Are you confined to a wheelchair? Do you know anybody confined to a wheelchair? Is it hard for you to get up and down from the toilet seat? Do you like to be independent? Do you like to travel? Does urinating make this impossible and embarrassing for you? If your answer is yes, read on.

A few years ago I had emergency surgery on my knees and I could not walk for a few months. I never felt so helpless in my life. In the past I was always able to jump out of bed and go to the bathroom on my own without any trouble. When I was wheelchair bound I felt like a rolling dead person. My independence was snatched away from me.

Suddenly, I needed assistance to just get in and out of bed. I had to be assisted into a wheelchair where I spent my entire day until I was helped back into bed at night.

I required help to get to the bathroom every time nature called. Something so ordinary and simple had turned into a major production, especially since I lived in a mobile home.

SUDDENLY HANDICAPPED. HELP!

The most embarrassing problem was just going to the bathroom. I had to lose my dignity when someone else had to help me stand, disrobe, and help me sit down onto the toilet. I felt humiliated and helpless.

When I needed assistance, I had to call a friend who came over for potty patrol. I was not completely useless. I had my mind, my hands and arms. All I was missing were my legs.

My friend had to wheel me down this long narrow hallway and then squeeze me into a small bathroom which was never designed for a wheelchair. I had to hobble painfully a few steps and then I had to be partially lifted onto the commode.

DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?

SECRET:

I was lucky. I remembered back to when I was younger and used to transport my elderly aunt to her doctors appointments. She used this little external urinal that enabled her to stand and urinate, or she could use it while sitting in her wheelchair.

I remember when she first learned about this new fantastic, small urinal that drastically changed her life. It was a device made for women that can be slid inside your clothes and had a tube that slipped into a reusable vinyl bag.

I called her about my problem and she told me where it could be purchased. I ordered it immediately, and re-entered the human race.

Presto, now the deed is done right from my wheelchair and nobody needs to know. I can do it by myself without assistance.

I CAN URINATE BY MYSELF FROM MY WHEELCHAIR WITHOUT ASSISTANCE! YES!!!

I CAN URINATE BY MYSELF WHILE IN MY OWN BED AT NIGHT WITHOUT EVEN HAVING TO GET OUT. YES!!!

I had the long tubing run into a jar during the night and I could urinate easily and freely without leaving my bed.

AIRPLANE TRIP:

During my last month confined to my wheelchair I had to make an unexpected trip by airplane to see my sister. I at first panicked for the simple reason I did not know how I was going to urinate while on the plane.

After a few minutes I realized I could use my little urinal device discretely in my airplane seat and nobody would ever be the wiser.

I covered my lap with a blanket, used the collector bag, tied the neck into a knot, and when done, put it into the barf bag and asked the flight attendant to dispose of it. She asked if I was feeling better, and with a big sigh, I could honestly say yes.

OUT OF CHAIR, INTO LIFE.

When I was able to walk again, I still had difficulty getting up and down from the seat. This time I had the answer. I could stand and go using my little secret.

WOMENS ANSWER TO MANS ONLY ADVANTAGE!

REASONS WHY YOU NEED A URINAL:

1. It slips discreetly under clothes and has a tube which directs the flow into a vinyl disposable/reusable bag.

2. It is external, easy to manage, and small enough to fit in your purse.

3. It gives you independence during the day and night.

4. You do not need to be lifted out of your wheelchair to use.

5. When in a store or restaurant you can use your urinal and aim the plastic tubing into the toilet.

6. Can be used sitting in your seat on an airplane.

7. Can be used sitting in your seat in a car.

8. Can be used in bed by attaching a long hose to disposable plastic bags or jar.

9. Can stand and urinate.

10. Can be used by adults and children.

THIS CAN BE USED ANYPLACE, ANYTIME

WOMEN! WAKE UP:

All women and some men need to know about this device and how it can help people with difficulty toileting. Become independent in this tremendously important part of your daily living.

Thank you for reading my article. Please let me hear from you.

Copyright 2006 Linda Meckler