There are a lot of people that become incontinent over night with injuries, or with some type of serious infection like what you had. Incontinence for this group of people (myself included) is a secondary issue to the cause. While you were in the hospital for 3 weeks how much did you think about being incontinent? Probably not much when your faced with a live, or die situation.
If there was an option of how I would become incontinent,.... I would have much rather become incontinent gradually over time,... and not over night. At least I would have time to make a mental adjustment.
Just about anything can happen with the economy being what it is. Not the best time to start a new business unless it can some how provide some type of free service. However, things are beginning to look a little better in the BIG picture but as many have already said,....this is going to take time so there is still hope for your wife who has worked for Kmart for 30 years. I would recommend that she keeps her name fresh by calling the company from time to time just to let them know she is still available for work and looks forward to hearing from them sometime soon.
If you've not already done so, check with your state and see what benefits, if any, you might qualify for. I have no shame in receiving benefits from the state after paying into all of these programs for so many years with all those deductions that were taken from my paycheck.
I can relate to how you feel. I became bladder incontinent from an injury some time ago, so becoming bladder incontinent happened over night. Over time, I also became bowel incontinent but this was more gradual. Like many people right now, I was laid off from work and it didn't take long before the saving was gone. The only income I have is unemployment, and my health coverage is paid for by the state with no deductible for meds, doc visits, incontinence supplies, etc. There are several types of programs available so I recommend you contact you local Department of Economic Security as soon as possible and find out what's available. Many services (health care included) have a sliding scale so even if the service is not free, it may have a very "reasonable" cost including any meds you may need.
Hope this helps.
John