WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DETECTING A URINARY INCONTINENCE EVENT 5 Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system and method of detecting a urinary incontinence event. 10 Background of the Invention Urinary incontinence, or enuresis, usually takes one of three forms: 'a. Nocturnal, or night time, bed wetting; 15 b. Diurnal, or wetting during waking hours; and c. Nocturnal and Diurnal, a combination of both of the above. Children who suffer from nocturnal enuresis have previously been treated using an alarm unit that includes a sensor for detecting an occurrence of enuresis and an alarm for alerting 20 the child of the unfortunate event. The sensors have previously been placed under the bed sheets, between the child and the mattress, or, alternatively, in the child's underwear. The onset of urination completes a circuit in the sensor which, in turn, activates the alarm to wake the child. 25 Alarm units have previously been housed in basic boxes bearing the maker's trade mark and product name, for example. The alarm units may not be designed with a view to blending in with typical bedroom items. As such, the alarm units may be unfamiliar to children and alien to their bedrooms. Children may not be comfortable using the alarm units and, consequently, the units may not give children the requisite confidence to 30 conquer their bedwetting problems.
WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 -2 It is generally desirable to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above mentioned difficulties, or at least provide a useful alternative. Summary of the Invention 5 In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of alerting a person to a urinary incontinence event, including the steps of: (a) familiarising the person with a character; (b) fitting a sensor for detecting the event, the sensor forming part of an alarm unit; and 10 (c) alerting the person of said event, wherein at least part of the alarm unit includes features that remind the person of the character. Preferably, the method forms part of a treatment for bedwetting. 15 Preferably, the sensor is fitted to underpants of the person. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for alerting a person of a urinary incontinence event, said system for performing the steps of: 20 (a) familiarising the person with a character; (b) fitting a sensor for detecting the event, the sensor forming part of an alarm unit; (c) detecting the event; and (d) alerting the person of the event, wherein at least part of the alarm unit includes features that remind the person of the 25 character. Preferably, the system is used to treat bedwetting. Preferably, the sensor is fitted to underpants of the person. 30 WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 -3 In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an alarm unit for alerting a person to a urinary incontinence event, including: (a) a sensor for detecting the event; and (b) an alarm for alerting the person of said occurrence, 5 wherein at least part of the alarm unit includes features that remind the person of the character. Preferably, at least part of the alarm unit is housed in a figurine. 10 Preferably, the figurine is a soft toy. Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described, by way of non 15 limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 is a diagram of the system for treating enuresis; Figure 2 is a diagram showing the electric components of the alarm unit of the system shown in Figure 1; 20 Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of the alarm unit shown in Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a diagram showing the components of the digital computing device of the alarm unit shown in Figure 2. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention 25 The system 10 shown in Figure 1 is used to treat children who suffer from enuresis. The system 10 includes: 1. Visual presentations displayed to the child on a display unit 14; 30 2. An alarm unit 16; 3. A series of books 18; and WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 -.4 4. A progress chart 20. A description of each of these aspects of the system 10 is set out below. 5 1. Visual Presentations The child 12 is presented with a series of cartoon animations, for example, on the display unit 14 that each include a set of characters. A bedwetting problem of one of the characters is presented during the animated sequences. The sequence uses guided imagery 10 to enable the child 12 to "see" what is presented, not only on the television or computer screen, but more importantly inside his or her own mind. An explanation of basic bodily function is also included so that the child 12 understands what is happening to them and ways to correct the problem. For example, an explanation 15 of bladder volume and strategies to increase this volume, using a balloon as an example in incorporated. Animation was chosen as the presentation medium as research revealed that it was seen to be less threatening to children. Through watching the series of presentations, the child 12 becomes familiar with the 20 characters and their problems and learns how the problems may be overcome. The child develops an affinity with the characters and they become role models. The characters show the child how to properly deal with his or her own bedwetting problem. The presentations are preferably animations. However, they could, alternatively, include 25 footage of be real people. The display unit 14 is preferably a television and the presentations are stored on a CD, DVD, or other suitable data storage device that can be displayed on the television 14. 2. The alarm unit 16 30 WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 -5 The alarm unit 16 can be fitted to a child 12 before he or she goes to sleep, for example. The alarm unit 16 is adapted to detect an occurrence of enuresis as the child sleeps and sounds an alarm to alert the child 12 of the unfortunate event. The alarm unit 16 is housed in the body of a figurine, for example, modelled on a character familiar to the child 12. 5 The alarm unit 16 is, alternatively, housed in any suitable packaging that includes features of the character so that the child is reminded of the character when they look at the unit 16. A detailed description of the operation of the alarm unit is set out below. 3. Books 18 10 The books 18 follow a similar format to the visual presentation and are preferably read to the child 12 before bedtime to remind the child of the characters and how they overcame their problems with enuresis. The books 18 create a sense of self belief in the child 12. The book 18 also provides an opportunity for parents and carers to reinforce their belief in 15 the child 12 with positive reassurance. An example of one of the books 18 is set out in Appendix 1. 4. Chart 20 20 The chart 20 keeps a record of positive achievements of the child 12. Dry episodes are recorded on the chart. Focussing on positives helps to inhibit the negatives of enuresis, whether daytime or night time. The system 10 can be used to treat bedwetting by performing the following method steps: 25 a. Familiarising the child 12 with a set of characters, by showing the child a series of visual presentations; b. Fitting the alarm unit 16 to the child 12 each night before the child 12 goes to sleep; 30 c. Reminding the child 12 of the characters in the visual presentations by reading a books 18 to the child 12 before he or she goes to sleep; WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 -6 d. detecting an occurrence of enuresis; and e. alerting the child of the occurrence of enuresis. The method uses the identification with the characters in the presentations to create a 5 mind-set of possibilities within the child. Such a mind-set as bedwetting is not so unusual and bedwetting can be overcome, is one example. The alarm unit 16 is formed in the shape and colour of one of the characters which the child 12 can readily recognise and identify, the character having had a similar problem when younger. The child 12 can develop an affinity with, and empathise with, the character and ultimately with the alarm 10 unit 16. The alarm unit 16 can provide the child with the requisite confidence to overcome his or her problem with bedwetting. The alarm unit, being in the shape of the character, looks like any other toy found in a kid's bedroom and, as such, children would not likely be uncomfortable using the unit 16. 15 The system 10 is hereafter described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to two characters that are based upon Australian amphibians and reptiles. However, the system 10 could include any other suitable characters with whom the children can develop a relationship. The two characters presented to the children, named Ebb and Flo, are part of the Amphiles group of characters. Ebb and Flo as a name derives from the notion of the 20 ebb and flow of the tide, water coming in and water going out. The aim was to provide some predictability over the times of the ebbing as well as the flowing for children and their families. Amphiles is a word with a meaning derived as follows: phile, a fondness or liking for, and 25 am, the first person part of the verb to be. Amphiles are therefore individuals who like who and what they are. At the completion of the Ebb and Flo program, children will become part of the Amphiles "family", happy with themselves and their achievement. Coincidentally, Amphiles is a contraction of amphibians and reptiles: the source of the Amphiles characters. 30 Alarm Unit WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 -.7 The alarm unit 16 shown in Figure 2 includes the following electric components: a. Digital computing device 22; 5 b. A sensor 24; c. A voice alarm 26; d. A light alarm 28; and e. A vibrating alarm30. 10 The electric circuit 34 shown in Figure 3 shows a preferred arrangement of the above mentioned electric components of the alarm unit 16. The electric components may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, they may be any suitable combination of digital processors and programmable logic devices. Alternatively, some of the electric components can be implemented entirely by software to be executed on a microprocessor. 15 Some of the electric components, or parts thereof, may also be implemented by application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Preferred configurations of the electric components are hereafter described. However, it is anticipated that other alternative combinations could be implemented. 20 a. Digital Computing Device 22 The digital computing device 22 has sufficient computational power for the required complexity and speed of digital signal processing. In addition, either processors or programmable logic may have incorporated some analog electronics functional blocks, as 25 such features are common in the current technology. Further, the digital computing device 22 may include one or more digital ports for communication with external devices and they can be used either to exchange data or upgrade the embedded software and programmable logic even in the field conditions.
WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 -8 The entire circuit 34 of the alarm unit 16 is driven by the PIC16F628 micro-controller 22 shown in Figure 4. The digital computing device 22 controls the operation of the sensor 24, the speaker 26, the light source 28 and the vibrator 30. 5 Using an ISD1416 voice recording chip, a LM386 amplifier, LED indication, Speaker Output (for voice and alarm tones), Vibrator for silent notification, DIP switch to set user definable settings, the unique sensing circuit, power saving function, and rechargeable batteries. 10 b. A sensor 24; The sensor 24 is attached to the end of a wire lead that connects to the alarm unit 16 via a telephone type RJ1 1 connector. The sensor 24 includes two wires that are clipped on to the outside of a child's underwear, each side of the clip being the positive or negative side of a 15 circuit. Moisture on the underwear enables a low voltage and current to flow, completing a circuit and causing the alarm unit to activate. The lead is approximately 75 centimetres in length. The sensor is controlled by the digital computing device (PIC micro) 22. The sensor 24 is 20 turned off by a FET (Field Effect Transistor) 'Q1', meaning that no current can flow at the sensor plates. Every 0.5 second the micro will momentarily turn the sensor 24 on to check it's state, (closed / open, wet / dry) and then quickly turn it off again. This means the sensor 24 is only able to conduct for a very small percent of the time. 'Q2' provides current amplification for the sensor 24 conditioning it for input into the digital computing device 25 (PIC micro) 22. c. Voice Alarm 26 The alarm unit 16 permits the parent or guardian of the child to record a voice message 30 designed to wake the child on detection of enuresis. The electric circuit 34 includes a WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 -9 single chip voice record/play back device 36 that generates the voice recorded message for the sleeping child 12. The device 36 is preferably an ISD 1416. d. & e. A light Alarm 28 and Vibrating Alarm 30. 5 The alarm unit 16 contains a light source, preferably a light emitting diode (LED), that can activate and a vibrating motor that can similarly be activated. These options are enabled via a dipswitch incorporated into the unit 16. This means that the senses of touch, hearing and vision can all be used in any combination or alone. The alarm unit 16 enables each 10 alarm mode to be used individually or in any combination. A choice of audible "squawk" alarms can also be selected instead of the human voice recording option. Power saving 15 The digital computing device 22 (PIC micro) can turn various circuits ON or OFF as required, creating addition power saving and battery life. The circuits that have this function are the Voice 36, and Amplifier 38 circuits. The voice circuit 36 is only turned on when recording or playing back a voice message and the amplifier circuit is turned on only when needed for playing either a voice recording, or an alarm tone. These circuits 36, 38 20 are turned on and off via a FET acting as a switch to GND. Even the digital computing device 22 (PIC micro) as a power saving mode that is activated whenever the unit is sitting idling waiting for a sensor event. The system 10 and method for treating bedwetting advantageously detects the urination at 25 its onset and wake a child from sleep using a recorded voice with which the child is familiar such as a parent speaking the name of the child. The alarm unit 16 device also incorporates a vibration motor 30 to stimulate the sense of touch and a light emitting diode to stimulate vision. The system and method can also be used in children suffering diurnal enuresis as it is portable and can be worn with daytime clothing. The various alarm modes 30 can all be altered as required. Sensing urine flow alerts the child to go to the toilet by WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 - 10 rousing the asleep child to wakefulness or alerting the awake child to the commencement of urine flow. The system 10 and method is designed to be used as a complete treatment package in 5 conjunction with existing containment strategies such as nappies and so forth being used already by parents or carers, for the time required for a child to become continent, with continence defined as above. The system and method utilises a rechargeable alarm unit 16 that can stimulate hearing via 10 human voice, can stimulate vision via the light source 24, and can stimulate the sense of touch using the vibrator 30, in combination or alone, in conjunction with a character based program and recording system in this way. While we have shown and described specific embodiments of the present invention, further 15 modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art. We desire it to be understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular forms shown and we intend in the append claims to cover all modifications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this invention. 20 Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. 25 The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.
WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 - 11 Appendix 1 Book 5 Once upon a lily pad, Flo the frog was sitting looking into the water. Flo was crying and as her tears hit the water, ripples spread from lily pad across the length of the billabong. Suddenly there was a great big ripple as Ebb jumped and landed on the lily pad next to Flo 10 with a splooshing sound. "Why are you so sad Flo?" asked Ebb sensing something was wrong. "I have a big problem... and I don't know what to do" answered Flo through her tears and 15 snuffling. "Sometimes sharing a problem with a friend is a good start. Am I your friend Flo?" Ebb already knew the answer.. .he was one of Flo's best pals. 20 "Course you are Ebb, you're a pearler, but not even a friend can help with this. This problem is just too big for anyone to help with" snuffled Flo blowing her nose. "Oh Flo... what is the problem? If the problem is so big then I won't be able to help, but if I can help then I will. At least that can't do any harm can it?" Ebb looked worried about his 25 little friend. "Well.. .I dunno... there's just so much..." said Flo wringing her hands and looking sad. "What if others find out, they'll think I'm stupid" 30 "You're no drongo Flo.. .everyone knows how clever you are." Flo is clever at lots of things. Flo can leapfrog better than most and can make beautiful pictures too.
WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 - 12 Flo cried some more with Ebb looking concerned and sad about his little friend. "Flo?" asked Ebb. 5 "Yes Ebb?" Flo replied. "When I'm telling a story I sometimes look at the pictures I see in my own mind... and change the pictures so that I am in my own favourite place.. .like pretend play that boys 10 and girls do." "Then what do you do?" asked Flo wiping her eyes. Ebb went on, "Well, when I am in my own favourite place in my mind, I just describe the 15 pictures.. .you know, use words to describe what I see.. .like making word pictures so that other people can see them with me too... sitting watching the sunset with the reflection in the water.. .the gorgeous pink and orange colours in the soft pillow-like clouds.. .the sleepy trees settling their branches down for the night with even sleepier birds voicing their last chorus of song as they too bed down..." 20 "Uh huh.. .I can do that bit... I can see that picture too Ebb." "Goodonya Flo... then when you feel safe in your favourite place you can look at the pictures of what's worrying you." explained Ebb. 25 "But I'm scared of what's worrying me...1 don't want to look at it Ebb." "Little Flo... that's ok... you only see the pictures in your head.. .they are not real... listen carefully.. .now whatever you do don't think about green kangaroos.. .and definitely don't 30 think about purple koalas eating bright red gum leaves...
WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 - 13 Flo rolled about laughing with the pictures of purple koalas in her head. "Ok ... see how easy that is... see how you can change the pictures...especially when someone says not to think about something? That's one of the problems little Flo." 5 "What is Ebb?" asked Flo curiously. "When someone tells you not to think about something that is worrying you, you can end up thinking more about it... and when you tell yourself not to think about it you end up 10 thinking more about it too. It's a good idea to tell yourself to think about something rather than not to think about something...if you know what I mean." "Oh I see... you're really smart Ebb." 15 "Nah... not really... I just found what works for me and did it more. Anyway, when you tell yourself to see those pictures in your mind, you can change the pictures by thinking about something else.. .like those green kangaroos. So.. .what pictures do you have in your head Flo?" asked Ebb, "the one's that worry you?" 20 "Well...em... you know how when you're asleep at night?" Flo queried. "Yes Flo." "Well.. .um... I have a problem that wakes me up" said Flo worriedly. 25 "What problem is that Flo?" quizzed Ebb holding Flo's hand. "Well, I ... um... I... well.. .um.....I wet the bed" Flo finally blurted. 30 "Yes Flo." said Ebb in a very matter of fact way.
WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 - 14 "Well...that's it.. .I wet the bed." said Flo with a puzzled look. "And that wakes you up, right Flo? 5 "Yes." replied Flo crossly. "And you don't want to go to a friend's place for a sleep over because you might wet the bed, right Flo?" 10 "Yeah..." replied Flo, seeing that Ebb understood. "And you don't want to go on a school camp.. .in case you wet the bed right?" continued Ebb. 15 "Yeah.. .but..." continued Flo, looking puzzled again. "And you feel really bad, really dumb because you wet the bed, and you are scared that others will find out.. .besides mum and dad I mean." 20 "Yeah.. .but how..." Ebb went on "And because you get woken up Flo, you feel tired when you wake up in the morning." 25 "Yeah.. .but how do..." "And when you have an accident you feel really embarrassed because mum or dad has to help change the sheets." 30 "Yeah...but how do you..." WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 - 15 "And mum and dad get cross sometimes because they get woken up and tell you they can't get back to sleep." "Yeah.. .but how do you know?" Flo finally got out after Ebb's talking. 5 "I had the same problem Flo" said Ebb proudly. "You did Ebb?" asked Flo with some astonishment. 10 "Sure" blurted Ebb..."but it turns out it was not the huge gigantomungonormous problem I thought it was." "Mum told me that at your age.. .five people years.. .nearly one in ten of us have the same problem." "Strewth.. .that's a lot Ebb" exclaimed Flo. "What if you still wet the bed at high school 15 Ebb?" "Well, listen to this... when they are eighteen people years old, one out of a hundred boys still have the problem... a bit less for girls. 20 "Starve the lizards"" Flo exclaimed "And you know what else Flo?" "No, what Ebb?" 25 "If anybody wets the bed, the chances are that their mum or dad had exactly the same problem when they were the same age.. .in fact mum told me that dad used to be a piddley pants until he was sixteen" laughed Ebb. 30 "But I don't want to wet the bed.. .how did you stop Ebb?" WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 - 16 "Well, like most of us I just kinda grew out of it, even though I learned some things that helped speed it up.. .I was just a bit slower than some others.. .that's all Flo.. .same as you" said Ebb in a very calm voice. 5 "But I still don't like it and I want to stop now... I don't want to wait" exclaimed Flo getting worried again. "Ok Flo... just before, when we were talking about seeing the things in your mind.. .that daydreamy stuff.. do you remember the green kangaroos? 10 "Yes... and the purple koalas" giggled Flo. "What colour was the grass Flo?" asked Ebb. 15 "Well, grass is a sort of yellowy green colour.... isn't it?" she quizzed. "Could you make the grass red... and the sky purple... and the clouds yellow Flo?" Ebb continued. 20 "Hey.. .I can do that... I can." "Wow Ebb, I am really good at this, I am" said Flo with excitement. "Good on ya Flo, see how you can change it when you want to?" 25 "Yeah, yeah." went little Flo excitedly with a big grin. "Well by using your daydreaming you can change what is going on in your mind. "Yeah well I don't pee myself in my mind... I pee myself in the bed remember" said Flo 30 getting cross and folding her arms.
WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 - 17 "Ok, no worries.. .but I can show you that using your good imagination..." "What's a minagination?" interjected Flo. 5 "Imagination, imagination.. .that's what you were doing before.. .when you could see the pictures of the green 'roos Flo." "That's a funny word for something so easy" Flo retorted. 10 "Anyway Flo... using your imagination you can help yourself to do lots of things... especially staying dry at night." "You just need to get comfortable, relax and imagine.. .see the pictures in your mind." "Let me show you now...just relax and watch those pictures in your mind... get 15 comfy ... you can close your eyes if you want too.. .or keep them open if you want to.. .it works either way.. .it works both ways... start to make pictures of yourself when you are getting tired... getting sleepy... its easy to relax isn't it?..." asked Ebb, watching his little friend become really calm. 20 "Feel yourself just getting relaxed while you are daydreaming about getting sleepy......while you are daydreaming or relaxing or imagining... I don't know which you like best...but make sure it is really fun because you are the boss of your imagination. Maybe you can see the beautiful colours over the billabong... or the soft clouds moving slowly across the pink sky of dusk. Notice how comfortable your own bed feels and how 25 happy and safe you feel.. .feel how the temperature is just right for you.. .maybe you can hear the gentle creek talking with the riverbank... or the music of the waterfall in the distance... .or maybe you just hear the quiet and calmness of that safe place in your own mind...smell the clean air.. .so clean you can almost taste it... see the natural way that you relax when you just imagine or daydream.. .feel how easy that is.. .you probably noticed 30 how that your face muscles are really relaxed.. .and that your breathing is easier and slower WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 - 18 than before.. .and that is happening because you are doing this in just the right way.. .well done little pal." "And since you and your brain are the boss of your body... you can make your relaxation 5 even more than it already is.. .that's because our bodies already know how to relax...and we even relax a little bit more each time we breathe out... just like you are breathing out.. .just notice how your shoulders go down a little more each time you breathe out.... just like that...so to help you relax even more, just take those easy breaths ... slowly...deep ... breathe.. .in... and ... out...and when you breathe out... say "relax" to yourself in your 10 inside thinking as you watch those pictures in your mind.. .notice what happens as your shoulders go down...........as I said before.. .lots of kids have wetting problems like yours.. .some bigger than others.. .some smaller than others.. .I am really sad to know how sad you feel about that..." 15 "But how many times do you have a dry bed when you wake up in the morning?" "Maybe you can remember one time when you woke up in a dry bed...what did that feel like?.. .how happy did you feel.. .I bet mum and dad were pleased.. .almost as pleased as you. I wonder how you stayed dry that time." 20 "It's kinda interesting to know what happens in your body... even when you are asleep...as you breathe, oxygen from the air gets into your lungs and into your blood... and your heart is a big pump that pushes blood all through your body.. .to places where the oxygen is needed.. .the kidney is like a filter or a washing machine for your blood... and all the stuff that the kidneys wash out of the blood gets stored up as pee.. .in that place called the 25 bladder. When you are awake, you know when you need to pee... you just kinda feel it.. .you feel kinda full and your brain knows. Your brain is just like a very special computer that can work out so many things.. .and a lot of them at the same time. There is a special way that the bladder and the brain can talk with each other...imagine if you could listen to what they might be talking about..." 30 "Bladder to brain, bladder to brain... come in brain..." WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 - 19 "Brain speaking...what's up bladder?" "I'm kinda full now brain ...need to do something about that... over... 5 "Well we're busy just now ...sleeping you know ...much more important so you will have to wait bladder...just keep the pee gate closed... it would not be too good to pee in the bed... over." 10 "Brain, that's easy for you to say...I really have to go... now...I'm really full and the next load is on it's way too ...I gotta go...I gotta go...now!" "Ok, ok keep your knickers on... I'll send a message to body to know we're waking up for a minute, legs to walk quickly to the loo, hands to open the door... hands to close the 15 door ... then a message to legs to sit on the loo... then a message to the bladder gate to open and let the pee out where it belongs... then a message to close the gate again... and..." "Just do it brain, just do it... 20 "Ok, ok..." "That's like the way it really happens isn't it? Even though they don't really talk out loud, they kinda talk like that in the daytime don't they?" 25 "For a while now this talk has been going on inside... so they already know how to talk together don't they?" "They just get along fine most days.. .and on some nights." 30 "What do you think your brain is doing at night? Is it asleep.. .is it resting.. .is it on holiday?" WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 - 20 "The brain is the boss of your whole body.. .the brain takes care of us all.. .your brain takes care of you...even when you are asleep...your brain is still paying attention, keeping your heart beating, keeping the lungs breathing,...telling us to kick of the covers if we get too 5 hot...telling us to turn over...even giving us really nice dreams." "Sometimes the bladder and the brain get into the bad habit of not talking to each other at night... and they just need some reminders... some extra training.. .just like you trained yourself when you were even younger." 10 "And now.. .that bladder... and that brain.. .know what to do without even thinking about it out loud. So.. .when you learn this relaxing and imagining or daydreaming.. .you will learn how to give them the instructions... remind them to talk to each other like best mates at night... so you can wake up in a nice, warm, snuggly, dry bed in the morning.. .to talk so 15 that if you need to wake up and go to the toilet at any time.. .you can.. .and then snuggle back into your warm, comfy, dry bed and have sweet dreams again...or you can just tell the bladder to keep those water tight hatches shut 'til morning... your brain will work out what to do." 20 "To help you with this, I can be a reminder for you.. .just until you can do it all on your own... without any help." "I am a little Ebb that can sit next to you when you are asleep. Pretend I could speak to you if you ever started to pee.. .if it was at night I would tell you to wake up in a voice you 25 know.. .if it was during the day I would just remind you toodleoo, to the loo... and of you go to where you should go to pee." "But how would you know if I started to pee or when my bladder was filling up Ebb?" 30 "Well Flo... you know how you already have nerves that go from your bladder to your brain..." WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 -21 "Uhu..." "Well just imagine another nerve but his time a bigger one like a wire... one on the 5 outside.. .with only one job to do.. .one that can clip on to your underpants and connects to your inside voice to tell you and to shake you at the very instant you started to pee..." "A drip-clip on one end and a talking shake and wake at the other sorta thing?" 10 "Yeah Flo... that's it.. .a singing and dancing little me with a drip clip.. .well done" laughed Ebb. "So if you have any accidents.. .that's ok... because I will be here to remind you straight away...so it will only be a little accident...that is what the wee drip-clip is for...it work 15 just like the message between your brain and your bladder... except it talks to you and shakes with a tiny light so you can remind your brain to do what it needs to... that way there will only be one drop before I talk to you... you know... just to help wake you so you can do what you need to." 20 "So you just... keep relaxing... daydreaming.. .imagining.... Because as you do... you can see yourself... you can feel what it is like... to wake up in a dry bed... and... I don't know... who will be most proud of when you give yourself... a dry bed every morning... maybe mum... or dad... or me... but probably you will be the most proud... and all you need to do... is to imagine... relax... daydream... and sometime soon you will not need my 25 help any more... because you will be the boss... of your bladder." "And it will be easy to imagine... just as easy as it was to learn this today... start relaxing... by thinking of something fun... something you like doing... picture in your mind something really good... you can choose... it might be the same as today... it might 30 be different... but you'll find out... because you are the boss of imagining.. .and when you are ready... just remind your bladder and brain to talk to each other during the night...
WO 2007/104081 PCT/AU2007/000271 - 22 knowing you have a back-up... until this happens on its own... so that you wake in the morning... in a snuggly dry bed... feeling really pleased because you are the boss of your bladder." 5 "And if you practice this relaxing... this imagining... this daydreaming... at night... then you can just fall asleep. And if you wake up.. .you can do what you need to... you can gradually go back to where you started.. .just bring your relaxed feelings... bring your proud feelings... back with you... at your own rate... when you are ready.... 10 Wow.... that was a terrific job you did with that... great work. All we have to do is put the stickers on the chart when you have a dry bed.. .that keeps a record of how well you are going. 15 "That'll be the Flo chart Ebb" giggled Flo. "Bewdy Flo... So can you do that on your own?" Ebb asked. "Yeah... I know I can imagine really well... most of us can do that really well. You know 20 what Ebb?" "No Flo... what?" I don't feel sad any more. I really think I can do this with that little bit of help you just 25 showed me. You're a real friend... a true ockerbonzabewdymate frog... thank you. Hey no probs little mate.. .I'm just here to help... soon you'll be dry as a bone.. .laughter. 30