Author Archives: Jeanne Lowry

Hollister New Image Lock N Roll Drainable Pouch Transparent with Filter: 18193, 18192, 18194

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on March 7, 2015 under Ostomy Care | Read the First Comment

Today, we’ll be continuing our series, taking a closer look at some of our ostomy items. Hollister’s New Image Lock N Roll Drainable Pouch Transparent with Filter comes in three different sizes: 1 ¾ inch flange, 2 ¼ inch and 2 ¾ inch.

The exciting part about this pouch is how easy it is to close. All you have to do is take the end, roll or fold it three times in the same direction, then, while pressing from the middle outward, you can actually feel the pouch seal and become leak-proof. That’s why they call it the Lock N Roll! It’s great for all drainable pouch users, but especially for those with vision issues or those with dexterity problems.

Not only is it easy to close, it’s also easy to empty. Simply give the sides a light pinch to open the pouch, and you’ll be able to control the content flow. As soon as you stop pinching, there are firm reinforcing stripes to that shut the pouch. You can then use a tissue to easily wipe the inside of the pouch clean, and you’ll be able to roll it closed again.

This model also features an integrated filter to keep all odors inside the pouch without filling with gas. The pouch walls are odor barriers and rustle free. Belt tabs are also included. You’ll find a ComfortWear pouch panel on both sides. And do remember that this pouch is transparent.

If you have used this pouch before, please let your fellow ostomates know! You may comment below or leave a review on the product page. Thanks!

Large and Bariatric Adult Diapers and Pull-Ups

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on March 5, 2015 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

For those looking for adult diapers larger than the general “medium” waist size of 35 to 40 inches, many of the briefs and even pull-ups that we offer here at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com come in are available in bigger sizes. Between large and extra-large sizes, and the five types of bariatric diapers we sell, we have options available up to 106 inch waist sizes.

Most of our adult diapers are available in large and extra-large sizes, varying from First Quality Nu-Fit Adult Briefs to Tranquility’s ATN (All-Thru-the-Nite) Brief. Speaking of Tranquility, they make three of the bariatric briefs we sell: the AIR-Plus Bariatric Disposable Briefs, the Hi-Rise Bariatric Disposable Briefs and the regular XL Bariatric Disposable Brief.

The two other bariatric diapers we offer are made by Prevail, and they come in two sizes, A (sizes 62-73 inches) and B (up to 94 inches). We also offer the A size as a sample, to see if the fit works for you or your caree.

If you’re looking for pull-ups, there are three items we offer that are available in sizes up to 80 inches. The first of these is one of our best sellers, Prevail’s Extra Adult Pull-Up. These protective underwear come in five sizes, including the 2XL in 68 to 80 inches. That item is also available as a two-pack sample. Two other available items are both from Tranquility: the Premium DayTime Disposable Absorbent Underwear and the Premium OverNight Disposable Absorbent Underwear, both available in sizes that go up to 80 inches.

Spread the Word to End the Word Awareness Day

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on March 4, 2015 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

The word we’re talking about here is the R-word, “retard” or “retarded.” And those who are asking for pledges to stop using the word are families, celebrities, kids, all with or without special needs. The request is about respect: giving respect to everyone around you by no longer using that word, even when only used as slang. It’s a hurtful word no matter what the context. Even in a medical “diagnosis” or state law. That’s why organizations like r-word.org have been working to get this word replaced in medical and law books. Last year, the Supreme Court stopped using the term.

A lot of stories and fun photos have been shared on the above site, r-word.org and their Twitter page.Every year, Ellen from the blog lovethatmax.com writes an eloquent and often hilarious post about ending the word, and this year is no different.

The campaign was started in 2009 by the Special Olympics. This summer, the Special Olympics will be in Total Home Care Supplies’ area in Los Angeles!

Below, you’ll find a fun video about doing the “R-Word Stomp” that we retweeted to our Twitter page earlier today:

Series: Alzheimer’s in Other Countries

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on March 2, 2015 under Caregiver Corner | Read the First Comment

This is the second post in a series on Alzheimer’s disease in places beyond the borders of the United States.

Chidai: That is the term for dementia in China, where the brain disease is currently affecting about six million people. That’s a problem for any country, but in China, this news is particularly troubling: as life expectancy in the country increases, so will the dementia rates; because of the one-child policy, caring for both parents will be left up to working adult children; and the remoteness of many of the villages where the elderly live means lack of services.

This article from Bloomberg Business outlines many of these issues and introduces readers to 71-year-old Shi Anquan, caregiver to his wife who suffers from Alzheimer’s.

Hollister New Image Cut-to-Fit Convex Flextend Skin Barrier, with Tape: 14803, 14802, 14804

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on February 27, 2015 under Ostomy Care | Be the First to Comment

We’re taking another look into one of the ostomy items that we offer at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. The Hollister New Image Cut-to-Fit Convex Flextend Skin Barrier, with Tape is special because of its convex shape, offering a better fit to those with stomas that are recessed, retracted or flush.

The convexity is ideal for tender, post-operative abdomens because it eliminates pressure on the area. Part of how it’s able to do this is the “floating flange,” which this item shares with the Hollister New Image 2pc Flextend Skin Barrier CTF. There are three sizes available: the 1 ¾ inch flange has a maximum barrier opening of 1 inch, the 2 ¼ inch flange has an opening of 1 ½ inch and the 2 ¾ inch flange has an opening of 2 inches. And once the wearer finds the perfect fit, the barrier protects the skin over extended wearing time from irritating discharge.

Before we finish up, let’s take a look at the reviews for this barrier:

“I have tried several brands of ostomy bags, and Hollister New Image Flextend is the only one that lasts more days. I have to change mine every 4 days. My output is liquid consistency due to my recent surgery and liquid diet. I have to use strip paste in addition to prevent leakages. Easy to use.”

“This product made my post-operation experience as easy as it could be, considering the worries I had about having a colostomy.”

Closer Look Series: Adult Diapers

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on February 26, 2015 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

On many of our diaper descriptions, you may see words like, “cloth-back” or “zones.” We thought our customers might appreciate a closer look at the different words and phrases that are used to describe adult diapers.

Cloth-Like Outer Fabric
This is the material that makes up the “shell.” Do not worry that the back of a diaper isn’t plastic, or plastic-like – the majority of adult diapers on the market today do not use plastic shells, or backing, to make the diaper leak proof. Diapers are able to be leak-free due to their absorbent qualities; so, as long as the wearer has a good fit and the right absorbency, leaks should not be a worry. The pleasant qualities that the cloth-like outer fabric provides are less noise (no crinkle-factor), more comfort against the surrounding skin and a more breathable diaper. Those last two qualities help the wearer maintain healthier skin by keeping it dry and chafe-free.

Zones
The zones that are referred to in an adult diaper description are to let you know what each part of the diaper is supposed to do. Considering the anatomy of the adult, diapers will sometimes have “acquisition zones” either for liquid matter or fecal matter. “Zones” can also refer to the outside of the diaper where the fasteners can be placed (as some diapers have tabs that can just stick anywhere on the outside). There are also “breathable zones” where the diaper has less absorbency as a way of making sure your skin stays dry.

Stay tuned for more in our Closer Look series!

Fun Quotes about Babies

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on February 25, 2015 under Everything Baby | Be the First to Comment

We’ve written a lot of blog posts about baby diapers, baby sleep and things to do with your baby. Some of those things are fun, but we thought we’d post some extra fun quotes today. Enjoy!

“Babies should be classified as an antidepressant. It’s pretty hard to be in a bad mood around a 5-month-old baby.”
-Jim Gaffigan

“Having a baby is a life-changer. It gives you a whole other perspective on why you wake up every day.”
-Charles Stanley

“Parenthood always comes as a shock. Postpartum blues? Postpartum panic is more like it. We set out to have a baby; what we get is a total take-over of our lives.”
-Polly Berrien Berends

“A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, a home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten and the future worth living for.”
-Author unknown

“There are no words that can describe the euphoria you feel when your baby recognizes you for the first time and smiles.”
-Jared Padalecki

“If you were to open up a baby’s head – and I am not for a moment suggesting that you should – you would find nothing but an enormous drool gland.”
-Dave Barry

“May you always know, my little one, you were wished for, longed for, prayed for and wanted. I love you.”
-Author unknown

“Now the thing about having a baby – and I can’t be the first person to have noticed this – is that thereafter you have it.”
-Jean Kerr

“My friend has a baby. I’m recording all the noises he makes so later I can ask him what he meant.”
-Steven Wright

Some quote found on BrainyQuotes.com

When Your Skin Needs Extra Moisture

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on February 24, 2015 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

Many people think that if your skin is dry, you should just drink more water. While drinking lots of water is helpful for skin and many other organ functions, that doesn’t solve the problem for everyone. Some individuals experience skin dryness due to genetic conditions, skin irritations, minor burns or other reasons. For those people, lotions, creams and ointments can be the key to feeling good in ones’ skin.

Lotions are the lightest of these options. They can work great in the summer and spring, for those without serious skin issues, as those are the months that don’t rob all the moisture from skin.

Creams are a bit heavier, and many people use them in the fall and winter months when lotion just isn’t standing up to those cold temperatures and strong winds. Creams work great with not only moisturizing but also softening and smoothing rough skin. Bard’s Special Care Cream is a general moisturizer containing vitamins A, B5, D and E.

Ointments are usually barriers: they leave a film on the surface of the skin and lock in the moisture that’s already there. They’re great for those with minor burns and other skin afflictions. Medline’s Vitamin A & D Ointment contains petroleum and is unscented.

For those looking for something that feels like a cream but creates a moisture barrier, we recommend FNC Medical Ca-Rezz Cream. This cream contains calamine and Aloe vera, and can be used as an everyday cream (we use it at our office when the air is dry) or as an incontinence cream.

Let us know which moisturizer you find works best for you!

The Estrogen Connection: The Link Between Hormone Levels and Incontinence

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on February 23, 2015 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

By Dr. Anna Garrett for LiveConfidently.com

If you’re a woman who’s entered perimenopause, you may be noticing that trips to the bathroom are becoming more frequent and less in your control. This can be annoying and embarrassing, especially if you don’t make it quite in time!

What’s the connection between menopause and “gotta go right now”?

During perimenopause and menopause, the level of estrogen, which helps to keep the tissues of your bladder and urethra healthy, begins to drop significantly. If you’ve begun to notice dryness and sensitivity during sex, this may be a clue that you’re at risk for bladder problems as well. Just as the tissues of the vaginal wall begin to thin and dry out, so does the tissue that lines the bladder. When that happens, your bladder becomes more sensitive to irritants, which can make you more susceptible to light bladder leakage.

Lack of estrogen can also cause the pelvic muscles, which are responsible for maintaining bladder control, to weaken, eventually resulting in incontinence. Women who have had hysterectomies may experience these issues to an even greater extent because the surgery itself will affect pelvic floor muscles.

What kinds of bladder control problems can happen with menopause?

Bladder problems during menopause can take several forms:

Urge Incontinence: When you have to go, you have to go now.
Overactive Bladder: You have to go all the time, and defined as a problem if you need to go more than eight times in a 24-hour period. This is especially problematic if you have pre-existing issues like insomnia.
Stress Incontinence: That good hard laugh or unexpected sneeze can result in an unwelcomed wetness just when you least expect it.

The good news is that there are ways to lessen the impact of roller-coaster hormones. The data on hormone replacement therapy is not conclusive, but some women feel like they have more control after starting hormones. Dietary changes and pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) may also be helpful.

Do you have any comments or questions about hormone levels and incontinence? Visit our incontinence and menopause forum thread to discuss this with people just like you!

Hollister Adapt Barrier Rings: 7805

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on February 21, 2015 under Ostomy Care | Be the First to Comment

Have you ever found that ostomy paste stings your skin? Or that your skin contours make it difficult to apply a skin barrier? Then these Adapt Barrier Rings from Hollister are for you. You can find them on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com!

This item is similar to paste in that is can be used to fill in uneven skin around your stoma. This is ideal when trying to create a flat surface to apply your skin barriers. There are two sizes, two inches (the 7805) and four inches (the 7806) in outer diameter. While we sell both items, Hollister has found that most people prefer the two inch size, as it is so moldable it can stretch to fit most stomas, even ones that are not round.

To use the barrier ring, first, take it out of its plastic container. Then, remove the release liners from both sides of the item. Keeping in mind that there is no “top” or “bottom,” of the ring, go ahead and stretch it a bit, until you get the fit and size you’re looking for. At this point, you can either apply it to your skin (it’s just tacky enough to stay on your skin before applying your skin barrier) or apply it directly to the skin barrier, on the adhesive side. You can also use two rings, stacked, if that helps you to get a better fit. To remove, just gently peel the item off your skin .

Now let’s take a look at some of the reviews that have been written about the 7805: “Shapes to fit perfectly around the opening I have to cut,” is great to hear. And this review gives a great tip! “I cut these in half and use them to fill in around my stoma where it is sunken in. I have used other tapes but these are perfect and flexible to fit right where I need them to!”