Personally Delivered Blog

Urinary Incontinence: Understanding Options That Don’t Require Surgery

Posted on December 13, 2019December 13, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

Urinary Incontinence may be something that you don’t want to talk about with your friends and family, but it is a concern that should be brought up to your doctor. Being unable to hold urine can drastically affect your life, including your mental state, career, and social life. Some women experience Urinary Incontinence while pregnant or following delivery, and other men and women have trouble holding urine when laughing, sneezing or doing other daily activities. You may not want to exercise as much, or you try to hold all of your coughs in. Urinary Incontinence affects millions of people, and there are various treatment options available without resorting to surgery.

One treatment for Urinary Incontinence is doing strengthening Kegel exercises. The best part of Kegel exercises is that they can be performed from anywhere and are discrete, so it may be easier to add them to your routine. Kegels “involve squeezing and releasing the muscles that you use to stop urinating.” A professional that specializes in pelvic floor strengthening can work closely with you to strengthen areas that contribute to Urinary Incontinence. Besides Kegel exercises, you may also want to try teaching your bladder to gradually hold urine for longer amounts of time by sticking to a schedule.

Certain medical devices may also help with Urinary Incontinence. Electrical stimulation could strengthen associated body parts, as well as magnetic stimulation. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) involves a small needle sending electrical waves to the tibial nerve, which is involved with the ability of the bladder to hold urine. While electrical stimulation can be done at home with a device, magnetic stimulation and PTNS must be performed at a doctor’s office.

Medications can also help reduce Urinary Incontinence. For women, adding estrogen to the body may reduce leakage. Based on scientific evidence, Pelvic Floor Muscle Training was the most successful option for treating Urinary Incontinence. It is very important to maintain the recommended amount of Kegel exercises each day and to keep up with it. This may be the most appealing option, too, because they can be done at any time, have no known side effects, and the exercises themselves do not affect the wallet. Being committed to alternative options for treating Urinary Incontinence may help to avoid surgical procedures.

If you have any questions about any of the incontinence products we carry that can also be beneficial, please contact us or give us a call today and one of our Product Experts can help you narrow down what your specific needs require.

Autism, Incontinence, & Traveling

Posted on December 3, 2019December 2, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

Caring for a child with autism comes with its own set of challenges and those can vary greatly due to the severity of their condition. Many children with autism have no problems with incontinence, while others may experience involuntary control of bowel movements and urination. This may happen because an autistic child is unable to communicate effectively or they are distracted by other stimulating activities. When you introduce the concept of traveling with an autistic child that suffers from incontinence, it may sound overwhelming, however there are effective ways to manage.

Characteristics of Autism

First, let’s explain autism in its most basic form.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) usually appears when a child is very young, typically between the ages of 2 and 3. They begin to show signs of repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication are delayed, and they lack in the development of social skills.

Some of the characteristics of autism, but are not limited to are:

Repetitive behaviors such as body movements or actions
Difficulty playing with other children or holding a normal conversation
Taking an unusual interest in certain objects
Overreacting to one or more of the 5 senses (touch, sight, smell, taste, or hearing)
Underreacting to one or more of the 5 senses

Incontinence in Children with Autism

Since children with a disability such as autism may be distracted easily and for longer periods of time, they may “forget” to use the bathroom. Because of their delayed speech and language development, they often are unable to effectively communicate their need to voluntarily void. With the many challenges that children face with autism, it is easy to understand that incontinence can be one of them.

You may already be exhausted from making sure there aren’t any sensory triggers present for your child, accident preparation, and being as patient and supportive as possible. If you have travel coming up, you might be starting to feel the stress of it all and wonder if it is even possible.

Traveling with Incontinence and Autism

Traveling can be manageable when you have a child with ASD and incontinence. It might seem overwhelming at first, but there are several things that you can do to prepare and make everyone’s experience more enjoyable.

Start Planning Early

A child with autism may be able to sense the stress in others and this may set off their emotions. The earlier you start planning the trip, the less stress you’ll exude as you are walking out the door. Getting your child involved with the planning and packing could aid in them not feeling that something is happening that is far out of their routine when you are ready to leave. It would be wise to prepare to expect the unexpected and this may help avoid anxiety or a sudden outburst.

If you are traveling in a vehicle, make sure you are aware of acceptable restrooms along the way to your destination. Download an app on your phone such as Sit or Squat or Flush to make the process less cumbersome.

Try Role Playing

You might even try to role play some of the experience with your child before traveling. If you are flying, setup a mock security checkpoint for them to walk through. You might take a longer ride in the car while staying in your local area for them to get used to being in the care for a length of time with their seatbelt secured. Take them to the store with you frequently to get them used to standing and waiting in lines.

Pack the Essentials

Incontinence doesn’t have to be difficult to manage while traveling if you pack the right supplies. If you are keeping your child with autism distracted in the car, they may not realize they have to use the bathroom until it’s too late. There are many incontinence products that are effective for all levels from leaking to full voids.

Boy’s and girl’s potty training pull-ups are a great option for leaks and heavy absorbency diapers work well for locking away liquids and provide maximum protection. It’s also a good idea to line the car seat or seat material with an underpad for added protection. This will help to prevent anything from getting soiled or wet. There are a variety of other products to choose from that might help in times of need.

A few other items to pack are disposable bags, hand sanitizer, wipes, and a change of clothing that is separate from your already packed luggage. For a quick list that might be helpful, we’ve put one together for your convenience.

Schedule Frequent Breaks

A child with autism and incontinence can often get emotional and agitated when they are tired and/or bored. Scheduling plenty of stops along the way to use the restroom and take a break might help with your child’s mood and can also be a short pause for fun. Make sure to follow the verbal and non-verbal cues from your child and try to be as flexible as possible with your travels to accommodate their need to take more rest stops than you might have originally planned.

Traveling with an autistic child that has incontinence doesn’t have to be a difficult process if you plan well in advance for the unexpected. Make sure you take plenty of pictures to capture the entire experience so your child can reflect back and observe how well they managed on your travels together. Remember to be flexible and stay positive so everyone can have a great trip.

For any questions on the incontinence products we offer, our Product Experts are just a phone call away and ready to help.

And, for even more resources for traveling with an autistic child, visit the sites below:

Prostate Surgery and its Effect on Incontinence

Posted on December 2, 2019December 6, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

When a man requires partial or complete removal of his prostate gland due to cancer or other medical conditions, it can be a very technical and precise procedure. The prostate is located in an area of the body that is surrounded by a bundle of nerves and can be tricky to remove without avoiding injury to the bladder or rectum. During surgery, the urethra is cut to separate it from the prostate. Making the incision too close can damage the urethral sphincter and surrounding nerves, potentially causing prostate surgery incontinence. Nerve-sparing robotic surgery is a safe and minimally invasive technique for removal of the prostate gland.

What is Nerve-Sparing Prostate Surgery

Nerve-sparing surgery is the process of a precise and careful attempt to spare any damage to the nerves that are extremely close to the tissues that are going to be removed. When the surrounding nerves are not preserved, a man may suffer from prostate surgery incontinence, erectile dysfunction, or other complications.

Using the nerve-sparing robotic technique, surgeons can improve the outcomes and minimize trauma to the neurovascular bundle around the prostate gland. The urinary system consists of so many nerves and they all work in conjunction to make sure the urinary tracts and bladder properly function. When the nerves are damaged, communication to the brain is interrupted and a person then suffers from prostate surgery incontinence. Temporary or permanent erectile dysfunction may also be another result of prostate surgery. As you can see, using the robotic technique can significantly reduce harm to this sensitive area of the male anatomy.

Prostate Surgery Incontinence and Erectile Dysfunction

Once the surgery is complete, the surgeon reconnects the bladder to the urethra. A Foley catheter remains in place for approximately a week and once that is removed, many times men will experience prostate surgery incontinence. This can be one of the most bothersome issues and can be temporary or sometimes permanent. When the nerve-sparing robotic technique is used, permanent prostate surgery incontinence is rare.

Another potential complication of prostate surgery is erectile dysfunction. Nerves, muscles, and blood vessels are all involved when a man gets an erection. Any damage to these can cause him to have erectile dysfunction following this surgery. In some cases this may be temporary, however it can also be permanent and achieving an erection will only be possible with the assistance of medical devices like the Encore Medical Revive Custom Manual Vacuum Therapy System or the Timm Medical Technologies Osbon OTC ErecAid Vacuum Therapy System. You can view more of these devices here.

Prostate Cancer Results

When a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer, he has a big decision to make on the type of treatment that is best for his needs. Nerve-sparing robotic prostate surgery is often the preferred choice by surgeons to avoid long-term prostate surgery incontinence and the potential for impotence. During robotic surgery, the incisions are extremely precise and the margin of error in harming the nerves, muscles, and valves is greatly reduced. This process is also minimally invasive which helps to lessen any post-operative pain and also shorten recovery time.

Because the prostate lies between the bladder and the rectum, and wrapped around the urethra, many vulnerable nerves are at risk. The standard operation is a delicate task and can leave room for disrupting the bundle of important nerves used to control the bladder and penis.

Opting for the nerve-sparing operation can help an experienced surgeon spare some or all of the nerves that run along the sides of the prostate gland. This provides a greater chance that the patient preserves his potency and will not need the assistance of any medical devices or incontinence products. Nerve-sparing surgeries can reduce the risk of prostate surgery incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and possible other complications. The robotic assisted surgery uses precision that might not be able to be achieved by the surgeon alone.

Managing Prostate Surgery Incontinence and Erectile Dysfunction

Should any of the nerves, muscles, or valves of the urethral system be damaged, the use of certain incontinence products and/or other devices may be required. Once the prostate gland is removed, it is extremely important that the bladder is well constructed to prevent urine leakage. Typically, the leakage that happens after the procedure is light to moderate and a male guard or an incontinence pad for men can be worn. These products are specifically designed with the male anatomy in mind to be discreet, provide maximum comfort, and deliver the protection needed.

Should erectile dysfunction follow after prostate surgery, a man may need to use a medical device to achieve and maintain an erection due to the disruption of the blood and nerve supply. There are many devices available that can help such as Vacuum Therapy Systems and clamps.

Learning that you or a loved one may have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or another condition that has affected the gland may be very difficult, know that there are treatment options available to you know matter the age. Always consult with your medical practitioner for expert advice and options available to you. Should you have any questions about the products that we offer, our Product Experts are just a phone call away!

Staying Active Over the Holidays

Posted on November 24, 2019November 26, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

The holidays are about celebrating with our families and that usually involves a lot of food, sugary beverages, desserts, and often sitting around inside our homes. The weather is colder and the thought of outdoor activities might not be the first thing on our minds. For some, that may be difficult due to age or the need to use an assistive device such as a wheelchair or cane.

A lot of us give up our regular routines around the holidays and end up feeling guilty about not maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. We may tell ourselves that we are allowed this cheat time and will get back to that schedule once the celebrations are over. Sometimes this leads to untimately not picking that routine back up and ending up in an inactive and unhealthy lifestyle.

Holiday Excercise Tips

Plan Short Workouts

Roasting a turkey? Baking a pie? Use this time to create a quick workout that you could do right in your home. If you have stairs you could take a few trips up and down to get your heart rate up. Those that have a home gym or treadmill might incorporate a simple workout when you have an opportune time while food prepping. There are also short fitness videos or apps on your phone that you might try while you wait for company to arrive.

BONUS: Think outside the box. If you have canned goods and water bottles, do a few reps lifting those overhead or doing some lateral raises.

Get the Family Engaged

After everyone has eaten and their stomachs are full, instead of heading to the couch to either pass out or watch football, round everyone up and head outside. Everyone could go to the backyard, a park, or even sledding if weather permits. There are plenty of outdoor games such as cornhole, badminton, tag, or even hide and seek. If there is a basketball court nearby, that is another option. When everyone is involved, it can be an afternoon of family bonding while burning some of those calories from the feast!

Take a Walk

Put on some comfortable shoes and go for a walk. Walking is a low-impact exercise that has many benefits. Not only does it get the heart pumping, but is a less strainful physical activity. Go for a stroll around the neighborhood and take in the fresh air. Walking can also be one of those short workouts while you wait for a casserole to bake.

BONUS: If you have a family dog, this would be a great time to have them accompany you.

Park the Car Further Out

When you are out shopping for food or gifts this time of year, consider parking in a spot that is farther away from the store entrance. This will ensure that you will have a decent distance to walk and you can rack up those steps on your fitness tracker.

Don't Let Incontinence Stop You

If you suffer from incontinence, you may be worried about being active and are also concerned about involuntary episodes while you’re around family and friends this time of year. There are plenty of things that you can do during the holidays to allow you to stay involved and enjoy every moment.

Watch Your Fluids

Although drinking water before a meal may help you to avoid overeating during the season, if you have urinary incontinence, you might want to slightly hold back from consuming too much and too often. Try to stay properly hydrated, but limit the amount of alcohol and caffeine you’re consuming, especially when you are going to workout. You are more likely to have an accident if your bladder is irritated from the caffeine.

Empty Your Bladder Often

Prior to heading out for a walk, beginning an activity with family, or doing a short exercise while your turkey is in the oven, be mindful of emptying your bladder instead of trying to hold it. This will help to avoid any strain on the bladder and may help to lessen any leakage while trying to enjoy your day.

Use Protective Products

As with any type of incontinence, using the right protective hygiene products is key. For light to moderate urine loss, pantie liners, pads, and male guards should be used. Moderate to heavy urine loss calls for either a belted undergarment, pull-on, or tab brief. You’ll feel more confident and secure when you are being active if you are properly protected.

BONUS: Wear loose-fitting black pants! In the event that you have a leak, black can help hide the evidence and the loose-fit of the clothing can also help hide the extra protection you are wearing.

The most important thing that you can do around the holidays is focus on enjoying all the moments with the ones you love. Take it easy on yourself and know that you are not able to control everything that happens. With a few of these tips, we hope that you can try not to veer too far away from your normal routine and remain active all through the holidays.

For more information on any of the products we offer if you suffer from incontinence, please give us a call or contact us now and one of our Product Experts would be happy to help.

BONUS: Save $5 now on your first order of $30 or more by cicking HERE. Keep checking back for even more savings throughout the coming year.

Bedwetting and Nocturia as an Adult

Posted on November 20, 2019November 20, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

As an adult, it may be embarrassing as well as confusing when you either wet the bed (nocturnal enuresis) or have the need to get up throughout the night to frequently void (nocturia). We often think that once we are out of our adolescent years, these types of incidents no longer happen. Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies change.

There are several reasons that an adult may suffer from bedwetting and/or nocturia. Hormonal changes, illness, kidney problems, an enlarged prostate, even medication can cause a person to produce more urine than normal. Regardless of age and gender, bedwetting and nocturia can happen to anyone at any stage in life. So what causes a person to wet the bed and/or have the need to get up to use the restroom several times a night?

So What Causes Adult Bedwetting?

Nocturnal enuresis and nocturia may stem from an underlying health condition and should be taken seriously. The following are some of the causes that can bring on these conditions.

Hormonal Changes

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) is a hormone that we make less of when we are sleeping. This hormone is produced in the hypothalamus part of the brain and then released from the pituitary gland, which is at the base of the brain. ADH communicates with our kidneys and tells them to produce less urine. If a person does not make sufficient ADH, they are likely to have a bedwetting incident.

The Size of Your Bladder

A small bladder can affect how much urine a person can hold, therefore leading to leaking on the bedsheets. The bladder itself is not actually small, it is the fact that the bladder muscles become overactive, causing a continuous need to void.

Having an Overactive Bladder

When a person has an overactive bladder, the urinary muscles spasm and cause a sudden urge to frequently use the restroom. This may happen when a person has a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or an enlarged prostate. Other risk factors that might increase the chance of an overactive bladder are pregnancy, age, gender, weight, and having diabetes.

Suffering from Diabetes

If a person has diabetes, they do not process sugar (glucose) properly which leads to their bladder’s filling up quickly with large amounts of urine. The nerves may be affected that control bladder function and the increase in urine production can lead to nocturnal enuresis or nocturia.

Men That Have an Enlarged Prostate

In men, the prostate may become enlarged. Urine passes directly through the center of this gland as it travels from the bladder. With an enlarged prostate, urine may not flow normally as it is pressing on the urethral passage. This can cause the need to urinate more frequently, especially at night.

What You Might do to Prevent Adult Bedwetting

Since our bladder changes as we age, we sometimes are not prepared for some of the incidents that may happen when we are adults. Rather than accepting bedwetting and nocturnal enuresis as a fact of life, we should deal with it as a real issue that needs to be properly addressed. There are some things that you might be able to do to lessen or even halt the problem altogether.

Take Inventory of the Medicines You’re Taking

Sometimes, certain prescription medications may have side effects. Wetting the bed and an increase in bathroom visits may be two of them. It may help to take the medication at an alternate time of day, but always consult with your doctor before making this decision on your own.

Observe Your Fluid Intake

A high intake of caffeine and alcohol can also raise the chances of suffering from nocturnal enuresis. Limiting the amount of these types of beverages you consume may help reduce the possibility of nocturia or nocturnal enuresis.

Could Constipation be the Issue?

When a person is constipated, their stool puts pressure on the bladder, which is directly in front of the rectum. This pressure makes it difficult to hold urine and can lead to bedwetting or making frequent bathroom runs throughout the night. It might be wise to monitor how frequently you are having regular bowel movements to avoid unnecessary suffering.

Empty Your Bladder Before Going to Bed

Emptying your bladder before you go to bed may have a great impact on avoiding incidents throughout the night. It is worth a try, however, if you are in need of further protection, there are incontinence products that you can use.

Consider Wearing or Adding Protection

Our Personally Delivered exclusive brand of Overnight Protective Underwear uses the most advanced technology to provide maximum absorbency and leakage protection that will keep you more dry, comfortable, and protected all night long.

Depending on the severity of the bedwetting, there are a variety of incontinence products available for moderate to heavy bladder leakage. We carry everything from adjustable briefs, bladder pads, pantie liners, extra-large bed pads, and more for both men and women in a wide range of sizes.

It may be helpful to keep a bladder journal for a few days to track how often you are urinating or leaking and when this is happening. You can share this with your health care provider so they can better understand what you are experiencing.

We have provided a Bladder Journal for your convenience that you can download and print to record your daily activity related to this condition here: Bladder Journal

Bladder Journal

As with any health concern, you should always speak to your doctor. There may be something you can do or small changes you can make that you aren’t aware of to fully stop this issue. If you have any questions about the products we offer that may help you with your condition, we are just a phone call away and our Product Experts are ready to assist you.

Maintaining a Healthy Bladder

Posted on November 15, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

Similar to a balloon, the bladder is a hollow organ made of tissue that stretches and holds our urine until we are ready to release. It is part of our urinary system that includes the kidneys and urethra. We all use our bladder several times each and every day, but do we know how to keep this organ healthy?

There are several things that can affect the health of our bladder. We will discuss what those are, the signs that you should look for, and how you might be able to prevent them here.

What Can Affect the Bladder's Health

Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious disease that can affect many parts of the body and can lead to other health problems such as nerve damage. The bladder is made up of many nerves that could be damaged by diabetes. This damage could affect a person’s bladder control.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

When bacteria grows in the urethra and bladder, a UTI has occurred. A bladder infection is the most common type of UTI and can cause urinary urge incontinence. This is when there is a frequent and sudden need to urinate and may also cause you to leak urine before making it to the restroom. One common activity that might cause a UTI is the use of a catheter to urinate. Indwelling catheters introduce bacteria into the lining of the bladder, causing irritation and infection. Closed catheter systems may be helpful in preventing UTIs.

Constipation

Constipation can happen when a person doesn’t have enough fiber in their diet, are taking certain medications, have a medical condition, or are inactive for long periods of time. This puts pressure on the bladder because of the stool that is built up in the colon. The bladder is unable to stretch like it should, therefore affecting the bladder’s health.

Being Overweight

When a person carries a lot of extra weight, it increases pressure on the abdomen and bladder. This can also contribute to the weakening of the pelvic muscles and result in leakage from the bladder.

Smoking

You may not think smoking has any relation to the health of one’s bladder, but the opposite is the case. Smoking causes harmful chemicals to collect in the urine and affect the bladder’s lining. This can ultimately lead to bladder cancer. Because the chemicals from smoking make their way directly into the bloodstream, they are filtered into the kidneys potentially forming ‘stones’. Kidney stones pass through the urethral tract, which can be a painful process. Also, ‘Smoker’s Cough’ can cause spasms in the bladder and lead to leakage.

Signs You May Have a Bladder Problem

Every person is different, therefore each person’s bladder behaves differently and some signs you may be experiencing could mean you have a problem with your bladder.

Come of the most common signs of a bladder probem are:

Strong and frequent urges to urinate (urinary urge incontinence)
Blood in the urine
Cloudy urine
Waking up multiple times throughout the night to go to the bathroom
Leaking urine or the unability to hold it until you get to a restroom (urinary incontinence)
Experiencing a burning sensation before, during, or after urinating
Problems fully emptying your bladder

Just like any other health concern, always consult your doctor for their professional opinion if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. They may be able to do some testing to see if your bladder is actually in an unhealthy state and offer the right treatment options available to you if necessary.

Some Tips to Keep a Healthy Bladder

Even though we cannot control everything that happens to our overall health, including our bladder, we can take some measures to improve the health of our bladder. Here are a few suggestions that may contribute to keeping your bladder healthy:

Stay Active and Maintain a Healthy Weight

As we mentioned earlier, keeping your weight down will lessen any pressure on the bladder and allow you to release urine when it’s actually full. Exercising will also help to maintain a healthy weight and prevent possible constipation that can irritate the bladder.

Drink Enough Water

Try to drink the equivalent to your body weight in ounces of water each day. For most, this is 6-8 glasses of water per day. The bladder loves water and it is one of the best fluids that can help maintain its health. When you are getting enough fluids, your urine can flow freely and should be pale in color and odor-free.

Limit Intake of Caffeine and Alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol are known to increase bladder activity and can lead to a higher frequency and urgency to urinate. Reducing the intake of these types of beverages may help decrease these symptoms.

Do Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises

Known as Kegel exercises, doing pelvic floor exercises help to strengthen the pelvic muscles and prevent leaking. The stronger the muscles, the better the bladder is at holding in the urine until you can use a restroom.

Void Often and When You Need To

Try to never hold the need to use the restroom. Holding urine in the bladder for extended periods of time can not only lead to a bladder infection, but it can also weaken the muscles.

Make Sure to Wipe Correctly

For females, be sure to wipe from front to back after using the toilet. This process will help keep bacteria away from the urethra that could cause a UTI as we previously mentioned.

Maintaining a healthy bladder is good for your general health and an important organ to take care of. Should you have a medical condition that causes you to have urinary incontinence or urge incontinence, we offer products that might help you confidently get through your days and nights. As always, consult with your doctor first if you have any concerns that your bladder is not functioning properly.

How Nutrition Relates to Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Posted on October 31, 2019November 7, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

When a person suffers from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, they suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This disease affects the digestive system and impacts a person’s nutrition in many different ways. Making choices about which foods to eat might become challenging because some of them may worsen symptoms related to this disease.

There are some common misconceptions about one’s diet and IBD. We will go into further detail about the disease, its relationship to nutrition, and some possible treatment options.

What Exactly is IBD?

When one’s digestive tract is persistently inflamed, they are suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are two types of IBD, Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis.

The lining of the digestive tract becomes inflamed with Crohn’s disease and spreads deep into the tissues. With Ulcerative colitis, a person develops ulcers in the innermost lining of their colon and rectum. Both of these medical conditions cause chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

When there is inflammation in the GI tract, digestion and absorption of nutrients is disrupted. Normally, when bodily tissues are damaged, inflammation takes place to try to protect the body from further harm from bacteria. A person’s immune system with IBD is compromised and unable to react appropriately, therefore causing continuous inflammation which leads to improper functioning of the GI organs. Diarrhea, bleeding from the rectum, stomach cramps, and weight loss are just some of the symptoms IBD brings on.

How Nutrition Plays a Part in IBD

There is some misconception of how a person’s diet is related to IBD. It is true that some foods may aggravate the symptoms when a flare-up is present, but the foods themselves are not the root cause of IBD. The disease itself is what causes the inflammation.

IBD is not caused by an allergy, a poor diet, being overweight, or be cured by a specific nutritional plan. Each person’s symptoms with IBD vary due to the fact that different parts of their digestive system are affected.

Severe Diarrhea Can Cause Dehydration

One’s body becomes dehydrated when they are having multiple bowel movements throughout the day. This causes the body to not absorb and maintain enough liquids, electrolytes, and nutrition.

Weight Loss due to Lack of Appetite

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease often come with a decreased appetite due to pain and nausea, resulting in malnutrition as they try to manage symptoms of diarrhea and/or vomiting. The body consumes more stored energy because of the inflammation associated with IBD and this leads to tissue breakdown in the body.

Bleeding from the Rectum

Ulcers can form on the inner lining of the intestinal tract as a result of chronic inflammation and can happen anywhere on the tract including the anus and perineum. Tissue can also tear in and around the anus because of continuous or painful bowel movements. Both of these symptoms lead to blood loss.

There is a possible risk of malabsorption of nutrients in a person with IBD and require them to elevate their intake of calories, nutrients, and energy. Lacking enough essential vitamins and minerals is often associated with IBD but there are some options that may be helpful to treat those deficiencies.

Some Options to Help Treat IBD

Of course, the end goal of IBD is to decrease the amount of inflammation that causes the onset of the symptoms. You should always consult with your doctor first, but certain products can offer nutritional support that may reduce the inflammation.

Getting the essential nutrients is key for those that suffer from IBD whether young or old. Children require the right vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth and development. The elderly often need an oral supplement for added protein, fiber, and omega-3 fats to support bone and heart health. When extra calories are needed, there are many formulas such as Boost, Ensure, and Pedialyte to deliver protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and fat.

Nutrition can also be improved by a special diet that involves taking in nutrients through a feeding tube. This also allows the bowels to rest to aid in lessening the possibility of pain and trauma in the rectal region. More severe IBD symptoms might be treated by a doctor that delivers nutrients directly to the blood stream through a catheter.

There are many more treatment options available to help reduce the symptoms associated with IBD, but always speak to your doctor about what might be right for your specific needs.

For more information about nutritional products we offer, give us a call to speak to one of our Product Experts. We would be happy to discuss either what your doctor recommends or how we may help you find the products you are looking for.

To learn more about Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis, visit these sites:

Living with Crohn’s Disease: https://www.crohnsandcolitis.com/living-with-crohns-uc/crohns

Living with Ulcerative Colitis: https://www.crohnsandcolitis.com/living-with-crohns-uc/ulcerative-colitis

What to Know Before Using Rusch Catheters

Posted on October 24, 2019November 26, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

Rusch is a quality brand of catheters that Teleflex Medical company manufactures and distributes. Teleflex was founded in the United Kingdom in the 1800’s and are among the most established and trusted providers of Rusch catheters in the world. Before you order or use one, however, you should make sure you know everything you need to in order to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Here are some of the basics to think about before choosing a catheter:

1. Only use a catheter when recommended by your doctor and with proper training

Even though they are frequently used in the home environment, catheters are medical devices and must be used carefully. Only use a catheter when your doctor has recommended it. If your doctor recommends that you discontinue, do not keep using it. Most importantly, catheters should be inserted only by those with the proper training, which means that you will need assistance with them until you have been properly taught. The good news is that you can be shown by the nurse or doctor and can learn how to cath very quickly.

2. Make sure you're choosing the right Rusch product

Rusch makes a wide variety of catheter-related products, including several distinct kinds of catheters. This selection allows for more flexibility, but not every product is appropriate for every patient. Ask your doctor for their recommendation on what sort of catheter is appropriate in your particular case.

For most patients, this will consist of an intermittent catheter, such as Rusch’s intermittent with siliconized tip. You will also want to get the correct length of catheter, which will be based on whether you are male or female, and the dimensions of your particular body.

3. Ensure proper insertion

Our catheters come completely sterilized and in packaging, and should not require any antiseptic before use (though users may want to clean the area surrounding the urethra to minimize the amount of bacteria). However, depending on the type of catheter you get, you may need to lubricate the piece for the smoothest insertion. Intermittent catheters, for instance, require this while closed-system and hydrophilic catheters come pre-lubricated. Without lubrication, insertion can be painful and even cause damage to your urethra. This also increases the risk of infection, so having a properly lubricated catheter is a must.

After the bladder has been emptied, the catheter should be removed, thrown away, and the area cleaned again. You should always wash your hands thoroughly both before and after the catheterization process and never reuse your catheters. Learn more about why you should not reuse your catheters here.

If you have any other questions or concerns, talk to your doctor or contact us at Personally Delivered. We have the Product Experts to help you find the right catheter for your needs!

The Real Costs Behind Incontinence

Posted on October 22, 2019October 23, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

Let’s face it, when we are managing incontinence, we all know that diapers, briefs, protective underwear, and pads cost money. But when we dig a little deeper, the price tag attached to other health conditions stemming from incontinence is often forgotten. Incontinence can lead to physical and emotional effects and those can have a great economic impact on our lives.

Educating consumers about options they have and where they might purchase their incontinence products and supplies could help lessen some of the burdens that come along with incontinence management. We will talk about the costs associated with this medical condition and provide some insight on how you might be able to lessen the stress on your pocketbook.

Quality Products Make a Difference

When you choose incontinence products that are low-cost and offer little to no absorbency, you are choosing a product that you will need to replace more frequently, causing you to spend more money. Although you already know that you will be replenishing your incontinence supplies over time, you might not have to as often if you invest in absorbent products that can be worn for extended periods of time. This could lead to spending a bit more upfront on good high-quality products, but you’ll get more life out of each wear.

It is also important to note that purchasing the correctly fitting incontinence products is essential in reducing the amount of changes you require. We provide the necessary steps to properly measure yourself or someone you care for here.

Laundry and Waste

Another reason to choose high quality absorbent disposable products is to lessen the amount of laundry and waste you build up over time. If you’re leaking through your incontinence products, you will soil your clothing and linens more frequently, resulting in the need to do more loads of laundry.

Changing low-cost briefs, diapers, and pads more often will also create a lot more trash that you’ll have on your hands. Reducing the number of changes by using quality and proper fitting products will also help lessen the amount of waste you acquire and allow you or the person you are caring for worry less about incontinence episodes.

Incontinence Related Product Costs

Many other product needs may arise when you suffer from incontinence. Body washes, personal cleansing wipes, lotions, creams, and ointments are all products that might be used in conjunction with the other absorbent disposable supplies. Keeping your skin dry and clean is an important process of managing incontinence. These supplies can aid in reducing bacteria build-up and the treatment of potential rashes, however they also cost money.

Emotional & Financial Stresses

One’s emotional health is vital to their overall health. The financial stress of the many costs associated with managing incontinence can really take a toll on a person’s health and quality of life. Living a life with incontinence can bring about interrupted sleep at night, the risk of urinary tract infections, or even worse, taking a fall and land a person in the hospital. This burden can be very expensive not to mention a contributor to possible physical decline due to reduced activity.

For seniors that do not qualify for Medicaid, no level of reimbursement is available for absorbent incontinence products. This may cause elderly folks to be forced to choose between the necessities of living and their disposable medical supplies. No one should have to make that decision, especially at this age.

Becoming a Smarter Consumer

Instead of making a trip to your local grocery or drug store to purchase the incontinence supplies you need, consider choosing us as your online retailer. We offer a wide range of incontinence products that range from light to very heavy absorbency, as well as all of those items we mentioned previously that aid in healing the other incontinence related health conditions.

Our money-savings program takes the stress out of having to take trips to the store for restocking and you save on every future order that you remain on the plan. All you have to do is choose the frequency of your home delivery schedule and leave the rest to us.

We also have special discounts and promotions to help lower some of the costs. The best part about us is our compassionate Product Experts that can take the stress out of trying to determine the right products for your specific needs. We provide free consultations and walk you through the decision-making process.

In the end, all of the costs associated with managing incontinence add up and can result in even worse complications with your health that can really take a toll on quality of life.

Our goal at Personally Delivered is to provide innovative services to treat illness and disease and promote the improvement of personal health and independence. Give us a call and we would be happy to discuss your concerns about expenses related to managing incontinence. (800)777-1111

5 Reasons to Use Cure Medical Catheters

Posted on October 17, 2019October 16, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

Does it matter what brand of catheter you buy? At Personally Delivered, we believe it does, and that buying the right catheter can make a difference in terms of cost, comfort, safety, and good long-term results. One of the brands that stands behind these important factors is Cure Medical catheters. Cure Medical brand is one that has a consistent record of excellence.

Some Reasons Cure Medical is Worth Considering

1. Latex-free

Not all people need to worry about latex allergies, but it’s important to know that a latex allergy can develop at any time. In most cases, it’s best to just avoid the risk. Some of the most common catheters use latex components that can cause serious irritation to those who develop allergies. Cure Medical catheters are 100% latex-free and do not irritate this allergy.

2. Free of other allergens

Have you heard of BPA or DEHP? Many people haven’t, but these are compounds found in many common objects made of plastic. Sadly, BPA and DEHP can leech out of those plastics and when they get into the human body they can cause serious damage. Both can be linked to thyroid problems, which can seriously alter your body chemistry, and DEHP is linked to a number of conditions including obesity, cancer, fertility issues and immune disorders. Not all catheter brands guarantee that their plastics are BPA/DEHP free, but Cure Medical does.

3. Easy to use

The guiding principle behind the development of Cure Medical’s catheters was not only to make them safe to use, but also to make them easy to use. They are among the most intuitive catheters on the market.

4. Benefits a good cause

It’s nice when a medical company gives back to the community. Cure Medical was originally founded by Bob Yant, a quadraplegic that became dependable on catheters and ever since has spent a great deal of energy and time raising money for spinal cord injury research. The “Cure Commitment” refers to Cure Medical being the only manufacturer in the world that donates a full 10% of all profits to causes including medical research for spinal cord injuries, paralysis, urinary retention, and central nervous system disorders. That means that your purchase contributes to the efforts in finding a cure!

5. High quality and affordable catheters

What it all comes down to for most people is simply making sure that they are getting a high-quality, reliable catheter that they can count on at a low price. Cure Medical’s catheter products are considered to be among the best options available, and their selection includes coude catheters, intermittent catheters, closed systems and more. We at Personally Delivered are proud to carry high quality Cure catheters at some of the best prices on the market!

Of course, the choice of which catheter to use is highly personal and depends on many factors. It may be worth it to give Cure Medical catheters a try if you are looking for another style that is easy to use, high quality, provides comfort, and has very competitive pricing!

If you have any questions about Cure Medical’s catheters or have any concerns, talk to your doctor or contact us at Personally Delivered. We have Personal Product Experts ready to help you today! (800) 777-1111

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