Spring 2022 Newsletter-compressed

Affinity News Memberofthe

Issue 7 - Spring 2022

Accessible Activities for Wheelchair Users Page 11 TCreaTrrvatveiefillCceartitfiecate Page 7

Seasonal Recipe Page 7 FREETrPaHvOelNAEd0v8ic0e0P9a9g9e 585-996

Tel: +44 (0)1604 588 090

Product News Page 14

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3 Colouring Fun Page 16

Travel Crossw4ord Page 13 8 9

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11 13
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14 15

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Inside this issue

3 Welcome from our Director and General Manager Kim Taylor + Bladder Health UK
Charity Fundraising Events 2022
4-5 Cauda Equina Syndrome
6 New Product Guide
7 Travel with confidence - Travel Certificate + Seasonal Recipe – Rocky Road
8-9 Travel Advice
10 Travel FAQ’s
11 Fun Outdoor & Indoor Activities for Wheelchair Bound Users
12 The Team at Manfred Sauer
13 Travel Crossword
14 Product focus – ISC Catheters/Sheaths
15 We would love to hear from you/social media
16 Spring colouring fun

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2022 12 13

Continence Systems 3 Crossword
Product Guide 4
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11 10 5 89
7
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11 13
12
14 15

Kim Taylor - Dear Reader, Carol our Nursing Services Manager
Director & General Manager has written an article on Cauda Equina
Welcome to the Spring 2022 edition of Syndrome, which is a form of spinal
Affinity News! cord injury and is a rare condition which
I hope you have all been enjoying the affects between 1-3 people in every
lovely Spring sunshine, it is so uplifting to 100,000 of the population.
see all the daffodils, snowdrops, and tree You will find our Bladder Health UK
blossom flourishing. charity fundraising calendar enclosed,
We have lots of exciting news to share we hope that you will be able to support
with you, in this edition we launch our us by participating, organising your
travel certificate. This booklet is designed own fundraising event, sponsoring the
to assist you when travelling abroad as Manfred Sauer team or by selecting
it explains that you are carrying medical Bladder Health UK as your Smile
appliances in your hand luggage and account when shopping with Amazon.
main luggage due to having a medical We hope you enjoy reading this edition
condition. The information is translated of Affinity News.
into many different languages to assist Kind regards
you in non-UK airports.
Whilst we are talking travel, we have also Kim Taylor
included travel advice and frequently
asked questions, so there is no reason
why you can’t book that holiday, whether
it’s in the UK or abroad.

Bladder Health UK Charity Fundraising Events 2022

Month Event How you can get involved

May Marathon in May Walk, jog, run 26.2 miles in the month of May and donate your
sponsorship money.
Jun Queens Jubilee Celebrations
Jul Car Boot /Garage Sale Cake Sale, Afternoon Tea, Fancy Dress whatever you fancy to help
Aug Guess the Baby raise vital funds for our charity of the year.

Sep Coffee Morning & Bake Off Hold a car boot or garage sale and donate the profits.
Baby pictures will go into the summer edition of our Newsletter.
Oct Halloween Costume £2.00 to enter and guess who is who from the Manfred Sauer team.
Competition Hold a coffee morning/bake off with friends, family, or a club you attend

Nov Quiz Night & Raffle and donate the proceeds.
Enter our Halloween Costume Competition.
Dec Xmas Raffle
Hold a quiz night or raffle with friends, family, or a club you attend

TBA

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Cauda Equina Syndrome

What is it? Cauda Equina Syndrome is a relatively rare condition, and it is
estimated to affect between 1 and 3 people in every 100,000 of
Cauda Equina means ‘Horse’s Tail’ in Latin. the population. However, symptoms should not be ignored.
At the lower end of the spine is a bundle of nerve Cauda Equina is usually an acute condition but occasionally it
roots called the cauda equina, so named as it can be chronic with the slow progression of symptoms such as:
resembles a Horse’s Tail. The nerves running out of l Bladder problems e.g., urinary retention or urinary
the cauda equina control the bladder, bowel, sexual incontinence
and lower limb function. l Bowel problems
Cauda Equina Syndrome is a collection of symptoms l Changes in sexual function
which occur due to compression or damage to the l Searing lower back pain that can travel down the legs
cauda equina. It can happen for several reasons, l Saddle Anaesthesia - numbness & tingling in the
such as disc prolapse, narrowing of the spinal canal, buttocks, genitalia and inner thighs
surgical complications, tumours, infection or trauma. l Weakness or paralysis in the legs and/or feet
It is a form of spinal cord injury.
This in turn can lead to a variety of symptoms that
must be faced and managed correctly.

Bladder Function Bowel Function:

l Alteration in sensation of the need to pass l Can include an alteration or loss in sensation of the
urine need to pass wind or stool (liquid or solid).
l Difficulty controlling or stopping urination l May lose the ability to stop a bowel motion resulting
leading to incontinence in faecal incontinence
l Difficulty initiating passing urine l Changes in stool consistency - increased frequency
l Incomplete bladder emptying leading to or constipation
urinary retention l Lack of regularity
l Poor urinary stream
l Straining to pass urine Back pain:

Changes in Sexual Function: l May be caused by nerve damage (neuropathic pain)
l May be because of damage to muscles or joints
Men: l There are often several causes
l Neuropathic pain in particular, may not go away,
l Altered or absent sensation in the penis even long after injury
l Erectile dysfunction l Sciatica type pain
l Difficulty in ejaculating or achieving orgasm
Saddle Anaesthesia:
Women:
l May present as partial loss, such as pins and
l Absent or altered genital sensation needles, or complete absence and numbness in
l Difficulty in arousal and/or achieving orgasm your “saddle” area or legs
l Reduced lubrication l Weakness in legs or feet, especially when rising
l Reduced pelvic floor function from a sitting position
l Difficulties using certain feminine l The skin should be checked regularly to ensure
hygiene products problems such as pressure sores aren’t developing

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Diagnosis of Cauda Equina is accomplished with full medical and physical examination, plus tests
such as an MRI scan, CT scan and Myelogram. The earlier the diagnosis the better!

Treatments Mobility and everyday activities:

The main aim of any treatment is to relieve l Difficulties with walking is common due to muscle weakness and pain
the pressure on the spinal nerves to l Everyday tasks may be more difficult due to pain, numbness
restore sensation and muscle function to and weakness
the bladder, bowel, and legs. l Physiotherapy can be a benefit and an exercise programme may help
Surgery is often required and may be in to alleviate certain problems
the form of a discectomy for a herniated l Some hospitals will have a specialist neurological physiotherapist
disc (removes the portion of the disc who can be accessed via a GP referral
that is compressing the nerves) or spinal l Occupational Therapy can also help, with assessment for
decompression for stenosis (removes the equipment such as shower chairs, stools, grab rails and so on
bone spurs and ligaments compressing l A RADAR key can enable access to hundreds of disabled toilets
the nerves). across the country. These can be purchased but most prescription
delivery services offer them free of charge as does Manfred Sauer Care
Do not suffer in silence l Driving – once diagnosed, anyone wishing to return to driving
must undergo an assessment through their local driving assessment
Suffering any form of spinal cord centre
injury, including cauda equina, can be l www.drivingmobility.org.uk may be of use
an extremely traumatic and emotional l The DVLA and insurance company must be informed prior to returning
experience. It is important that the to driving
sufferer gets to talk to someone about l If a Blue badge is required, it can be applied for via the local council
their problems and feelings, and it may and they will carry out the necessary assessments
also help to chat with a fellow sufferer.

Spinal cord
Cauda equina
(horses tail)

Further support:

https://caudaequinauk.org.uk -
A voice for those affected by
Cauda Equina Syndrome in the UK
https://www.spinal.co.uk –
Spinal Injuries Association

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2022 Continence Systems Product Guide

We’re just putting the finishing touches to our new product guide. 20 pages of information about every single one of our
products including descriptions, sizes, quantities, order codes and PIP codes (for pharmacies). To get your copy, contact
our helpline today - 01604 595 696 or [email protected]

2022

Continence Systems
Product Guide

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Travel with confidence Travel
Certificate
Welcome to our new Travel Certificate. We have designed this document
to make travelling abroad easier for you. FREEPHONE 0800 999 5596
Essentially it confirms the following information: Tel: +44 (0)1604 588 090
l Your personal details
l Your healthcare professional details
l Your specialist nurse details
l Your medical appliances
It also confirms you have a medical condition and lists the products you
need to manage it. Furthermore, it refers to any appliances that may be
attached to your body, or that you are carrying in either your hand or
main luggage.
The Travel Certificate also spells out the fact that if it is necessary
to examine any of the equipment, a qualified medical practitioner
should be present as any interference may cause leakage, discomfort
and embarrassment to the wearer. It also stresses that some of the
appliances must not be removed or opened.
Finally, it’s multi-lingual including, Polish, French, Italian, Spanish
and German.
For more information, or to order a copy, please call the helpline on
01604 595 696 or email [email protected]

Easy Rocky Road INGREDIENTS

Great for travelling or as an • 200g digestive biscuits (Rich Tea can also be used)
afternoon treat to enjoy with a • 135g butter or margarine
cuppa, this rocky road is quick • 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa works best)
to make and uses mainly store • 2-3 tbsp golden syrup
cupboard ingredients. • 100g mini marshmallows (chopped regular marshmallows work too)
• icing sugar, to dust
Preparation time: Optional (up to 100g in total) Raisins, dried cranberries or any dried fruit, nuts,
15 mins popcorn, fudge or honeycomb broken into pieces.
Cooking time:
5 mins (+ chilling) METHOD
Serves 12
1. Grease and line an 18cm square brownie tin with baking paper.
2. Place 200g digestive biscuits in a freezer bag and bash with a rolling pin or
just the side of your fist until they’re broken into a mixture of everything
between dust and 50p-sized lumps. Set aside.
3. In a large saucepan melt 135g butter, or margarine, 200g dark chocolate
and 2-3 tbsp golden syrup over a gentle heat stirring constantly until there
are no or almost no more lumps of chocolate visible, then remove from the heat.
Leave to cool.
4. Take the biscuits, 100g mini marshmallows and up to 100g of additional
ingredients if you like and stir into the chocolate mixture until everything
is completely covered.
5. Tip the mixture into the lined baking tin and spread it out to the corners.
Chill for at least 2 hrs then dust with icing sugar and cut into 12 fingers.

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Travel Advice

Supplies: Airline & Customs:

1) Take enough supplies for your trip and at least an additional 2 days’ 1) Take a travel certificate with you,
worth, in case you are delayed, or you use more than expected due to a most manufacturers/home delivery
change in environment/climate and the food and drink you consume. services have one, this document
explains the reason you are carrying
2) Always take enough medical devices/supplies in your hand luggage medical equipment with you and is
to last at least 3-4 days, unfortunately, lost luggage when flying isn’t often translated into the most common
uncommon. languages.
2) Ask your healthcare professional
3) Try to take a copy of the Manufacturer instructions for use with you to for an open letter addressed `to whom
help explain the use of the medical devices you are carrying. it may concern’ which states what the
medical devices you are carrying are
4) Make sure you take the helpline number for your home delivery company used for and that if an examination
and manufacturer, so if you need additional supplies, it may be possible to is necessary that a qualified medical
have them sent directly to you. practitioner should be present.
3) Obtain a sunflower lanyard either
5) If you are travelling with friends and family who are aware of your from the airport at check in or online
medical condition, share your essential equipment between everyone’s before arrival, the lanyard is used to
luggage, that way if one case goes missing all is not lost. highlight to staff that you have a hidden
medical condition/disability.
4) Notify the airline that you will need to
carry medical devices in your luggage, a)
they might increase your hand luggage
allowance and b) they can sometimes
arrange for your cases to be stored in a
separate pressurised hold as they are
important medical supplies.
5) If luggage weight is an issue, consider
taking catheters without integral fluid as
this can make a considerable difference
to the weight.
6) It’s a good idea to go to the toilet
before boarding the plane and ask for an
aisle seat close to the toilet if possible.
7) Rules regarding fluids/liquids in hand
luggage can change. Good practice
would be to keep liquids/fluids in
containers less than 100ml. Catheters
with integral saline sachets normally
contain approximately 30ml. It is
possible to obtain medical exemption
clearance for essential medical devices/
medicines, always check with your
airline.

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Travel Advice

Water Quality:

1) If the water quality is poor, for example if
you wouldn’t drink it, then use bottled water,
saline solution or sterile water for activating
the hydrophilic coating on catheters,
alternatively you could use a catheter with an
integral saline water/gel sachet.

Infections:

2) If you are prone to urine infections (UTI)
it is advisable to ask your GP about taking a
course of antibiotics with you, so you can start
the course immediately should you begin to
show symptoms of a UTI.

3) If you are concerned about being able
to safely and cleanly perform intermittent
self-catheterisation (ISC) during your travels,
ask your urology nurse specialist about
alternatives such as an indwelling catheter
and drainage bag.

4) If toilet facilities are difficult to find you
can obtain some catheters that have an
integral urine collection bag.

Insurance:

5) The majority of individuals using medical
devices will have a pre-existing medical
condition(s) and therefore, should ensure that
adequate medical/travel insurance cover for
every eventuality is obtained before travelling.

General Information:

6) Flying and hot climates dehydrates
you, so drink plenty of non-caffeinated and
non-alcoholic fluids.

7) If you haven’t got the room or the weight
capacity to take your nightstand, then take
two coat hangers with you, place the 2-coat
hangers between the mattress and the bed
base with the hooks pointing up and use
this to hang your night bags on, this is also
very discreet. Please note plastic flatpack
nightstands are available.

Have a fantastic holiday from all the
team at Manfred Sauer UK

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Travel FAQ’s

Q: Can I take my saline ISC Catheters in my Hand Q: I’m going to stay with my daughter in Australia for a

Luggage? couple of months, can I get products out there?

A: Yes, we would suggest that you carry at least 3-4 A: Many home delivery services offer this service where

days’ worth in your hand luggage as unfortunately your GP will issue a prescription as normal or for the
lost lugggage can be common when flying. We would additional quantity and the home delivery service will deliver
also recommend obtaining a travel certificate from to your daughters address in Australia in advance of your
your home delivery company or manufacturer and a trip to ensure it is awaiting your arrival. Manufacturers of
letter from your healthcare professional stating that medical devices have distributors all over the world and may
you require the enclosed ISC Catheters to enable you have one in Australia where you can obtain your supplies
to empty your bladder and that you must always carry from, you would need to contact the manufacturer either
these medical devices with you. directly or via your home delivery service to obtain the
necessary address and contact details.
Q: Do I have to declare that I am carrying medical
Q: What will happen at the airport if they check my
devices when I go on holiday abroad?
luggage and see my medical devices, I will be really
A: It is advisable to notify your airline that you will embarrassed?

be carrying medical devices in your hand luggage and A: Obtain a sunflower lanyard either from the airport at
in the hold, a) they might increase you hand
luggage allowance, b) they can sometimes check in or online before arrival, the lanyard is used to
arrange for your cases to be stored in a highlight to staff that you have a hidden medical
separate pressurised hold as they are condition/disability. Take a travel certificate
important medical supplies. It is possible with you, most manufacturers/home
to obtain medical exemption clearance delivery services have one, this
for essential medical devices/medicines document explains the reason you are
especially if they contain saline/water. carrying medical equipment with you
and is often translated into the most
Please see our Travel Advice common languages. Ask your healthcare
for more information or professional for an open letter addressed
contact the helpline on `to whom it may concern’ which states
what the medical devices you are carrying
01604 595696 are used for and that if an examination is
necessary that a qualified medical practitioner
10 should be present. Or notify the airline in
advance so there is a record of this against
your booking. All the above will assist with your
luggage being handled in a discreet manner and
to save you from any embarrassing situations.

Q: I constantly need to go to the toilet so I now must avoid

long journeys, is there anything that could help me?

A: There are many ways/devices to manage your urinary

urgency, it sounds like you may benefit from an assessment
with a continence advisor or urology nurse specialist.
Your GP will be able to refer you to one of these specialist
services or alternatively you can contact our nursing service
by emailing [email protected]

Q: Why do I often get a UTI on holiday and not at home?
A: This is because the majority of individuals don’t drink as

much when on holiday as they do at home and drink more
alcohol and less water. We would advise that you carry a
bottle of water with you when travelling.

Fun Outdoor and Indoor Activities for Wheelchair Bound Users

Do you have a mobility issue?  It doesn’t matter
what caused it, adjusting to life in a chair can
be difficult.  Many people get depressed at the
thought that life as they know it is over.  Nothing
could be further from the truth!
It is important to get out, socialise and lead
an active lifestyle. Activities for people with
disabilities are particularly important on both
a psychological and a physical level. Physical
activities, even a low intensity activity, can help
boost metabolism, as well as improve muscle tone,
mood, and circulation. If you’re not interested in
any of the many sporting activities on offer why
not try singing, music therapy, travel or art.
Below is a list of charities which offer help,
support and information about the many activities
that are available.

Back Up - www.backuptrust.org.uk Access Adventures - www.accessadventures.co.uk

The Back Up strategy is focused on finding better Access Adventures is a registered charity delivering life-changing
ways to support more people affected by spinal adaptive sports & activities. Their services are designed to increase
cord injury at times when they need it the most. expectations and build self-confidence for people with disabilities.
They specialise in helping people to get the most They host regular camps and sessions, offering the opportunity to try
out of life and offer a range of practical services, water skiing, wakeboarding, alpine skiing, kiting, biking, paddle sports
as well as challenging the perceptions of what’s and yoga.
possible to increase skills and confidence.
Spinal Track - www.spinaltrack.org

Spinal Track is a charity dedicated to giving free track days and
rally experiences to disabled drivers, with adapted cars developed
by racers who understand the wants and needs of disabled car
enthusiasts.

Fwrweewd.formeeWdohmewelhcehealicrhSakirilslksi-lls.co.uk

Peer-led teaching of everyday skills and techniques to get the most
out of life while using a wheelchair. They aim to develop the skills
and confidence of people who need a wheelchair for their mobility, to
enable them to get out there and lead more independent lives.

The Calvert Trust - www.calvert-trust.org.uk

The Calvert Trust is the inspiration of John Fryer-Spedding,
whose vision was to enable people with disabilities to benefit from
outdoor activities in the countryside. They provide a wide range of
adventurous outdoor activities, meaningful challenges and adventures
within a framework of safety. With skilled, qualified, and caring staff
and accommodation appropriate to the needs of their visitors, they
provide facilities for families and friends who can also share the
enjoyment and experience.

So, what are you waiting for? There’s a whole world of activities out
there waiting for you to discover them.

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The Team at Manfred Sauer

Craig Smith Irena Kirveleviciute Aga Leskiewicz Tom Rust

Laura Johnston Jason Tate Adrian Serkowski Alex Cioaca

Tracy Reed Carol Hutchings Carolyne Tobin

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Travel Crossword

No word search, or prizes, this issue, instead we are trialling a crossword instead. See how quickly you can fill in the
answers. If you are struggling, or just want to know you have understood the clues correctly, we have printed the answers
on page 15. Have fun.

Across Down

3. A book that gives you information when you travel 1. The Great Pyramids in Egypt or the
5. A dictionary with words and useful expressions when Eiffel Tower in Paris
you travel to a another country 2. Baggage in British English
7. A place where young people can stay for the night or more 4. Last year when i was in Vienna,
10. Opposite of exit I sent one to my grandmother
11. It’s usually useful to travel with it so you don’t get lost 6. Where can i buy a train ....?
15. In between two countries 8. Place
16. When will we get there = when will we ......? 9. Somebody who travels for fun
17. Official document used to travel to another country 12. Something you buy or keep to remember
18. Should we travel a holiday or special event
with a tour group 13. Did you enjoy your .... to Dubai?
and take our camera 1 2 14. In or to a foreign country

when we .... around
the country?

3

4
5

6
7 89

10 11
12 13

14 15

16 17

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Our Sheath Range Our single use ISC Catheters

l Available in 11 sizes from 18mm-40mm 4-6 times a day, 150 times a
month, 1,800 times a year.
l Longer length 130mm
This is how often an average user of
l Large buffer/ comfort zone STANDARD 50 mm intermittent self-catheterisation inserts
to prevent backflow ADHESIVE 130 mm a catheter. This is why the quality and
& sheaths blowing off application safety of the catheter are
AREA crucial.

l Latex FREE

l Customise/ remove excess
length scissors provided)

l Perfect fit/ size for all

Available in

11

sizes

For convenience,
the catheter is
immersed in a saline
solution for immediate use.

Short & Strong For Men

l Available in 9 sizes from STRONG Unique soft and flexible
18mm - 35mm ADHESIVE rounded tip.
l Shorter length 75mm
AREA This combination allows the catheter to
smoothly follow the path of the urethra.

l Stronger adhesive

l Buffer/ comfort zone to prevent
backflow & sheaths blowing off

l Latex FREE Smooth
Eyelets
Available in The catheter
eyelets are smooth
9 and rounded on
the inside and the
sizes outside to rule out
any injuries to the
sensitive tissue of
the urethral mucosa.
Paediatric catheters
are also available.

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loWfrvoeemwtoYohoueulda!r We value each and every one of our customers,
therefore, any suggestions for our next edition
of Affinity News would be welcome.
You can send them via email:

[email protected]

or pop them in the post to the address below.

Follow us on social media!

Whether you are a fellow healthcare
professional, a patient or customer,
you can find additional information and
support on our range of products and
services via our social media pages.
Alternatively, you can contact us on our
dedicated helpline on 01604 595 696.

SUBSCRIBE

Unit 3, io Centre Like! Share!
Barn Way Follow! Tweet!
Lodge Farm Industrial Estate
Northampton www.manfred-sauer.co.uk
NN5 7UW

Telephone:
Prescriptions: 0800 999 5596
Helpline for advice and samples: 01604 595 696

Email: Travelling Crossword Answers
[email protected]
[email protected] Across Down
[email protected] 3 Guidebook 1 Landmarks
5 Phrase book 2 Luggage
7 Hostel 4 Postcard
10 Entrance 6 Ticket
11 Map 8 Location
15 Border 9 Tourist
16 Arrive 12 Souvenir
17 Passport 13 Trip
18 Sightsee 14 Abroad

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Spring Adult colouring has therapeutic mental health benefits, including reducing symptoms of depression and
Colouring Fun anxiety and helping your brain to switch off and relax. It’s also fun and could help with your mindfulness as
well as being a creative outlet for your colouring talents. So, find those pencils/pens and get colouring today.

MANFRED SAUER UK Ltd

Unit 3 • io Centre • Barn Way • Lodge Farm • Northampton • NN5 7UW
Tel. 01604 588 090 • Fax 01604 588 091 • Helpline 01604 595 696
[email protected] • www.manfred-sauer.co.uk

Follow us on social media

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