Incontinence on the Continent
Posted by Polly Lyman on Feb 3rd, 2008
God, I just love the French language. It's so poetic. The French word for bladder incontinence is une fuite urinaire (fweet oo-ree-nair). To me, that sounds like a lilting piano melody. French is just sublime! Instead of a weak bladder, you say you have une faiblesse urinaire. Hmm. Isn't that the title of a Perrault fairy tale? Instead of Depends, there is a lovely line of products called Tena. In my book, Tena sounds like a garden party invitation, not an adult diaper.
Think about it. When that embarrassing sneeze catches your undergarments just a bit off guard, wouldn't you rather say "Oops, I've got a little fuite urinaire. Anyone have a spare Tena?"
But here's the amazing thing I've learned. One method of treatment available for incontinence and other gynecological muscle problems in France is a little device called KEAT (pronounced kay-ot). It actually looks like a vibrating tampon, but it is for what the French call rééducation périnéale à domicile. Thirty minutes a day for a month and you're pipi-free.
You've just gotta adore French. A most mellifluous and charming language. There's no question that it sounds so much more elegant to say "I'm doing some rééducation périnéale à domicile" than "I gotta go home and do my kegel exercises."
Oui Oui!
at 9:20 a.m.
Loved the article, didn't think incontience could sound so good. My patients will love it when I say do you have "une
fuite urinaire" or are you wearing your "Tena" today.
at 8:44 a.m.
Hi Polly. Nobody is home but when I read your article, I was laughing out loud. I probably scared the neighbors. "Call 911. Our neighbor is having a heart attack!"
My daughter and I have a blog that deals with boomer issues to boomerang issues (her generation). I will be referring to your blog quite a bit because I have not found a better source in the blogosphere than BoomerGirl. Thanks for the chuckle -- guffaw!
Cheers,
Beckie
cathy
at 11:14 a.m.
Polly, we've had a request from a reader - do you know if they sell a KEAT-like device in the U.S.?
Thanks,
Cathy