Managing Incontinence

You are not alone if you experience urinary or fecal incontinence. Research suggests that nearly 20 million people in the U.S. alone experience chronic or acute forms of incontinence. Incontinence is not a disease; it is a symptom. Tracking down what causes your incontinence is a journey worth taking as some of the causes can be serious. Some causes may not be treatable in a way that will eliminate this symptom.

So, today I write about living with incontinence while you are on the road to figuring out just how permanent the condition may be for you. There is no doubt that most adults cringe at the very topic. Regardless of the reason, most adults will feel some kind of embarrassment or shame at the idea of anyone learning that they are incontinent. Folks go to great lengths to hide it, ignore it, worry about it. We know many who will not go out because they fear exposure either through leakage, odor or the annoying crinkling sound that many adult briefs make beneath their clothes.
A few key strategies will help you face incontinence and manage it, regardless of how long the symptoms last.

1. Workwith a physician or other health care professional first and foremost. Getting at the root of the problem is essential. Find a specialist if you know or believe that your incontinence is related to a specific condition. Follow the doctor's advice and take recommended prescriptions, even if you continue on your search for answers in other arenas.


2. Do some research. There are dozens of products on the market. Of course, try the least expensive brands of adult briefs and pads first. If your situation can be managed this way, why not be as economical as you can. Be prepared, however, to spend a little more. There are some extremely great products available - some at premier prices - that match your specific needs. Work with someone in the business of handling incontinence and related products for advice on which product might work for your situation. Ask for samples. Most manufacturers offer free samples and most dealers of such products will have samples on hand for you to try out. Be very honest about issues like absorbency. If you underestimate your need, you are certain to be disappointed.


3. Find a support group or someone you can trust to talk about your concerns.


4. Stay active and involved. Secluding yourself will only create other problems, often much bigger ones. Isolation is one of the main causes of depression, which can lead to a host of other physical ailments.

At Capabilities we have expert staff trained in the use of so many products, including incontinence. We offer a selection of specialized brand options, products designed by manufacturers whose whole focus is incontinence, such as Tena and Dignity. Stay tuned for a special seminar in the works later this year on the topic of incontinence where we will feature specialists and an array of products with plenty of samples for you to try.

Grandma Again!

As always, it is a delight when Pam blogs on our site. Here are some musings from her on the occasion of the birth of her sixth grandchild. And check out this cute photo of Grandma and Miles when he was just minutes old!

On Saturday, April 25, my youngest daughter, Heather, gave birth to a beautiful boy, Miles Guthrie. At 6 lbs, 11 oz., he has dark blond hair. I know it will all fall out and he will be another tow-head like his father and two older brothers. He looks at the world with eyes that still don’t focus and looks like he is still in another space trying to figure out where he is. He is beautiful, of course, in that newborn kind of beauty — bruised and wrinkled with skin that will never be as soft again. I’ve participated in the birth of all six of my grandkids; Miles will likely be the last. I know that’s why I have been finally reflecting on my own mortality and on the “end of life” issues that have come up in this past decade. As I meet and love the new babies, I also grieve the same number of losses – a brother, brother-in-law, sister, uncle, my mother and my mother-in-law. At 64, I should expect this, but somehow, I still feel shock that I am old enough to see this, that I am old enough to have daughters in their 30s, mothers who were in their 90s and brothers and sister too young to die in their 50s and 60s, losing the patriarch of the Pressel family in his 80s. Facing my own mortality is daunting. There is never enough time to say and do all the things you want, or to accomplish everything you feel is important. I read all the messages about living in the moment and achieving balance, but still struggle with the daily challenge of finding time for everything. I feel the tug between the daily persistence of building a business, working 10 hour days and trying to be Grandma, be at the games, school plays, and just enjoying family time. Family and friends matter most. They give me the most satisfaction. I love looking at one of my grandkids and seeing myself fleetingly, or noticing that one of them has my sister’s hands, my mom’s voice, knowing that I and my loved ones live on in the babies makes all the struggles worth the effort.

In the end, all I can do is try to live a life that will keep me healthy enough to see who these kids turn out to be. I plan on seeing them grow, mature and, hopefully, seeing their own children one day. I doubt that I get to be in the delivery room again, but you never know!

In the meantime, Miles happily pulls me into this moment. I love being Grandma…again!

Author of "Retirement Homes Are Murder" Reads At Capabilities

We are delighted to announce that Mike Befeler, author of the best-selling, "Retirement Homes Are Murder" is coming to Capabilities to give a reading, chat about the book and writing in general, and sign books. He is scheduled for June 4, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. We strongly recommend that you RSVP for what is bound to be a very popular event. Stay tuned to our blog as we write more about Mike, his book and the great reviews he is receiving for this, his debut novel.

Swine Flu and Masks

In this business we are always curious about how a day can change the flow of things. With the news of growing cases of swine flu over the weekend, we met Monday with a flood of requests for masks, surgical masks, N95 particulate respirator masks, and kind of mask people could get their hands on. Typically, this is not a volume product for us, so we keep a few boxes on hand. By noon they were gone. By late afternoon I learned that my supplier, a national distributor of medical products, was also out. Today, we turned away dozens of people on the hunt. We have learned that 3M, the manufacturer of the most popular N95 respirator, has increased production, adding shifts and people to the cause. No wonder our distributor found itself on the empty end of things as of Monday night.

In the meantime have you seen reports of what to do to combat this flu? Every report I have seen or heard says that masks are of minimal value and yet people are still clamoring for them. "They are better than nothing," some reports declare. It is the human condition to want to control as much of reality as we can. While science tells us on the one hand that this flu is not as serious as other epidemics, indeed, pandemics, that have attacked over the years, we imagine the worst. Or, at least, we try to prepare for the worst.

Interestingly, however, travel to Mexico did not seem to be down as of earlier Monday. Should the number of cases grow, and especially, if the number of deaths associated with the disease grow, travel will most undoubtedly be affected. For now, the U.S. has reported no deaths related to swine flu.

The Los Angeles Times reported today on the subject of masks, that if given a choice, choose the N95 particulate respirator. This product fits snugly around the mouth and nose and actually filters out small particles. Regular surgical masks will protect from droplets, but are so loose fitting as to allow airborne particles to enter into your system. The article also reported that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) remind us that no mask offers 100% protection. Used in combination with other behaviors, you can reduce your risk of contracting this and other influenza-like diseases. Hand-washing, for example, continues to be at the top of the list. Cover your mouth when coughing, stay at home if you have symptoms, including fever, and avoid crowds. If you must be in a crowd, a respirator can serve you well.

We will always be amazed at the role that Capabilities can play in everyday life. Last week at this time we would have never imagined to have purchased hundreds of N95 respirators. If we had, though, we would have been the hottest place in town this week!

Capabilities is on the list for these masks when they are available. Contact us for more details if you are still in the market for them.

Mothers' Day Wish Lists

We see a lot of mothers -and grandmothers, and aunts, and sisters - at Capabilities. Every day we watch individuals touch, try out and consider any number of products in our store. We overhear the conversations with friends or other family members about how great it would be to have "x" or "y." "When I get my check next month, I'll come back for that." Or, "if I win the lottery, I will treat myself to something like that." So, as we list some gift ideas for moms and other great women in your life, we know a thing or two about what we're saying. Trust us. Here are three that we think would delight even the most resistant of relatives:

1. Janska Easy-to-Wear Clothing. How about a lapwrap for grandmother? She loves to cozy up in her easy chair to relax after a full day. She seems to always get a chill, though, and there is never anything handy to throw over her shoulders. Or the leopard vest, fashionable and practical all at once, especially great during windy spring days? Mocsocks are terrific, especially at this funny in-between time of year.


2. Decorative Hand-Painted Canes. As you might know, we are always on the lookout for the unique and practical. We also love to feature local artists, and those with local ties. We have written before about our own Amy Vicioso from the metro Denver area who creates gorgeous gold-leafed designs on canes, walkers, crutches and wheelchairs. Give someone you love a gift that is truly one of a kind, and might help her keep her balance besides! We also have hand-crafted wooden canes designed by Gae Miller originally from the metro Denver area, now residing in Ann Arbor, MI.


3. Reclining Lift Chair. We hear women every day sigh that great "ahhh" of comfort when they try out our collection of these comfortable chairs. Not intended just for those who have difficulty sitting or getting up from a sitting position, this multiposition chair also ensures that you get plenty of circulation by elevating your feet, for example. Or, if your loved one is one of the millions with sleep disruptions, this chair can provide a comfortable sleep option occasionally, especially those with "infinite" positioning ability. Considered by many an extravagance, the reclining lift chairs in our collection are affordable, stylish and come with some of the best warranties in the business. Now through the end of May, we are offering 10% off many of the chairs in our showroom. Stop by or contact us for details.

We have hundreds of items and lots of ideas, especially for those "hard to buy" women in your lives. If you have a unique or interesting Mothers' Day idea, post it here or at the end of our blog so others can add it to their lists, too.

Vein Surgery and Compression Stockings

This is the time of year when many who have considered vein surgery actually opt to have it. As warm weather approaches and the thought of "showing some leg" in shorts or bathing suits becomes more of a reality, a number of folks, especially women, say it's time to take of those varicose or spider veins. For some, surgery is a must, especially for certain conditions.

Varicose veins are enlarged superficial veins in the legs and thighs that generally are more of a cosmetic annoyance than a serious health problem. However, these veins can grow larger and become more engorged over the years, causing swelling, itching and pain. The cause of varicose veins is unknown, but specialists suspect that the valves that prevent the back flow of blood become damaged or ineffectual over the years from normal wear and tear, or trauma, and blood begins to flow backwards and pools. Pregnancy, obesity, standing for long periods, or other trauma can contribute to the development of varicose veins. They are more common in women and some specialists have linked varicose veins to levels of estrogen.

Treatment for varicose veins can range from invasive procedures, such as "stripping," where the vein is literally removed. If the valve is the culprit sometimes it can be "tied off" and the smaller veins cut away with small incisions. Laser therapies to remove the vein from the thigh or leg are growing increasingly popular. When any surgical solution is indicated, preparation for surgery requires several weeks of wearing a high level compression stocking, generally pantyhose or thigh high stockings. Once surgery is completed, compression stockings must continue to be worn for several weeks to ensure proper circulation. Compression assists the body's natural venous system to operate effectively, moving blood more efficiently and smoothly through the veins.

In fact, wearing compression as a precautionary therapy can be an effective deterent to varicose veins when combined with exercise and simple behaviors, such as not crossing the legs, or elevating legs as frequently as possible.

Always discuss your health issues with your physician or other trusted health care professionals. For more information about compression, read our blog or contact us. Our staff is highly trained in the fitting of compression garments and we are delighted to work with you to find the right fit for you and your situation.

Have you had vein surgery? Are you contemplating it? Post a comment to this blog and share your experiences.

Featured Product: Duet Combo Walker Transport Chair

You know you have wondered why no one had invented this yet? Drive Medical already did! And what a sweet machine this is! Maybe you have been in this position with your mother, Aunt Marge, or Grandpa. You start out fresh for a day on the town, walker in tow. It is even the walker with the seat. Sure enough, after a while, that seat comes in handy for a rest. But, then, after a bit longer, walking at all seems too difficult for your sweet relative or friend. What to do now? You cannot safely push a typical rolling walker with someone sitting on it. The risk of tipping over is too great. Well, put all that worry behind you now. The Duet makes it easy. Use it as a rolling walker for as long as is comfortable. Then, with a few simple moves, convert it to a transport chair, safe enough and easy to push along no matter where you are. There is even a convertible footrest to make it all the more comfy. See details or purchase one now.