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[greenbank]

Hi All

How are we all doing in these difficult times?

From a personal perspective bit shattered at the moment!

Just had to purchase a lot of new incontinence management things as everything broke at once so annoying!

Looking at all my financial commitments and those treats to cut down to essential items only to ride out the economic situation ahead!

Wishing everyone safe passage on the journey we have ahead, this is where this community will be vital as incontinence is bad enough on its own.

Take care

Greenbank

[wayne]

Just had to purchase a lot of new incontinence management things as everything broke at once so annoying!

Sorry to heat that. It always seems to happen that way.

My wife is recovering from an iron transfusion and because they're giving her a different kind, the recovery has been harder on her (headaches and chills). For myself, I found out that the loss of hearing in my one ear is going to be permanent. I'm on the list for an MRI to find out why, but that may take months since this is lower priority (diagnostic to find out why). Hearing specialist said it might be due to blood clots (diabetes related) or a small tumour, which apparently is common around the ears. He told me not to worry about cancer, so I'm not worrying Otherwise, I've been getting out to dirt track stock car racing events and otherwise enjoying summer. These outings have had me testing my full IC wear, since my bowels have been threatening. So far, no public unhappy accidents. I am learning to love the NS Supreme Lite diaper since it is just enough for my daytime outings without sacrificing F-IC safety, if that should be needed.

I'm also growing more confident in these outings and feel as if I have reached greater acceptance. To manage my F-IC, I have learned to adjust my diet to compensate. Coffee works as a laxative, so when I go out, I abstain (that was difficult). Also I learned that I have to avoid cabbage, cauliflower, asparagus, broccoli (any other cruciferous vegetable), since they can cause IBS for diabetics. I used to enjoy Cole slaw, which is cabbage. But cutting that out has made it safer for me to go out of the house. Finally, days where I abstain from coffee, I usually end up feeling like a lazy sloth, with absolutely no ambition (unusual for me). So I discovered that taking one 100mg caffeine wakeup pill helps get me going again. It's been quite a summer!

I met with my diabetic brother on the weekend to catch up. He's a couple of years behind me but has many serious issues also, mostly with his legs and feet. But he's probably on his way to becoming U-IC, given that he feels an urge when pumping gas into his truck (as one example). So he got a bit of a "heads up" from me.

I may be going up to a cabin this fall like last year. I will probably go but have some reservations. Unlike last year, will have to wear an overnight diaper. I also worry about the food being oily and otherwise risky for F-IC. So we'll see what happens. I will probably go and embrace the challenge.

[justej]

Hi friends. Things have been good and rough around here. I finally got a good home health aide. The downside is she is having surgery in September and will be out for 3 weeks and then going back to school. She is going to be with me sometimes when she is in school but we haven't figured out the timing yet. She's absolutely amazing though. She stays with me for 10 hours a day and takes me to the park in my wheelchair, makes meals and cleans etc. She helps with my incontinence management as well because I can no longer walk. I had my first bowel accident today in a long time and she helped with that. It was extremely embarrassing but I'm grateful she was here. I'm trying to stay positive but some days are really hard.

[dp66]

Yesterday afternoon, my wife of 44 years died of Creutzfeldt Jakob disease. Symptoms developed in the middle of July, and it has been a fast decline since. This is a cruel disease of which there is no cure. I'll let those that are interested to research the details. These will be very sad times for a while.
Dennis

[wayne]

I am so sorry Dennis for the loss of your wife. It indeed sounds like a cruel disease. Do take care of yourself in this difficult time.

[JDinVirginia]

Dennis, please accept my condolences on the loss of your wife. I will echo Wayne's comment about self-care during this very stressful period.

--John

[Patrick]

This is one especially cruel disease. I hope you have the support of friends and family, in addition to the support you receive here. Please, do not think that taking care of yourself s necessarily selfish; you cannot drink from an empty cup.

[Wetters]

dp, I'm sorry for your loss. Please don't neglect your needs. The greatest honor and tribute you can give your wife and your time together is to take care of yourself. Know that your ISC family is here for you always. Btw, how are you doing medically? Haven't you had some heart issues recently? J.

[justej]

So sorry for your loss dp. Loss is so hard. My condolences

[greenbank]

Hi dp66

So sorry for your loss wishing you and your family safe passage as you negotiate the difficult times ahead!

Keep safe

Greenbank