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What the Heck is Female Incontinence??

January 31, 2020

Yep, we just went there.  Female incontinence…it’s a thing AND I’m going to talk about it.  (This may be the point that you question: “I thought that I was following this woman for style content??)

Here’s the thing: I have three kids.  I was lucky enough to not have a c-section (read between the lines here).  After having my first baby, I definitely noticed that I began to experience a few “surprises”…definitely when sneezing and sometimes even when exercising.  I now understand why my mother crossed her legs every time she sneezed.

Being an avid runner (I ran half marathons after each of my three kids births) and an active mom, at first this was inconvenient.  I couldn’t play a game of tag without a restroom break nor jump on a trampoline for more than a minute.  Don’t get me wrong, I understood the value of kegels and, like many women who have had children, vowed to practice them at every red light I hit while driving the daily carpool.  (Isn’t that a thing?  No?)

Fast forward a couple years.  My kids are now all in elementary school and, well…we’ve all gotten older. And my “surprises” have gotten worse.  I’ve begun to feel more nervous about attending a mid-day exercise class and certainly wouldn’t go out for a run with a full bladder, nor fully hydrated.  As an exercise enthusiast, I began to realize that this was impacting my daily life.

So, I bought Depends pads.  From Costco (go big or go home, right?!).  These were definitely not the answer I was seeking!  They’re huge (or, at least the ones found at Costco are huge) and not concealed when wearing my leggings AT ALL.  I donated the entire box (less one) to a women’s shelter.

Then I started researching physical therapy.  Yes, this is a thing.  And yes, you can even buy weights for toning your pelvic floor (I’ll allow your imagine to figure out how this works for yourself).  Down the rabbit hole I went!  Why?  Because I’m a young woman with, hopefully, more than half of my life in front of me still.  And my problem was getting worse.  I want to remain active for the rest of my life without having to wear giant pads and (even worse) smelling like urine every time I coughed, was surprised, or went for a jog.

Enter the BTL Emsella device and Blue Haven Medical Spa.

As a part of my work, I get invited to a number of events.  I really enjoy this opportunity to try new services, learn about advancements in technology, and experience local finds.  This fall, I had the pleasure of attending the RealSelf House of Modern Beauty event in Seattle.  This event (hosted in cities around the country) is a fantastic opportunity to learn about various products and services within the beauty industry – everything from extracting your own stem cells to make a regenerating serum to education around cosmetic procedures.  It was at this event that I was first introduced to the BTL Emsella device…known in the industry as “The Kegel Throne.”

“What is a kegel throne?” you ask.  Basically, you sit on the BTL Emsella device (fully clothed, completely non-evasive) and, for less than 30 minutes, high frequency electromagnetic pulses target the pelvic floor.  In essence, these pulses deliver the equivalent of nearly 12,000 kegels in one session!  This is not a gimmick, BTL Emsella is an FDA-approved treatment to address female incontinence.

After having experienced one session…fully clothed, speaking with device experts and RN technicians, in the middle of the showroom no less, I was eager to do more.  The recommended treatment for significant improvement is a series of 6, 30-minute sessions.  A quick internet search netted me few results in the Seattle area but, lucky for me, Blue Haven Medical Spa is located in the Green Lake neighborhood, basically my back yard!

The Blue Have team could not have been more welcoming, which is important as you are talking about a moderately (ok, very) embarrassing topic such as incontinence.  I primarily worked with Annie, an ARNP board certified practitioner with years of experience in medicine and medical aesthetics.  Annie immediately put me at ease and expertly answered all of my questions.  She would stay and chat or leave me to surf the internet, respond to emails, or mindlessly scroll social media during my 30 minute sessions.

Was it painful?  Not in the least.  It was definitely a “different” sensation…a series of vibrations followed by tapping, targeting the perineum area (again, haven’t included this word in my blog to date!).  Perhaps uncomfortable at first, you quickly get used to it.  Because the device uses electromagnetic pulses, you are advised to remove any jewelry and (here’s a biggie) you cannot use this therapy if you have any metal implants…read: no IUD devices.

I know what you are all wondering next…did it work?  I am more than pleased with the results!  While I haven’t trampoline tested  yet (due to the winter weather in Seattle), I have done a series of workouts involving jumping and running.  I purposely did these without first visiting the restroom and NOTHING.  Think burpees, jumping jacks, rock-star jumps, and sprints without any leaking.  The occasional sneeze?  Not a problem.

The results of the BTL Emsella therapy are cumulative; therefore, you do need to do the entire suggested protocol to achieve the best results.  However, you are not required to do any follow-up appointments to maintain the results (again, this may vary based on the person).  I would highly recommend this therapy for any “friends” (wink, wink) who may experience the occasional, or not-so-occasional any more, issues with incontinence.

{outfit details} leggings: nike | top: girlfriend collective | running shoes: brooks (c/o) | jacket: add down

I partnered with Blue Haven Medical Spa to share my experience with all of you.  This was 100% my idea and I reached out to the spa to collaborate.  Please dm, email, or comment below with all of your questions.  Clearly I am an open book and I am honored to share more of my experience using the BTL Emsella device at Blue Haven.

Thank you for reading.  ~Jenn

 

 

Comments: 0   //   Category: Lifestyle, Wellness

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Felt like today was just the occasion to don a seq Felt like today was just the occasion to don a sequin dress. I didn’t make it far in the heels. 
#inaugurationstyle #sequinsfordays #itsjustfashion
Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted t Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted the new year feeling inspired with a renewed intention for my account; to share with you the goodies I love, wear, try. Unfiltered and honest. That’s what I’m here for. But then...2021 arrived feeling much like her older sister, 2020. Instead, I’ve avoided a lot of social media; choosing to tune into various news outlets and into my family. So, HERE WE ARE. A post proving that I got dressed yesterday, wearing some of my new favorites (these @flamingosshoes white boots!) and steady stand-bys (year 2 wearing this @notmondaymercantile beanie on repeat). I took the kids out after school to run a couple of errands and connect with a business I love to support; we made plans for a spring share. Man, it felt good to get out! And now, I’m posting early before I’ve read the morning news. So, it’s happened. 
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Please stay safe, remain respectful, and true to yourself. Social media is a beautiful way to connect, create, and inspire...but can also be a dangerous rabbit hole of misinformation and an opportunity for people to behave in a way they ordinarily wouldn’t in person. Off my soap box. Have a lovely Friday!#wordsfrommyheart #realoutfitgram #flamingosshoes #whiteboots #notmondaymoments
Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you all but enjoyed a nice long break. Heading back home after some snow time and I’m feeling re-energized (for now). Isn’t it funny how a change in the calendar can make you feel different? Are you a “new year, new you” kinda gal or more indifferent? I do like a good reset. Even though we’ll be doing more of the same early this year, I’m feeling more optimistic. For now. Cheers to 2021!
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Also, posted in stories a nearly identical photo of us from last January at the top of @schweitzer_mountain. While the photos look the same, it’s fun to think that we now are Sandpoint homeowners! A positive outcome of 2020. #newyearonthemountain #snowbest #schweitzermountain #skifamily
Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all the boxes this year. Thinking of everyone not able to spend time with loved ones this year. I’m so grateful for our little family but really missing my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, my in-laws.  Over a year seems far too long to be apart; but we all need to continue to be safe. It matters. #christmassweater #christmas2020 #staysafestayhome #vintagesweater
Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions ma Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions may look different this year; we have an opportunity to get creative and share in new experiences. Like the new-to-me homemade marshmallow recipe, @thekirstyfiles and I have the pleasure of bringing to you in partnership with @pacific_place. We encourage you to invite a few pals to a zoom date, pop a bottle of bubbly, and create these delicious confections together. I promise they’re relatively fool proof (I pulled them off!) AND a sugar-high afternoon spent with friends (even virtually) will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Tune in to Pacific Place’s IGTV or YouTube to see the full tutorial, including my gaff when my marshmallow began moving into the “hard ball” territory (note: this recipe does require a candy thermometer and the ability to read it!). Cheers to making the most out of holiday 2020! #homemademarshmallows #pacificplaceseattle #craftingtogether
Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a frie Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a friend. The belly laughs, chit chat, and groans (as we tried on a number of jeans) provided the escape from reality that I needed. Sometimes you don’t realize just how much you miss something until you get to enjoy it again!
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Other things I love? Soft luxury cashmere, designer denim that fits like a glove, and packable hats (yes, packable!). All can be found @willaseattle; a small, women-owned boutique located in the heart of the Queen Anne neighborhood in Seattle. Be sure to check out our stories as @thekirstyfiles and I share holiday-perfect gifts for your sister, mother, girlfriends...yourself! Lucky for Kirsty and I, our husbands also know the lovely owner, Liz (and she has our wishlists on file)! 
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Also very near and dear to my heart, Willa is the epitome of shopping local. The shelves are stocked with unique, small business designs; including many Seattle businesses. When you shop local, you not only support your community but also curate a look all your own!
#shoplocalseattle #seattleboutique #seattlestyle #happytoshare
Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for you Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for yourself, aka #stayathomestyle. Sure, 2020 may be the year of the sweatpant (combined with a sleeping bag-like coat, as seen here). And yes, a mask chain is this year’s hottest accessory. BUT I still take care to actually get dressed each day. And while lipstick may no longer be a part of my daily routine (I mean, was it ever??), it’s still important to be pulled together..if only for my own mental health. And even if no one else sees it but the grocery clerk. #whatmamaworemonday #sweatpantsseason 
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PS. Did you know I usually tag everything that I’m wearing? It may not all be current, but DM me if you want more details.
A few days late but still so grateful. We’ve spe A few days late but still so grateful. We’ve spent a lot of quality time as a party of five, braved a few big changes, and (mostly) survived 2020. #dontjinxit #partyoffive #practicegratitude #seattlefamily 
photo: @chelseamacorphotography
On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope t On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope to inspire, remind, urge, and even beg you to ignore all of the crazy cyber sales that have been creeping into your inbox for the past week and instead SHOP SMALL this holiday season. Yes, perhaps it’s less convenient and even less of a “deal” but this pandemic is putting an even greater strain on the small and local businesses that are the absolute life blood of our communities. And, in addition to supporting an entrepreneur and neighbor, you’ll likely find more creative, individual, and unique gifts for your loved ones by shopping a small business.
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Are you in the Seattle area?  Hit me up with questions about my favorite local haunts and finds. I’ve got so many ideas to share; together we can help blow your holiday giving out of the water this year! #shopsmallthischristmas #supportsmallbusiness #shopsmallseattle #seattlestylist

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Thanks for reading! I began this blog in early 2014 as an outlet to share my styling tips and tricks, and disseminate shopping wisdom. I am honored when readers make a connection; whether it’s learning how to make the latest fashion trend your own or finding the perfect new addition to your wardrobe. Thank you for stopping by and spending a few minutes of your day sharing in my passion for fashion and style! ~Jenn

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