Personally Delivered Blog

Urinary Incontinence

Posted on October 10, 2019October 9, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

In short, urinary incontinence can be summed up as involuntary loss of urine.

This is usually due to the body’s inability to adequately retain urine, whether due to a nerve condition, weakened bladder or pelvic floor muscles, injury, or another medical condition. It can be temporary or in more severe cases, urinary incontinence may be permanent.

Urinary Incontinence Risk Factors

So what causes urinary incontinence?

Several risk factors exist that may factor into the onset of urinary incontinence, which include but are not limited to:

Pregnancy and childbirth
Hormonal changes such as menopause
Obesity
Constipation
Medications such as diuretics, sedatives, and others
Nerve damage from injury or another coexisting medical condition

Who is Affected by Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence can affect anyone of any age or gender. It’s not a condition that only affects the elderly. In fact, even children can have involuntary incontinence.

However, studies show it seems to occur more frequently among senior citizens and among women. In particular, women who are pregnant or women who have had several children seem to be more affected by urinary incontinence.

Incontinence can certainly impact one’s quality of life. For the person living with incontinence, they must not only deal with hygiene and management of their condition, but they may also be affected by social and emotional factors, such as anxiety and depression related to their incontinence.

Incontinence Product Options

Urine leakage from incontinence can range from light (small losses of urine) to severe (which is typically the total inability to retain urine in the bladder). No matter the severity of your incontinence, you need to seek out a treatment option from your doctor. In addition, you’ll likely need a way to collect your urine to avoid leakage and “accidents.”

Many different types of incontinence products exist in varying absorbencies, sizes, and types to fit each person and their unique body and condition.

At present, a wide variety of home delivery incontinence supplies exist, including:

diapers/briefs and protective underwear
pads and underwear liners
male guards
urine collector options such as external catheters for men
intermittent urinary catheters
underpads to protect mattresses, chairs, and other surfaces

The choice of one incontinence product or a combination all depends on your specific needs and challenges, as well as your condition and your environment.

Personally Delivered has a support team of incontinence supply experts who can help you determine which products may work best for you.

Sources

Fink, H.
A., Taylor, B. C., Tacklind, J. W., Rutks, I. R., & Wilt, T. J. (2008).
Treatment interventions in nursing home residents with urinary incontinence: A
systematic review of randomized trials. Mayo Clinic
Proceedings, 83(12), 1332-1343.
McCormick,
A. K., Burgio, D. L., Engel, T. B., Scheve, A. & Leahy, E. (1992). Urinary
incontinence: An augmented prompted void approach. Journal of Gerontological
Nursing, 18(3), 3-9.
Northwood,
M. (2004). Nurses experiences’ caring for persons with incontinence. Unpublished masters’ thesis, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario,
Canada.
Rodriguez, N. A., Sackley, C.
M., & Badger, F. J. (2007). Exploring
the facets of continence care: A continence survey of care homes for older
people in Birmingham. Journal of Clinical Nursing,
16(5), 954-962.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2019

Posted on September 19, 2019September 26, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of dementia and it is ranked as one of the leading causes of death in the United States. When someone loses their ability to think, reason, and remember things to a degree that it begins to interfere with their daily activities, dementia has begun to set in.

Changes in the brain cause dementia and can be difficult to pinpoint at first because they may develop well before the cognitive problems appear. Once Alzheimer’s has set in, neurons die off and the brain begins to shrink in size. Because this is a progressive illness, Alzheimer’s slowly begins to interfere with the basic daily self-care functions and in the later stages, other medical conditions are common.

Walking to Show Support & Raise Awareness

On October 5th, our Personally Delivered Team will be participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Orlando, Florida. We are excited to show our support and raise awareness for such a debilitating disease.

We believe that supporting the continuous research, clinical trials, therapies and treatments that doctors and scientists are involved in every day, will help find a breakthrough and all will be able to have memories that last a lifetime.

By walking on this day, our team will be part of one of the world’s largest events to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. We will walk in memory of those that have lost their battle to Alzheimer’s as well as those that are currently fighting this disease.

What You Can Do

There are many ways to get involved if you know someone that has Alzheimer’s, are related to someone with the disease, are a caregiver, or just want to show some support. Here are a few we suggest:

1. Put Together a Team

Hundreds of communities across the country hold a Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Just like our team, the walk encourages teams and their participants to fundraise in a variety of ways. Once you sign up your team, you’ll receive a packet with a ton if useful information, ideas, and ways to set and achieve goals. It really can be a lot of fun for a cause that is so great!

2. Take the Purple Pledge

During the month of September, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages you to take the Purple Pledge and spread the word about this disease helping to inspire action and continue to raise awareness.

Take the Purple Pledge here: alz.org/pledge

3. Wear Purple to Show Your Support

You can simply wear purple on this day to show your support if you are unable to participate in or organize an event. This small effort is a way to contribute to the cause. Our Personally Delivered Team are Difference Makers every day!

4. Donate Financially

Consider making a financial contribution to a research organization. Many of these organizations are consistently looking for ways to raise money for studies and would largely benefit with the extra funding. Some organizations we suggest are the following:

5. Take Time for Yourself

Practicing self-care is one of the most important ways that you can potentially prevent Alzheimer’s from happening to you and those that are important to you. By eating right, exercising, and getting enough rest, you can reduce your stress levels and are acting proactively to possibly prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

No matter what you choose to do to show your support this September, just know that every effort you make counts. The common goal is shared- joining together to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s in hopes that we can help end the disease.

For more information about Alzheimer’s Disease and other ways to get involved, visit National Institute on Aging or Alzheimer’s Association. As always, talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about symptoms that you or someone you know may be experiencing. Taking the proper precautionary steps early on may lead to making more memories later on.

September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month

Posted on September 9, 2019September 17, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness

September was designated as the National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month by the U.S. Senate. The goal this month is to educate those around us of how widespread this injury is and how we may be able to prevent it from happening. Those that have spinal cord injuries are very familiar with the outcomes of this particular injury, unlike those that do not understand how difficult it is to deal with on a daily basis.

This is also a time to come together, give our time and/or money to spread awareness and support spinal injury foundations, organizations, and charities to make a difference in the lives of those with a spinal cord injury. A significant amount of effort and time is being dedicated to continued research by various organizations to find better treatments and therapies that might offer an optimistic outlook for those living with a paralysis.

A Few Facts About The Human Spine

The human spine is a complex structure that is comprised of 33 bones, over 120 muscles, more than 200 ligaments, discs, and many nerves.
Car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. It takes a huge amount of force to sever a spinal cord. According to an article, it would take the force equal to a 500 lb. vehicle smashing into a wall at 30 mph. That’s quite a force!
The neurons in the spine carry pain signals to the brain after an injury. Because of this, the body becomes more sensitive to pain, which explains why we feel that the aching and soreness seems to linger on after our spine-related injury.

Spinal cord injuries can happen at any point in life for various reasons; from birth to further into adulthood. Injury to the spinal cord can cause conditions such as loss of bladder and/or bowel control, pain or tingling sensations due to nerve fiber damage, circulation issues, and respiratory symptoms.

There are many organizations, foundations, and charities that you can get involved with or donate to show support and possibly change the life of someone that suffers from a spinal cord injury.

Organizations that Make a Difference

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

This is a wonderful foundation that is dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries. They provide several opportunities to get involved to support their mission, whether it is directly or indirectly with a donation. Their mission, “Today’s Care. Tomorrow’s Cure.” represents the endless optimism for those that suffer from paralysis across the world.

The foundation offers free support for both caregivers and patients alike. They provide access to trained specialists for personalized support, offer a Military and Veterans Program, and encourage other types of involvment throughout communities to promote living a quality life. The continuous research this foundation performs have led to many potential successful treatments and therapies.

United Spinal Association

This association’s aim is to help make the lives of those living with a spinal cord injury and disorder more comfortable and fulfilling. They believe that you can overcome the challenges that are faced when some of you’re independence may be taken from you. Click here for more information on how you can help change lives in so many ways with this association.

Facing Disability

This is an unique platform for those that have unexpectedly been dealt with the challenges of a spinal cord injury to connect with others that have been down this path. Members are able to share experiences and successes with others and discuss all things related to living a life with paralysis. You can make a difference by clicking here.

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Wow! Amazing stories of accomplishment and defeat are able to be read on this organization’s site. The leadership and volunteer teams are completely comprised of paralyzed veterans. For over 70 years, this organization has been a leading advocate for research, education, benefits & civil rights for veterans, and those living a life with a disability across the nation.

Many opportunities to get involved and other ways to give are listed here. Numerous helplines are available as well, ranging from caregiver and legal support to job assistance.

How We Can Help

As mentioned earlier in this post, a spinal cord injury can lead to many different complications. When the nervous system isn’t communicating properly, normal bodily functions may become difficult or out of routine. The loss of bowel and bladder control, increased nerve sensitivity, and circulatory problems can begin to happen, just to mention a few.

We at Personally Delivered offer a wide range of products and supplies that may help to alleviate and manage some of the symptoms that a spinal cord injury may propel into motion. Our large selection of closed system catheters we offer will help empty your bladder throughout the day and you may find our vascular compression products beneficial to increase the blood flow to the lower limbs. Sometimes the trauma may result in the need for incontinence products such as diapers, briefs, or underpads. Whatever symptoms you are experiencing from a spinal cord injury, we likely have a solution to helping you live a comfortable and dignified life.

For more information about understanding spinal cord injury, the recovery process, and informative videos, click here.

Our dedicated team at Personally Delivered is available to discuss any home delivery medical supplies that you require. We will make sure you get exactly what you need in a discreet and timely manner. We are just a phone call away.

Ways to Stay Social With an Ostomy

Posted on August 27, 2019September 17, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

The Importance of Staying Social With an Ostomy

Just because you have an ostomy doesn’t mean that your social life has to end. It is important to get out and about on small excursions so you can figure out what makes for a successfull outing with your ostomy pouch. You’ll find out what works and go on more journeys with confidence.

Watch the video below and take a look at some further suggestions we give about what to pack to be prepared in the case of an emergency.

Let’s face it… accidents happen. The better prepared you are for an emergency, the less stress you’ll experience when you are around other people. Below are some of the products we suggest packing when you are heading out to spend time with others.

Items to Include in Your Ostomy Emergency Pack

(of course these are optional and you may have other or additional preferences)

Extra ostomy pouch(s) – You may want to consider taking more than one ostomy pouch in case you are out longer than initially intended.
Extra skin barrier(s) – Include as many as the number of pouches you pack.
Adhesive paste of choice
Adhesive remover wipes and/or spray
Skin barrier wipes
Skin cleanser
Scissors for the stoma opening
Extra clips if the type of pouch you wear requires them
Hand sanitizer
Trash bags
Extra set of clothes

Click to download and print the list here: Ostomy Emergency Pack Checklist

We carry many other home delivery medical supplies for you to live the life you want in confidence so you can take journeys and travel feeling relaxed and secure along the way.

Our Product Advisors are available to discuss your needs and will make sure you receive them in a discreet and timely manner. You’ll never have to worry about running out of your supplies with our automatic delivery program which will also save you 5% on every order.

Give us a call at (800)777-1111 to experience the Personally Delivered difference today!

Alzheimer’s & Incontinence

Posted on August 27, 2019September 17, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

Understanding Incontinence in People with Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive illness of the brain that slowly destroys a person’s cognitive capabilities. This can begin to interfere with basic daily self-care functions. In the later stages of Alzheimer’s, incontinence is common.

There is a complex relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and incontinence. Because we cannot see the brain, we are unable to know when it is changing in a person affected by this disease. Alzheimer’s may cause incontinence by taking away a person’s ability to recognize the need to use the bathroom.

A person’s language, speech, reasoning, and judgement can all be affected with Alzheimer’s disease. When someone doesn’t understand a question or is unable to form the words to let someone know they need to use the facilities, time may run out resulting in a bladder or bowel accident. Memory loss also may cause one to be incapable of finding a restroom when they are experiencing urge incontinence.

How to Manage Alzheimer's and Incontinence

When caring for a person suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, ensuring you have an understanding attitude is key. They are likely to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or even angry about the condition.

It is essential to have empathy when taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s and incontinence. Being supportive and reassuring the person that incontinence is a common condition will help to reduce their feelings of embarrassment.

Essential Tips for Family or Caregivers:

Ensure they have the right incontinence products – A person affected by Alzheimer’s can be protected all day with the right products. They’ll also have uninterrupted sleep and be more comfortable throughout the night. These products not only offer protection but can rebuild confidence and help improve quality of life. Diapers, underwear, pads, and liners are offered in multiple sizes to fit all body types.

Establish a daily routine – Building a daily routine of going to the restroom will allow enough time for the person to regularly empty their bladder and bowels. Making going to the restroom a part of a routine can be very effective for those with Alzheimer’s since drastic changes are often uncomfortable for them.

Make sure they are drinking enough water – Six to eight glasses of fluids each day is essential. Withholding fluids can cause dehydration, which can lead to a urinary tract infection or increased incontinence. On the other hand, not drinking enough fluids, or not drinking them for long periods of time can lead to constipation. Drinking enough water paired with the daily routine above can lessen potential accidents.

Encourage your loved one to stay active – Believe it or not, gentle exercise every day can help with regular bowel movements. Just the shortest walks can be effective in increasing their health.

Some of Our Best Product Picks for Managing Incontinence:

Personally Delivered Daytime & Nighttime Protective Undergarments – The most advanced technology is used to provide superior absorbency and leakage protection, better than many of the leading brands. These undergarments will keep you dry, comfortable, and confident throughout the day and/or night.

Abena Abri-Form Comfort Briefs – These fitted briefs are one of the leading adult diapers, known for their high quality and super absorbency. Four different absorbency levels are offered, providing all-around protection. Advanced features include stand-up leak guards, re-fastenable tape tabs, wetness indicator, and elastic in rear waistband.

Tranquility OverNight Personal Care Pads – These overnight care incontinence pads keep the skin dry and reduce odor while protecting delicate skin.

Tranquility Select Belted Undergarment – This secure fitting one-size-fits-all product has a pair of wide two button-elastic straps and a waterproof cloth-like outer layer. The soft absorbent mat is made with super-absorbent polymers, keeping the skin dry and protects against skin breakdown.

Life with Alzheimer’s can be manageable for both the patient and the caregiver. We at Personally Delivered have Product Experts to help you find the right home delivery incontinence supplies suited for your specific needs.

Speak to one of our caring Product Experts today! Toll-free (800) 777-1111

What Should You Do if You Experience Pain Using a Catheter?

Posted on August 26, 2019October 3, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

There are many questions someone might have when they start using a catheter daily to empty their bladder. One of the most common will likely be about the pain factor. When you first start to use intermittent catheterization, it might feel uncomfortable or even painful. There are a number of factors that could affect your comfort level when cathing. If you are worried about pain, we will discuss those factors below and explain what you should do if you start to feel pain as you cath.

Why You Might Feel Pain When You Cath

The first few times you cath, it’s expected that you might not know exactly what you are doing. Your doctor and nurses will have demonstrated how to use the catheter, but it is common to feel uneasy when you’re doing it early on. If you feel discomfort or pain when you cath, you should try taking a deep breath and relaxing. You could be tense, which will only make it more difficult to cath correctly without hurting yourself. If you still feel pain after you have tried relaxing, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible to rule out any conditions, such as a urinary tract infection. ConvaTec offers GentleCath trainer on their site that features customized self-catheterization instructional videos and also answers questions, provides support, and gives access to other resources for intermittent catheter users.

Catheter Features to Consider

Coudé Catheters

Some patients may also respond to some types of catheters better than others. For example, coudé catheters feature a bent, fixed tip for easier insertion. These types of catheters are also great at bypassing any obstructions or strictures in the urethra. Your doctor may recommend one of these or other catheter types depending on your specific issues.

Polished Eyelet Catheters

Catheters that have smooth, polished eylets are also beneficial for reducing any friction or dicomfort in the urethra. These small holes allow urine to drain near the insertion tip and down the catheter tube into a container such as a bag. ConvaTec manufactures GentleCath™ catheters that feature this type of drainage eyelet with a rounded insertion tip that aids in comfort and reduces any damage to the urethra.

Hydrophilic Catheters

Hydrophilic catheters are pre-lubricated and designed for patients who have trouble inserting the catheter into the urethra. These types of catheters are made for both females and males. They help reduce the risk of obtaining a urinal tract infection (UTI) and provide the utmost comfort upon insertion and removal. The GentleCath Glide by ConvaTec is a quite popular option and used by many of our satisfied patients. This catheter is easily lubricated by popping the included water pack to activate the low-friction coating featuring ConvaTec’s FeelClean™ technology. We also carry an option that has the coudé tip for added comfort.

Use Lubrication on Uncoated Catheters

If you are using a catheter that does not include any type of lubrication, you may consider using a lubricant to make the insertion process as effortless as possible. We have many high-quality options available to you and are able to help you determine which one would be best for you.

Something to note about these lubricants is to first find out if you have any allergies to the ingredients. Most are latex-free, hypoallergenic, and sterile, however some contain Chlorhexidine. This agent is used to reduce bacteria but may cause stinging, redness, swelling, or even a UTI in those that are allergic to it. It would be wise to determine a list of what you are allergic to prior trying a lubricant.

Cathing Pain-Free Should Be the Norm

While you may feel pain or discomfort your first few times, this should not be the norm. If taking a deep breath and changing your technique does not help, you should speak with your doctor to determine the right course of action. You should never feel the need to force your catheter upon insertion. More harm could be done than intended.

For more information about cathing and finding the right catheter for you, please contact one of our Personal Product Advisors at (800) 777-1111.

Correctly Measuring Yourself for Adult Diapers and Briefs

Posted on August 22, 2019September 18, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

Getting the Right Size of Incontinence Products

Most leaks and skin irritations are caused by an improper fit of an adult diaper or brief. No one enjoys wearing something that doesn’t properly fit their body type. Incontinence products are not sized the same as clothing and every manufacturer uses their own measurement system which can also vary across each manufacturer’s product lines. An adult brief and adult diaper that are both from the same manufacturer in the same size may entirely contrast in proportion. Because of this, it is essential to take the proper measurements before purchasing your incontinence products.

Steps to Take the Proper Measurements

The only supply you need to complete this part of the task is an standard measuring tape. You will want to start off by measuring around your waist. Your waist is located between the top of the hip bone and the bottom of your rib cage. It is also located just above the belly button and is the narrowest part of your torso. If you have any article of clothing that is in the way, you’ll want to remove or lift it up.

Bend to the side to find your natural crease. This will be your waistline. Take the measuring tape and wrap it around your waist so that it is snug but not too tight
Breathe normally while you do this. Take note of the measurement making sure the tape is not twisted at any point around your body.
Take the measurement a couple of times. This will ensure that you have an accurate length.

Repeat these steps for your hips, making sure to remove any clothing that may be in the way. This measurement will go from the widest part of your buttocks around to the hip bones in front. Once again, repeat this step a couple of times for accuracy.

The correct size you’ll need for the incontinence product you are measuring for will be the larger of these two sizes. It would be a good idea to keep these measurements handly and reference them anytime you are going to consider purchasing a new product.

Something else to note is that manufacturers sometimes change their sizing schemes without any notice. Make sure you use their reference guides and check them frequently when reordering. This will help you to avoid an improper fit or the inconvenience of a return order.

Quality & Absorbency Matters

The best fitting brief or diaper performs the best. Taking into consideration the quality of the incontinence products is also an important factor. Many skin irritations and leaks are usually caused by an improper fit and low value products. Just because a diaper or brief is larger in size, does not make it more absorbent. There will most likely be gaps between the leg area to allow for leaking.

If it is more absorbency that you require, consider adding a booster pad to your briefs or diapers. Sometimes an incontinence product alone does not do the best job of providing the protection and confidence you need to get through the entire day. The booster pad can be removed and replaced without having to disgard or remove the diaper or brief all throughout the day.

Choosing the Right Products

Sizing yourself for incontinence products is the first step. Choosing the right ones for your body type is next. We have an extensive selection on incontinence products from many different manufacturers to choose from. Whether you need an extra-small or a 4XL size, we have got you covered.

Making sure that your incontinence products are snug around the leg openings with no gaps, there isn’t any sagging, and you can move around comfortably are just a few things to keep in mind when thinking about a good fit. Taking measurements throughout the year is wise as you may lose or gain weight and this affects your sizing.

As always, discuss your medical concerns with your doctor first. If you have any questions, would like to discuss specific incontinence products, or need further guidance in how to properly measure your waist and hips, please give us a call at (800)777-1111. Our Product Experts are always happy to help!

Managing Incontinence in the Summer

Posted on August 15, 2019September 17, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

We are nearing the end of summer, but there are still all kinds of activities and events taking place outdoors. During these months, managing incontinence can be difficult. Fewer articles of clothing are worn, making it tricky to make those products less visible underneath bathing suits and shorts.

According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, more than half of Americans over 65 experience some form of incontinence (either urinary or bowel). As a person ages, their risk of developing an overactive bladder increases.

Different Types of Incontinence

There are four different types of urinary incontinence:

1. Stress incontinence. This occurs when urine unintentionally leaks from the bladder when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or do any other activity that places stress on the abdomen. It is more common in women than men due to physical changes resulting from pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.

2. Urge incontinence. An overactive bladder causes a great urgency or desire to urinate, resulting in leakage of urine that cannot be suppressed. You may find yourself suddenly needing to use the restroom but cannot make it all the way.

3. Overflow incontinence. Typically without any urge to urinate, a person will involuntarily release urine from an overfull bladder. As the kidneys continue to produce urine, the excess spills out through the urethra – similar to an overflowing dam.

4. Functional incontinence. As a result of mobility and dexterity challenges, a person will have difficulty getting to a restroom in a reasonable amount of time. The urinary and fecal body systems are working fine; however, the use of wheelchairs, Alzheimers’ disease, arthritis, or neurological conditions may affect a person’s memory or make removal of clothing difficult to use the restroom in time.

So What Can You Do?

To help manage your incontinence and ensure that it doesn’t interfere with your summer plans, there are steps you can take. Here are some of the tips that we recommend to help manage your incontinence in the summer months:

Have a Healthy Diet – Eating a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise will help maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight makes a person more likely to experience problems with incontinence. Including products high in fiber to your diet is important for preventing constipation, which can provoke urinary incontinence.

Stay Hydrated – Everyone knows the importance of drinking plenty of fluids when the outside temperatures rise. Water is the drink of choice, always avoiding diuretic beverages such as coffee, tea, or alcohol.

Refrain from Smoking – Not only is smoking bad for your health, it directly contributes to an overactive bladder. Second-hand smoke is just as bad, aggravating incontinence symptoms by causing sneezing and coughing.

Be Prepared – Alleviate stress and anxiety by planning ahead. Pack enough wipes, pads, diapers, extra clothes, and disposal bags for soiled items.

Map Restroom Locations – Wherever you are headed, make sure you know where there are places to schedule regular (every 2-4 hours) bathroom breaks. There are convenient free bathroom locator apps to find relief near you such as SitOrSquat or Where to Wee.

Get the Right Products – Here is where we can help! Contact us to give us a call and one of our Product Experts will match you with the right products for your specific needs. Not all incontinence products are on-size-fits-all, so it is important to understand the differences and how sometimes pairing up products might make them work better for you based on your circumstance.

The summer is a time to enjoy life. Don’t let incontinence hold you back from traveling and seeing your friends and family. Take a look at the personal wipes, various types of pads, and diapers offered on our website. We can easily be your one-stop shop.

Dignified Incontinence Products For Women Can Offer Discreet Solution At Any Age

Posted on August 6, 2019September 17, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

Despite popular belief, urinary incontinence isn’t only an issue that occurs later in life. Although many men and women do encounter age-related incontinence, people of all ages who lead otherwise healthy lives may experience symptoms of incontinence.

Causes of Incontinence

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), weak or overactive bladder muscles, damaged nerves, and even medical conditions like arthritis or Multiple Sclerosis can be responsible for incontinence.

The HHS notes that women are twice as likely as men to develop urinary incontinence. “This is because reproductive health events unique to women, like pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, affect the bladder, urethra, and other muscles that support these organs,” the department states.

These conditions, while sometimes linked with older patients, can come on long before someone expects to be faced with such issues. Fortunately, readers looking for incontinence products for women have plenty of supply types from which to choose.

Gender-Specific Incontinence Solutions

The good news is that many incontinence products are available that are appropriate for unique needs, including body type, severity of incontinence, and gender.

Gender, specifically, is an important consideration when it comes to shopping for incontinence products.

According to a recent Health24.com article, “female anatomies do best with products such as pads and panty liners, while male anatomies benefit from incontinence guards, which have a snug contour shape.”

Personally Delivered, an industry leader in quality home delivery incontinence supplies, offers incontinence liners as part of its line of incontinence products for women.

The benefit of choosing a female bladder control pad or liner over an adult diaper is that it has a more streamlined fit comparatively. If you have a mild to moderate form of urinary incontinence, then this could be a dignified solution to fit your needs.

Remaining Unrestrained

No matter your age or gender, it’s natural that you want to stay active and unconstrained by your incontinence. Don’t let fears of urine leakage hold you back from doing the things you love.

Choosing Personally Delivered means getting an order that’s customized to fit your unique needs. In addition, you can count on quality home delivery incontinence supplies for women from all of the top brands, delivered discreetly right to your door. Contact us today to find the right home delivery incontinence supplies for you.

Tips for Living a Normal Life After an Ostomy

Posted on July 25, 2019September 17, 2019 by Michelle Stepp

If you are undergoing an ostomy surgery to correct an issue with your digestion system, you might have some questions about what to expect after the procedure. While it’s true that the first few weeks will feel different, your doctors and nurses will be the first to tell you that most people will recover just fine and find that they will be able to do mostly the same things they did before the surgery. Still, we know you may have some questions and concerns so we wanted to take a second and discuss a few things about life after an ostomy.

Caring for Your Stoma

After the surgery, you will notice your stoma, which will be located on your abdomen. Your stoma will be pinkish in color and it may be sore. This will go away with time. Your stoma may bleed as well in the beginning, but this, again, will be temporary. Your doctors and nurses will go over how to properly care for your skin around your stoma and what to expect in the days and weeks after the surgery.

If you notice after a while that you are experiencing leaking or your ostomy appliance no longer fits correctly, you will need to speak with your healthcare providers and ostomy supply companies to determine the right appliance for a proper fit. Changes in stoma size are very common, so you shouldn’t be too concerned if you need to make a change. Common causes include weight gain or weight loss and scarring around the stoma.

Living Your Life After Ostomy Surgery

After a few weeks, you will likely notice that your life hasn’t changed too much. ConvaTec, a global medical products and technologies company focused on therapies for the management of chronic conditions, explains how most people are able to engage in normal activities after surgery. Regarding diet, you should be able to eat the foods and drinks you ate before.

Of course, if certain foods caused you digestive complications before, you should do your best to avoid them. You may also have to introduce alcohol slowly back into your diet until you’re comfortable. You can always speak with your healthcare provider about any questions you might have about your diet.

The truth is nothing should stop you from exercising, socializing, or engaging in sexual activity with your partner. While you might feel self-conscious in the beginning, you will find that you’ll eventually become at ease with enjoying these activities once again. Who you’re comfortable talking about your condition with is up to you and most people won’t know the difference anyway.

Millions of people live normal lives after ostomy surgery, and, in the end, the benefits should outweigh any negatives or changes you have to endure.

If you have any questions about ostomy supplies, please don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your options. Our Personal Product Advisors are here for all of your concerns.

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