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From: Joe.Chamberlain@f140.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: the art of external catheters
Message-ID: <16104@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 3 Dec 90 21:35:28 GMT
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Index Number: 12189

 JB> Because of this toileting problem, I stick close to home.  
 JB> I am also desperately seeking a relationship. 
 JB>  My shrinks say as you do that in  order to
 JB> find a special someone, I have to socialize more. 
 JB> same socialization could cause a great deal of embarrassment
 JB> if the dreaded "stomach ache" rears its ugly self.
     
 JB> What does someone in my situation do?  I can't be socially 
 JB> comfortable if I have to drag a home attendant or relativ
 JB> along to help in the bathroom, yet
 JB> without such support, I can't socialize.  What do others in this 
 JB> predicament do?
     
        The first time it happened to me I was embarrassed beyond 
words.  This was in a college classroom and I developed explosive 
diarrea.

        That was more than 30 years ago.  Today I have learned to 
manage a good bowel routine.  I eat a balanced diet, with plenty 
of vegetables.  However, I avoid beans, corn, and other foods 
which will produce irregularity. I don't try to go every day, but 
rather every other day in the evening after dinner.  I avoid 
stool softeners and suppostories, but do use them occassionally.  
I also drink lots of liquids, at least a gallon a day.

        Each person has too develop their own routine.  Every 
day, every other day, or even every third day.  Morning or 
evening.  With or without suppostories.  With or without a stool 
softener.  You can develop a good routine even to the degree of 
safety to allow you to work.  I taught elementary school for 5 
years and never missed more than my allotted 10 days of sick 
leave.  

        Nothing is foolproof, but you can lessen the chances of 
an accident.  The other thing you need to realize is that 
everyone elso has these needs too.  The difference is we need 
help.  There were many times when I made my quick excuses and 
departed for home where there was the necessary help.  

        Hope this helps.
                                -=joe=-

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