Coming Clean on Personal Hygiene: The Luxe Bidet – Chronic Illness Blogger

"I have been given this product as part of a product review through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company. "

Little did I know when I wrote the blog on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Coming Clean on A Dirty Little Secret, that I would be writing a blog from a different perspective, one of “coming clean” on personal hygiene.  

Personal hygiene means a great deal to those of us with irritable bladder, irritable bowel or other chronic illness disorders, such as immune deficiency or inflammatory bowel disease. Those of us with bowel problems, particularly those causing bowel hypermobility or other disorders, such as vulvodynia or interstitial cystitis know how important rituals of cleanliness are to our health. Accelerated bowel movement also interferes with nutrient absorption, again putting us at risk for infection.

For me, an irritable bowel attack leaves my bottom side raw and sore, breaking down my first line of defense, skin. The attack itself is very painful and the consequences are uncomfortable to say the least. Having interstitial cystitis and having IBS increases the risk of bacterial going where it should not causing frequent urinary tract infections. Personal hygiene is a priority to minimizing a great deal of collateral damage and pain from IBS.

Why is a bidet a good choice?

The Luxe Bidet (Neo 185) negates excessive wiping of watery stools that have high concentrations of digestive chemicals from the small bowel. Every boxcar of this runaway train is packed with juices that when moved into other portions of the bowel cause cramping, contracting, and spastic bowel function during an irritable bowel or inflammatory bowel attack. They are rapidly delivered to areas they should not be. While these important digestive chemicals are integral to digestion in their own portion of the digestive track, they can wreak havoc when they are rapidly moved from the small bowel into the large bowel during a painful episode. The damage doesn't end with the attack, these chemicals also irritate and breakdown sensitive tissue around the rectum and other surrounding structures. We know that stinging pain and we know this opens us up to skin infection from bacteria and candida.

Having the Luxe Bidet Neo 185 not only makes things more comfortable and clean, it gives me peace of mind when everything else is out of control.

How does the bidet work?

The Luxe Bidet Neo 185 is a dual nozzle, fresh water, non-electric mechanical bidet attachment for the commode with one-touch pressure control. It has a guard gate,  a regular nozzle and feminine wash nozzle for rear wash and a more gentle frontal wash. The nozzles drop down and retract when it’s not being used. And, it cleans itself!

The stream of water is adjustable. I feel clean without having to take a shower. I don’t have to worry about getting a yeast infection from using too many wipes, and I no longer have to worry about lurking contaminants staying behind to wreak havoc later. And it’s affordable.  

Installation

Adding the bidet to your commode doesn’t require plumbing skills. It comes with everything you need for a do-it-yourself installation. The only extra things you need is a screwdriver and a wrench. And, there are installation Instructions you can download.  Generally, it should only take about 20 minutes. It took my husband a bit longer, but we are older and it took a bit to get the connection loose at the water supply.

You can learn more about the Neo 185 at Luxebidet.com.

In healing,,Celeste

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"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."  

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Freelance Writer at Health Central & ProHealth —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about Celeste’s books at her website or find links here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All answers and blogs are based on the author's opinions and writing and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

Axon Therapeutic Eyewear for Migraine and Blepharospam: Celeste’s Chronic Illness Blogger Review

"I have been given this product as part of a product review through the  Chronic Illness Bloggers network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company. "

According to the International Headache Society on beta 3 of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, migraine disease has many sub-types. But regardless of the type, many of us experience photophobia. A study published in the peer review journal, Cephalalgia, says approximately 80% of migraineurs experience light sensitivity during an attack. It is also estimated that up to 80% of people with blepharospasm, a facial movement disorder defined by eyelid twitching, experience the phenomenon due to bright light exposure. I happen to be in both groups. That’s why I was so excited to review “Axonoptics Therapeutic Eyewear”.

Studies show filtering out particular light rays contributing to photosensitivity reduces the number of migraines we experience. This is particularly important because these glasses are not the same as sunglasses, which I have used to help my photophobia. Axon glasses are different; they are therapeutic. 

When I first started wearing them, my usual squinting (even with sunglasses) stopped. During a migraine, the glasses really help too. Minimizing photophobia for me also means minimizing nausea and vomiting. I no longer worry about attending a conference or advocacy meeting in fear of the overhead lights triggering a migraine.

The glasses arrived in a handsome box, and a well-designed durable case.  

You can get other frames, send in your own, and get the lenses in your prescription. The frames I got are the Axon Optics JURA - Migraine Glasses for Migraine Relief and Light Sensitivity Relief. They are a stylish, classic, lightweight, unisex style spring frame, meaning they will hug your face without causing undue pressure. I must admit, the universal size scared me a bit at first, but the glasses fit my face with comfort. I hardly know there.

According to Axontherapeutics there are certain things to be considered, which I read before doing this review.

• They can be used every day.
• While the rose tint is not dark, which I love, they are not endorsed for night driving as a safety concern, and no research has been done to know if it would help.
• These lenses are indicated for migraine, light sensitivity, photophobia, blepharospasm, glare, eyestrain or irritation, headaches and traumatic brain injury.
• There are no limitations on how often they are worn.
• The FL-41 lenses have a premium coating that is anti-smudge, anti-moisture, and anti-scratch and block 100% UVA and UVB rays.
• The lenses I got are ideal for when using electronics, such as a computer or television, and protect against flickering or irritating light patterns. They are not indicated for outside because they aren’t dark (they do filter UV rays), but I find dark lenses give me eye strain and intensify my dry eye, so for me they are good for both inside and out, but if you need a dark lens, they also have outdoor lens for use as sunglasses.  

For me, it doesn’t matter if the sun is shining brightly or the sky is thick with clouds, I am sensitive, so even though I got the indoor tint, I also wear them when driving and enjoy knowing my eyes are protected from UV light rays, which can damage anyone's eyes. You might prefer a darker tint for sunglasses, but regardless of your preference, it is reassuring to know that photosensitivity  can now be minimized.

As migraineurs, we seek whatever means available to prevent and treat this horrific disease. And, I am happy to report these glasses are reducing blepharospasm, bringing relief from the incessant distraction of twitching eyelids. 

In healing,,Celeste

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."  

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Freelance Writer at Health Central & ProHealth —Advocate

Melissa Swanson Interview: An Advocate’s Journey Cont’d

Advocate - Melissa Swanson

In part one of my interview, Melissa Swanson: A Rite of Passage with Fibromyalgia, we learned how Fibro Warriors ~ Living Life came to be.  Now we will explore how she became a leader, an advocate, a writer, a certified fibromyalgia coach, and author. 

Celeste: What have you done to promote awareness of fibromyalgia? 

Melissa: I am a co-leader of an in-person fibromyalgia support group and an online support group, Fibro Warriors Facebook page. Our group now has over 18,000+ likes.

I began writing for FibroModem's emag, Living Well with Fibromyalgia, March 2013.

In 2014, I attended the Leader Against Pain Action Network training program in Salt Lake City, sponsored by the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association (NFMCPA) and began volunteering as an advocate.

In the past two years, I secured a proclamation from Wisconsin Governor, Scott Walker, declaring May 12th National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. I wrote for the NFMCPA's newsletter Advocate Voice and worked as a volunteer at the TAP conference sponsored by the NFMCPA in Washington, D.C. And, I helped host NFMCPA’s first annual Together Walk. 

In June 2015, I was hired as a contributing writer at ProHealth.com.

Last summer, my daughter and I traveled to Boston so I could Interview former New England Patriots NFL player, Dominique Easley and his 16 year old sister, Destinee, who has fibromyalgia. We attended the kids training camp orchestrated by Easley and several of his teammates to raise funds for fibromyalgia research. Finding balance between work and play, my daughter and I went whale watching, toured Salem, and waded in the ocean. As daughter and mother, we learned and shared together because of this unique experience.

Celeste: How have you expanded your support role?

Melissa: I love to teach others how to help themselves, so I attended the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute and became a Certified Fibromyalgia Advisor. I wrote about my experience in a ProHealth article, Everyone needs a Coach in their corner.

Celeste: What can others do to help support and encourage their friends and family?

Melissa: This is a message to friends and families. If you know someone who has a chronic pain illness, don't assume the person feels good because they don't look bad. Fibromyalgia, and some of its sidekicks, is invisible. When you ask how your friend feels, validate what they tell you; otherwise, she/he may feel you have become desensitized to what we experience. What we need to hear is that you believe us.

Don't give up on us! Just because we have turned down your last 5 invitations, it doesn't mean we don't want to spend time with you. For instance, I have one non-fibromite friend who has learned I can't go to coffee at 9 a.m. She knows I probably won't say yes to a long day of shopping. Instead, we may meet at 10:00 for coffee or we arrange to sit in the sun and chat.

A great way to support your chronic pain friend or family member is to share your life struggles or concerns, and be willing to share what you need for support too. When you do this, we feel needed and you understand why it is important to have mutual support, such as listening when we tell you about fibromyalgia and advances that are important to us. It is mutual sharing and caring that helps a good relationship become great.

Remember, asking small favors such as, can you turn off the light downstairs, drop off a book, or cook a favorite meal can be stressful depending on the circumstances surrounding the moment. The hallmark of fibromyalgia is its unpredictability. One day, one hour, we may be perfectly able to do an errand, but in the next moment, we are not. And, please don’t ask why, because we don’t know the answer. We are not faking it, and when we feel you don’t remember our character is the same, it chips away at our independence.

Lastly, don't be surprised if you text your friend and she/he does’t need any help. We still have good days, even great days, depending on how we are coping in the moment. What’s important is that you took the time to ask and make the offer.

Celeste: What is in your future?

Melissa: My first children's book is to be published this summer.

Celeste: Here is a brief introduction to Ravyn's Doll: How to explain fibromyalgia to your child. 

All the kids in class made paper dolls to show how someone they love is hurt or is sick. When it's Ravyn's turn, she shows a paper doll of her mom — and she looks perfectly fine!  Ravyn tells  her classmates that even though her mom looks healthy, she’s not! Her mom suffers from an invisible illness called fibromyalgia and its evil sidekicks.

 "Ravyn’s Doll helps children understand an invisible, 

chronic illness and explain it to others." 

~Jan Chambers, 

President of the National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association

I am so excited about this book. It is truly different from anything else available, and it is needed. I am honored to have the opportunity to give a review, which you can read when the book is published. Please join me in wishing Melissa great success as a soon to be published author. Congrats, my friend and thank you!

Conclusion

I did this interview because I wanted you to know more about Melissa. When she first asked if I could help as a mentor, I had no idea how rewarding that would become for me.

Not everyone has the same talents, and what a blessing that is. If you are an advocate in waiting, don’t dawdle; reach out the way Melissa did. You have something to share and it’s important that we keep the torch lit.

“Everyone has been made for some particular work,

and the desire for that work has been put in every heart.”

~Rumi

I am so proud of Melissa’s achievements, but most of all, I am proud of the example she sets for her daughter on overcoming obstacles, turning them into triumphs. This is a lesson we can all learn and carry with us throughout life.  

You can subscribe to Melissa’s blog, Fibro Warriors ~ Living Life, to receive current news and information on giveaways.

fibrowarriorslivinglife.com

Besides being a staunch advocate and a National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association Leader Against Pain Melissa is a Chronic Illness Blogger and contributing writer at Prohealth. You can connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."  

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Health Central Chronic Pain Pro —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about what you can do to help your body function to its potential in the books you can find here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All answers and blogs are based on the author's opinions and writing and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

Melissa Swanson: A Rite of Passage with Fibromyalgia

The spring months bring with them a plethora of advocacy opportunities for chronic illness awareness. In my blog, May Awareness: Sharing Our Spoons, you can see the number of disorders recognized, and June is awareness month for migraine. I bring this to your attention as an introduction to a very important interview. My friend, Melissa Swanson, fellow writer, and advocate who lives with fibromyalgia, migraine, and what she calls the “evil sidekicks” of fibromyalgia speaks with me about her experience as an advocate and shares great examples of how diversion and helping others has become her flagship for survival.

Celeste: How did you become an advocate?

Melissa: My journey with fibromyalgia officially began in 2009, although I had several of the underlying symptoms for 20 years prior to my diagnosis.  I spent most of my free time searching internet websites and Facebook (FB), hoping to get tips from those living with fibromyalgia and what I call its “evil sidekicks”. What I found was discouraging. I thought my future would consist of a wheelchair, spending most of my time in bed, and giving up all activities with our daughter. What I wanted--and needed--were words of encouragement and hope.

I became friends with a fibromite, and endearing term we use to describe those who are part of the fibromyalgia community. Laura and I were both struggling with the negativity surrounding fibromyalgia and felt a need for positive behavior reinforcement and reputable medical information. At the time, I was already blogging about my personal journey. Laura convinced me that other's would want to know they were not alone and on September 16th, 2012, the Fibro Warriors ~ Living Life Facebook page was born. It has since blossomed into a support group that strive to help others understand what it means to “LIVE LIFE” with fibromyalgia.

As it continued to grow, so did I. I started contacting experts in the chronic pain community, reaching out to them for help in promoting accurate information. That’s when the dragonfly was born.

Dragonflies have always amazed me. They start to grow in water and then move into the air and fly. They have to adapt to their changing environment. In many cultures, the dragonfly symbolizes the change necessary for reaching your full potential. I strive to live my life like a dragonfly.

Celeste: How has this enriched your life?

Melissa: I have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with incredible people. I have friends around the country that have become family. I value the time I spend with my daughter doing "normal" mom-daughter activities, and I have found ways to enhance the quality of my life by what I do.

Celeste: How has your advocacy helped to divert your attention?

Melissa: I have a perfect example. I am a co-leader of a support group that meets Saturday's from 10 a.m - 12 noon in Golden Valley, MN. I was asked to run the April meeting. I was prepared for the meeting but when Friday arrived, I began to dread getting up early to make the Saturday morning commute, one hour each way. That morning I was exhausted and in pain, but the minute I arrived at the meeting I was filled with an adrenaline rush. The excitement of seeing other members, the discussions that ensued, and the gratitude others expressed made it all worth it. The good feeling lasted even after my hour drive home and my hour nap.   

I have found that when I am researching, writing, creating a picture, texting a friend in need, working with a new client or a project with the NFMCPA, I am focused on helping others. All these things divert my attention from the pain, depression, and loneliness that comes with chronic pain illnesses.

Celeste: How does living with a chronic pain disorder improve your self-worth?

Melissa: That answer requires me to do some self-reflection. I have written poems and mini-stories since I was in high school. In my senior year in high school, I was on the yearbook committee and my 25-year reunion story was used. Only my closest friends knew it was me that wrote it. I did not have the self-confidence to share my work, because I was afraid of what people would think. Like most of us, I was terrified to give speeches in high school or college. But now that I am an advocate, I focus on the message instead of what others think. I now have strength and confidence to speak out for millions of others facing the same problems. I find a sense of worth by being supportive of others who contact me. I have learned that by sharing my stories, others know they are not alone.  At our last support group meeting, I ran a short session of laughter yoga.  It is possibly the most ridiculous thing I have ever done, but I felt none of the usual anxieties because I knew that everyone there, despite their apprehension in participating, would have ten minutes to escape their worries through diversion and mood elevation.

Celeste : How do you feel writing a blog has helped you?

Melissa: I feel blogging about my experiences and my personal truths provides a platform from within. As a person who was self-conscious about sharing, I now find it liberating. ChronicPainDisorders.com and Healthline have both named Fibro Warriors ~ Living Life as one of the "Best Fibromyalgia Blogs".

I am honored that Healthline said this about my blog:  “This Blog has just about everything you need to read on the pain and exhaustion brought on by the illness. Look for treatments, must-reads, facts, and more. This married, full-time working mom is a true warrior against the debilitation's of fibro.”

To Be Continued

I know how difficult it is to hold our attention and I want you to hear all about Melissa’s journey, so we will pick up where we left off in "Melissa Swanson Interview: An Advocates Journey" where Melissa continues to share her role as advocate, writer, and the road she now travels.

You can subscribe to Melissa's  blog, Fibro Warriors ~ Living Life, to receive current news and information on giveaways.

fibrowarriorslivinglife.com

Besides being a staunch advocate and a National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association Leader Against Pain Melissa is a Chronic Illness Blogger and contributing writer at Prohealth. You can connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

Stay tuned!

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."  

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Health Central Chronic Pain Pro —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about what you can do to help your body function to its potential in the books you can find here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All answers and blogs are based on the author's opinions and writing and are not meant to replace medical advice.