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Karen: A Life Without Medication
Iris: I Can Do it!
When Iris began having bladder control problems at the age of 64, her family physician prescribed medication. When it didn't work, she went to her gynecologist and learned about pelvic floor therapy.
“When I heard about the therapy, I felt I could be successful at it. I'm a control freak and I love a challenge. I knew I could do this and reach my goal,” Iris said.
Iris was aware of the alternatives. Her sister had bladder surgery and spent four days in the hospital and a month with a urine bag on her leg.
“The aftermath of surgery was not for me. That really turned me off. I've had a lot of other surgeries. I like the treatment because I took control of my own body,” she said.
After five or six 30-minute sessions, Iris began to feel the difference. The full treatment lasted eight weeks and she continues to do the exercises on her own with great success. She admits that she could never have done it on her own. The therapy helped her learn the correct method needed to reach her goal — to be in control once again.
“My husband and I travel a lot, and now I don't have to pack a bunch of pads and extra underwear. I am not running for a chair every time I have to sneeze or cough. I can garden again without worrying about leaking,” said Iris. “I feel good about myself. I feel free and independent. It's fantastic!"
Karen: A Life Without Medication
For 11 years, Karen* took prescription medication for bladder control problems. But now she has control of her life after discovering the type of therapy provided by the evadri Bladder Control System.
“It’s a miracle,” said Karen. “I wish this therapy had been presented to me several years ago.”
With proper use, the evadri System provides the type of therapy that helps restore bladder control without the side effects associated with drug therapy or the recovery time that corresponds to surgery.
Most recently, Karen was taking prescription medication for urge incontinence. For seven years she had to deal with side effects of the drug. She experienced dry mouth, which lead to dental problems. Karen became extremely sensitive to light and would be awake all night with acid reflux. She also was up two or three times a night to go to the bathroom, due to the volume of water she had to drink to overcome dry mouth.
But the biggest reason for Karen to find an alternative bladder control therapy was the idea of having to take medication for the rest of her life.
“It is a huge relief to be off of a prescription,” said Karen. “It is a wonderful freedom to be 66 years old and not be taking any medicine. I would advise anyone to hold off on medicine and try this therapy. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain by trying this device if you do not want the long-term effects of medicine. For me, this is a great victory.”
The evadri System aids in providing peace of mind. With proper use, this type of treatment helps restore bladder control without side effects associated with drug therapy or the recovery time associated with surgery.
*Name changed to protect patient privacy.
Donna: Taking Control
Donna* had been dealing with a combination of stress and urge incontinence for 22 years. She tried medications but they caused dry mouth, upset bowels, and only worsened her incontinence. She was offered surgery to end her bladder control problems, but she wasn’t comfortable with that option. Nothing seemed like a good solution until she learned about biofeedback therapy.
“It was years before I found a physician who would perceive my bladder control as a real problem and was willing to try and help me,” said Donna. “Finally, a gynecologist mentioned biofeedback therapy.”
Biofeedback — in which patients watch a video monitor of the muscles contracting as they exercise — can help patients identify the pelvic muscles so they can practice on their own. The evadri System combines biofeedback with electric signaling designed to restore pelvic muscles that may have lost tone due to inactivity. Small patch electrodes monitor muscles of the abdomen so a patient can effectively identify the correct muscles to contract or relax. This helps retrain the muscles and decreases the symptoms of urgency/frequency or overactive bladder.
After only three sessions, Donna made progress. “It was really a slight difference, but important to me. When I was able to isolate the muscle, I was encouraged. It was worth the effort for me,” she said.
Donna is now dedicated to doing her exercises. “I believe that the treatments get you back in touch with your own body,” said Donna. “You do not have to rely on some drug to control your life. My idea of success will be when I do not have to rely on pads or worry about wearing diapers. I think making the treatment work is like making a good marriage work — you need a good partner and you have to be willing to work hard because you believe it is worth it.”
*Name changed to protect patient privacy.
