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Prevention of Fecal/Urinary Incontinence -
Submit responseComment from boomer (age 61) w/ 86 yr old mother; This compilation is really a 1st step - and I hope there're better solutions for me down the road!
I've learned over the past 2 years that the report of positive results, whether from surgery, meds or bladder training, seems to be based more on wishful thinking and less on actual information from the patient - or non- patient, as I think my mom is typical in simply refusing to pursue her problem with Drs.It has to do with embarrassment, frustration at ( what she sees as)lack of comprehension and sensitivity on the part of medical personnel,reasonable fear of surgery,and the sheer effort it takes to pursue a solution.
Note please that my mom is not overweight, does not have diabetes,heart disease, high blood pressure ( often assumed to play a role) but does have osteoarthritis and balance problems which make dealing with the condition incredibly frustrating.
From a few women who've told me about the results of surgery -- I suspect that this is an area where SURGEONS see success in plumbing repairs because their patients give up and go away, NOT because they are satisfied customers.
I do know some elderly women who don't have urinary incontinence; however, from just sitting in GYN waiting rooms w/my mom, anecdotal experience is -- the incidence probably skyrockets to 75- 80% once you hit the 80's. Progress in preventing this will:
Allow us all more dignity as we age;
Tend to increase socialization among the elderly, which may prevent depression, and mitigate deterioration from other ailments( Alzheimers, heart disease);
Help many to maintain a higher degree of independence, potentially deceasing or postponing the need for personal assistance, which will be harder to both find and pay for;
Reduce the impact of all those poise and depends on landfills (it's actually a real concern, with measurable costs to society).
So - hopefully NIH will fund research into this anything but sexy area of health with the potential to markedly increase the quality of life for millions of people.