Page 11 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - February 2019- 26-02
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can “hold it” until we are ready to visit a bathroom. We take for granted that this is how it will be for the rest of our lives. But, incontinence of the bladder, bowel, or both, can be a problem for adults of any age. It may start as just an occasional thing, brought on by a hard sneeze or vigorous laugh, for instance. Women often blame incontinence on childbirth.
Biofeedback is a process in which electronic monitoring is used to retrain individuals to once again regain control of their bowel function. We meet private- ly with the patient, reviewing his or her history, including, but not limited to, hab- its surrounding diet, lifestyle, and bowel movements. We use a technique to help the patient relax, focus on the weakened muscles and attempt to strengthen those muscles through exercise. There are three sessions involved over a seven to eight week period with a daily homework component.
The truth is that anyone with weak- ened pelvic floor muscles, regardless of gender, can find themselves dealing with incontinence.
As the process moves forward, elec- tromyography (EMG), a diagnostic pro- cedure used to assess muscle strength,
is used to measure pelvic floor muscles. Diaries are kept by the patient to evaluate their progress. After the seven to eight week period, final measurements are taken and compared to the start of treat- ment. Biofeedback is especially helpful if the pelvic floor is only slightly weakened and there is no injury to the area.
Bronson
Senior Times - February 2019
Page 11
LEARN
CLASSES AND EVENTS
Baby Basics/Grandparents 101
Wednesdays, January 30 and February 6, 6 to 9 p.m. Bronson Battle Creek Outpatient Center
300 North Ave., Battle Creek
$30. Great class for both expectant parents and grandparents to learn the basics of baby care and safety. To register visit, bronsonhealth.com/classes or call (800) 451-6310.
Put a Stop to Your Hip Pain!
Tuesday, February 5, noon. to 1 p.m. Boxed lunch served at 11:30 a.m. Tekonsha Township Building
127 E. Jackson Dr., Tekonsha
Free. Dr. Phillip Dabrowski of Bronson Orthopedic Specialists will discuss hip pain treatment options, including the anterior approach to hip replacement. Registration required. To register, visit bronsonhealth.com/classes or
call (269) 441-0948.
Free Vein Screening
Friday, February 8, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Bronson Vein Clinic
363 Fremont St., Suite 101, Battle Creek
Free. Appointments are required. If you have medical or cosmetic vein problems, get a free screening today! Visit bronsonhealth.com/veins or call (269) 341-7333.
What is Robotic-assisted Knee Replacement?
Wednesday, February 20, noon to 1 p.m. Boxed lunch served at 11:30 a.m.
Trinity Episcopal Church
101 E. Mansion St., Marshall
Free. Dr. Phillip Dabrowski of Bronson Orthopedic Specialists will discuss what’s involved with knee joint replacement and one of the newest surgical techniques using robotic-assisted technology. Put an end to your knee pain! To register, visit bronsonhealth.com/classes or call (269) 441-0948.
Path to SuccessTM
Start dates and times vary, call for details
Bronson Bariatric & Metabolic Specialists
7901 S. 12th St., Portage
This 12-week medically supervised weight management program focuses on reducing hunger, controlling cravings, and increasing energy levels. Requires a referral from your provider and require- ment to meet with our providers throughout the program. $599, includes a starter kit of Celebrate nutrition products and free body composition analysis. For more information, call (269) 341-8900.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Stroke Survivor Support Group
Thursday, February 21, 1 to 2 p.m.
Battle Creek Family YMCA
182 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek
A place to share information, experiences and emotional support about a stroke you experienced. Group meets every third Thursday of the month. Free. Visit bronsonhealth.com/classes or call (269) 441-0957.
bronsonhealth.com
BATTLE CREEK
By: Beverly Russell, Physician Assistant
OVERCOMING FECAL INCONTINENCE
Most of us don’t think about inconti- nence beyond the first few years of life. When our babies begin to grow, one of the earliest things we teach them is how to control and retain urine or a stool until they can get to a bathroom. Toilet train- ing is often thought of as a process that we all go through and then put behind us. We believe we have “graduated” from diapers, wipes, and extra sets of clothing, free to go about life knowing that we
effects that can lead to incontinence. Side effects vary widely and can be different from person to person. Don’t discount the possibility.
If an individual has not had a colonos- copy recently, this may be a next step. A colonoscopy can be used to rule out any other underlying causes, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or colitis. Once pathology has been ruled out, we often move on to biofeedback.
Sadly, incontinence has had a taboo status. Individuals living with inconti- nence often suffer in silence, feeling a societal pressure to simply not speak of it. People learn to carry extra undergar- ments and wear pads or adult diapers. They think of it as something they must silently bear alone. Fear of embarrass- ment or being ostracized can lead some individuals to confine themselves to their homes.
If no improvement is made after the biofeedback process, we can investigate the use of InterStim® Therapy. InterStim acts as a pacemaker for the sphincter, assisting in bowel control. InterStim can provide a life-changing difference for both men and women who struggle with bowel control.
While solutions for urinary conti- nence are being discussed more publicly, discussions about bowel incontinence remain largely unaddressed. There is
a real need to begin the conversation around fecal incontinence and let people know that there is help. There are solu- tions.
The good news is that there are a number of options available that may offer freedom from the embarrassment and inconvenience of incontinence. If you or someone you know is living with fecal incontinence and would like more information about treatment options, speak with your doctor or contact us at the Bronson Center for Colon & Rectal Diseases at (269) 441-1771 to schedule an appointment.
When I review a patient’s medical his- tory and they have checked the “incon- tinence” box, I always ask “urine, stool, or both.” Getting someone to admit they have an issue is half the battle. Once that hurdle is behind us, I can begin to share possible solutions.
As our first step, I always ask if they have had a previous conversation with their primary care provider. A discussion of symptoms and medications can be enlightening. Medications can have side
Beverly Russell, PA-C, is a physician assistant at Bronson Center for Colon & Rectal Diseases. She sees patients at both their Battle Creek and Marshall offices.
compassion
105 Capital Ave., NE • 269-962-5527 • www.farleyestesdowdle.com
BATTLE CREEK | AUGUSTA | RICHLAND


































































































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