most men experience some urine leakage after surgery which typically goes away. Men can experience urine leakage with a cough, change in position, or for no reason at all and it can be as minor as a few drops of urine lost or cause experiences of sopping wet clothes and furniture. One third to fifty percent of men will experience urine leakage following surgery. Unfortunately, a number of surgeons fail to mention this. Urine leakage following prostate surgery can be due to stress, urge or a combination of both. Types of Incontinence Total incontinence is a complete inability to store or control urinary leakage, independent of activity. Stress incontinence, urine leakage with activity, is the most common type of incontinence after prostate surgery. It is usually caused by a weak or damaged urinary sphincter and results in urine leakage when you do anything that strains or stresses the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. Leakage may range from mild (a few drops with only the most vigorous activity) to brisk (leakage with almost any movement). Stress incontinence resolves in up to 97 percent of men affected after radical retropubic prostatectomy, but can take up to three years to resolve. Urge incontinence causes urine to leak without any warning. You may feel as if you won't be able to reach a toilet in time. Urge incontinence results when an overactive bladder contracts without your wanting it to do so. Overactive bladder may occur as a result of prostate infection, such as prostatitis, or as a result of bladder lining irritation caused by radiation therapy. The nerves that normally control the bladder can also be responsible for an overactive bladder. Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder is allowed to become so full that it simply overflows. This happens when blockage or narrowing of the bladder outlet by cancer or scar tissue prevents normal emptying of the bladder. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (an enlarged prostate) can also cause such blockage. For this reason, overflow incontinence is more common in men than in women. The sphincter may become damaged during surgery. As a result, urine is lost at times when the bladder pressure exceeds the pressure in the urethra, such as during a sneeze, cough, hitting a golf ball or changing positions. Stress incontinence after prostate surgery may be temporary or permanent, depending on the amount of damage to the nerves and blood vessels supplying the bladder and urethra. Incontinence After Radical Prostatectomy Many men regain normal bladder control within several weeks or months after radical prostatectomy. There is no way to predict if leakage will occur and for how long. Most men experience leakage for weeks to a few months, some experience no leakage and a small percentage will have continued long-term or permanent leaking. There is a 10 percent risk of stress incontinence lasting up to three years following surgery. Urge incontinence may also occur after prostate surgery and involves an "involuntary loss of urine that is associated with a strong need to void." Urge incontinence may occur as a result of the bladder muscle's efforts before surgery to overcome the obstruction of the bladder outlet due to the enlarged prostate gland that "squeezes" the urethra. The bladder can become bigger over time and contracts forcefully to overcome the bladder outlet obstruction. After surgery, the bladder continues to contract forcefully and the man may not be able to hold back urinating. If urge incontinence is seen in men soon after surgery, it may be due to < b>bladder nerve damage that affects the bladder's ability to store urine at low volume. Mixed incontinence, a combination of stress and urge incontinence, can also occur when bladder instability and urethral sphincter weakness both occur. Some doctors have found that patients who practice Kegel exercises (strengthening the pelvic muscles) before surgery regain bladder control more quickly following surgery. Combining pelvic muscle exercise with bladder retraining (urge inhibition) for men with both stress and urge incontinence can decrease urine leakage, urine urgency and frequency - referred to as overactive bladder. Regaining Control of Urination Kegel exercises the deliberate tightening or clenching of the pelvic muscles. Performed regularly, they tone and strengthen the external sphincter, the rings of muscles responsible holding in urine. How do I perform a Kegel exercise? Whenever you tighten your pelvic muscles to stop the flow of urine or prevent the passing of gas, you are performing a Kegel exercise. Tighten only the pelvic muscles; keep your abdominal, thigh and buttock muscles relaxed. Kegel exercises can be performed while sitting or standing, anywhere and anytime. When can I start practicing Kegel exercises? You can start practicing Kegel exercises before a radical prostatectomy to retrain and strengthen the muscles that surgery may weaken. It is important to continue the exercises after surgery when the catheter is removed. How often should I practice Kegel exercises? The number of repetitions and sets of exercises vary from doctor to doctor. What is most important is that, as with any exercise, regular and consistent practice of Kegel exercises is necessary to achieve results. Medications for Incontinence Your doctor may prescribe or recommend medications to help with incontinence. Decongestants may tighten up the muscles of the urethra and are used for stress incontinence. Anticholinergic drugs, which block messages to the bladder nerves and prevent bladder spasms, are sometimes recommended for urge incontinence. Biofeedback Biofeedback is a training program that can be used to reinforce the proper performance of Kegel exercises. The technique uses a variety of instruments to record small electrical signals emitted when the sphincter muscles are squeezed during contraction. These related signals are immediately converted into a tone or flash of light that indicate how well the action was performed. The patient then attempts to reproduce the muscle contractions that produced the correct feedback. Managing Incontinence After Prostate Cancer Treatment If the incontinence cannot be completely corrected, you can still lead an active, dignified lifestyle. Learning how to live with incontinence is important because it can otherwise disrupt your quality of life. Fear, anxiety, isolation, and embarrassment are common feelings. There is no one right way to deal with incontinence. The goal is to find what works best for you. There are many disposable absorbent incontinence products that can help you remain active and comfortable: pads can be worn under clothing; adult briefs and undergarments are available; and under pads can be used to protect the bed linens, mattresses and chairs. The ultimate in terms of normalcy and dignity for men - disposable boxer pull on underwear Here are questions we at The CareGiver Partnership are most often asked: What's the best product to use? Does day or night make a difference? How much absorbency does the product provide? Can it be seen under clothing? Is it disposable or reusable? Is it comfortable when moving or sitting down? Can I have the shipped to my home discreetly? Our experienced Product Specialists will help answer your questions or send you samples to try before you buy (1-800-985-1353). We offer male guards from Depend, TENA, Attends, Prevail, and SureCare and now a new to the world, reusable product for men.Other Tips Do not wear an incontinence device that has attached bag, a condom catheter or clamp, unless directed to do so by a doctor. These devices will prevent you from developing the muscle control necessary to regain continence. Until urinary control has returned, avoid drinking excessive amounts of fluids. Limit alcohol and caffeine intake. Empty your bladder before bedtime or before strenuous or vigorous activity. Sometimes fat in the abdomen can put pressure on the bladder; losing weight may help improve bladder control. Long-Term Incontinence If incontinence persists for more than 18 months, your doctor may suggest one of the following treatments: When incomplete closing of the urinary sphincter causes persistent stress incontinence, a series of collagen injections may be given to narrow the bladder neck and reduce leakage. Men with overflow incontinence can help prevent too much urine from collecting by learning to insert a catheter periodically to drain their bladder. A condom catheter placed over the end of the penis drains leaking urine into a bag that is worn under the man's clothing. A stricture (narrowing) of the urethra caused by scar tissue can block the flow of urine and result in overflow incontinence. Strictures can be treated by incising the scar tissue surgically or by dilating (stretching) the urethra. In severe and persistent cases of incontinence, an artificial sphincter may be implanted surgically. Helpful Resources The CareGiver Partnership's online resource center has links to 14 of the most important resources concerning prostate cancer including:Family Doctor - Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other than skin cancer. This site provides men with the information they need to make informed decisions. MayoClinic - Prostate Cancer This comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, risk factors and treatments of this common cancer. NIH SeniorHealth: Prostate Cancer Offers a table of contents with definition, causes and risk factors, symptoms and diagnosis, treatments and research, and frequently asked questions. National Cancer Institute - Prostate Cancer Information about prostate cancer treatment, prevention, genetics, causes, screening, clinical trials, research and statistics from the National Cancer Institute. National Prostate Cancer Coalition Information about prostate cancer. Sloan-Kettering - Prostate Cancer Memorial Sloan-Kettering's approach to treatment is based on a dynamic model of prostate cancer, in which physicians define therapeutic goals for each patient at the time of diagnosis and then redefine these goals as the disease unfolds. You can find information about their expertise in treating patients with prostate cancer. Urology Channel Urology Channel provides comprehensive, trustworthy information about urologic conditions. WebMD - Prostate Cancer Find in-depth prostate cancer information here on prevention and causes, diagnosis, and the symptoms of prostate cancer. References: Fowler, F., Roman, A., Barry, M, Wasson, J., Lu-Yao, G., & Wennberg, J. (1993). Patient-reported complications and follow-up treatment after radical prostatectomy. Urology, 42(6), 622-629. Mottet, N., Boyer, C., Chartier-Kastler, E., Naoum K., Richard, F. & Costa, P. (1998). Artificial urinary sphincter AMS 800 for urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: The French experience. Urology International, 60(suppl), 25-29. Smith, D., Appell, R., Rackley, R. & Winters, C. (1998). Collagen injection therapy for post-prostatectomy incontinence. Journal of Urology, 160, 364-367. http://www.seekwellness.com/incontinence/prostate_cancer.htm American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_2_1x_Managing_Incontinence.asp
What Are The Most Absorbent Urinary Incontinence Pads For Women?
A question we are frequently asked is what are the most absorbent urinary incontinence pads for women?Is it Poise pads, TENA pads, Prevail pads or some other brand? The numbers and sizes of pads for urinary incontinence for women have grown tremendously. In the early days, Poise had only 2 sizes, now they have 11! They keep getting bigger and bigger. The really big ones are called Ultimate pads and can be up to 16" long. The Poise pad line has absorbencies ranging from a pantiliner for incontinence to the Ultimate long size. The large pads are sometimes referred to as denial pads because some women are denying that they have an incontinence issue and would prefer to wear a pad than an adult diaper like product.The CareGiver Partnership offers a range the most absorbent pads for urinary incontinence for women including Poise Maximum and Ultimate, Prevail Maximum and Ultimate and TENA Ultimate and Overnight. There are also very highly absorbent pads by Attends, Medline and Abena from Sweden. We really like the new Prevail line up. In lab tests, they actually performed better than Poise pads and they cost 1/3 less. That is good value. Check them out. They are all made in the U.S.A. in PA. There are good reasons for a woman to choose the most absorbent urinary incontinence pads over a pull-on. The first is cost. The largest pads cost up to 40% less than pull-on underwear. Comfort. Pads are smaller and less occlusive. You won’t get as hot. Discretion. The largest pads are more discreet that the smallest pull-on underwear. Normalcy. Many women have been used to wearing pads since they were 12 years old. It’s much better than feeling like you’re wearing a diaper. Plus, you can tell people you’re wearing a pad, not a pull-on. You’re wearing Poise, not Depend. Dignity. You’ll feel better knowing that you’re normal. After all, one in three women experience what is referred to as LBL or light bladder leakage. The Poise spokesperson refers to it as ‘spritzing’.
Caregivers: Healthy Adult Diaper Changing Practices When Having Fecal Incontinence
My name is Dianna Malkowski and I'm on the board of professional advisors for The CareGiver Partnership.Bowel or fecal incontinence can be an overwhelming problem to deal with. However, when you have the right incontinence products it can be far more manageable. There is a wide variety of adult incontinence products that can help you to deal with fecal or bowel incontinence if you are experiencing symptoms. Many people with this type of incontinence choose to use adult diapers for the highest level of protection while others find they are more comfortable using incontinence underwear with an incontinence pad that is specially made for fecal or bowel incontinence. You can find these at http://caregiverpartnership.com/product/abena-abri-san-special-pad-for-fecal-urinary-incontinence/746/.Whether you use adult diapers or some other kind of adult incontinence product it can leave you with many different questions. This is true if you are the caregiver or the patient with bowel incontinence, you may feel uncertain about how to manage your bowel incontinence and what to do in some situations. One of the most common questions concerns how often to change the adult diaper. Caregivers often find this is one of the most challenging aspects of the care that they give. They can often feel uncomfortable and simply don’t know what to do. The good news is that there is a wide variety of information that can be found on the subject of incontinence products and how to use them.For more information on all types of incontinence products please click on http://blog.caregiverpartnership.com/2011/03/modern-day-incontinence-products.html. To find out more about all aspects of incontinence please visit http://caregiverpartnership.com/landing/incontinence. For help and guidance in selecting incontinence products please click on http://caregiverpartnership.com/incontinence-product-finder.There are certain factors to consider about how often to change an adult diaper. How often you change the adult diaper will depend on the health and lifestyle of the person wearing them. If you are an active and healthy adult you may be able wear your adult diaper longer then someone who is frail and bedridden. Many times, budgetary concerns come into play. However, it is strongly recommended that you do not wear a wet or soiled adult diaper for longer then necessary just to save money. This course of action can exacerbate health problems and opens the potential for infection. Studies have shown that most people with incontinence need to change their adult diaper between 5-8 times a day. In addition, it is extremely important that patients with bowel incontinence change their diaper (or the caregiver does), immediately when it becomes soiled. When the person is left wearing a soiled diaper there is an immediate danger of skin problems including skin breakdown that can bring on life threatening infections.When the diaper is changed (either by the person wearing it or a caregiver), it is crucial that the skin is cleaned very well. Even if you change the diaper immediately if you fail to thoroughly cleanse the skin it can cause further damage. There are incontinence products that are specially made to deal with skin in this area and can be found on sites that sell adult incontinence products. These gentle incontinence products and wipes will clean the skin without the use of harsh chemicals and abrasion.Caregivers can often find the best method that helps them deal with this situation while still preserving the dignity of their loved one. There are several different methods that can be used depending on the size and the gender of the loved one in your care. Having the right incontinence products on hand and within easy reach will also make the job easier to deal with.
