Connect
Any options for complex incontinence?
My history is complex. I had a sling procedure done in 2009 which helped, but didn't completely fix, so that was followed by a shot of botox 1 year later.
The botox caused me to black out (they actually called a code blue!) however did help with the incontinence, but it was determined not to use again for me.
About 10 years later, my incontinence got quite a bit worse. My urologist decided to try Bulkamid with me. I had a few episodes of UTI's after that and 8 months later a complete urinary blockage of my urethra. I went to ER, catheterization and surgery to remove the blockage 1 week later. The blockage was referred to as a "Pseudo Abscess" and was excised in surgery. My Dr. believes this was caused by the Bulkamid.
After this surgery, I had no control over my bladder. Complete incontinence. Continuous use of depends. My urologist scheduled surgery for 6 months later.
I had that surgery, an autologous fascial pubovaginal sling with excision of the mesh from the sling surgery 10 years prior. I seemed pretty good for 6 weeks, but since then my incontinence is returning. 3/4 panty liners a day.
I'm 68 years old, single and truly would like to find something that would work for me.
I've heard of artificial sphincter's where you control the output of your urine. Have been used extensively in men, but is occurring in women as well.
I don't know if this could work for me, but would love to hear of anyone having any results with this.
Thank you!
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Women's Health Support Group.
Connect
Hi, @vickij1956, and welcome. It sounds like you’ve been through a long and difficult health journey. I can imagine how exhausting and frustrating it must feel to try so many things and still not have the results you’re hoping for.
I've added your question to the Kidney & Bladder support group to help you connect with others who might be experiencing incontinence.
Have you talked to your urologist about the possibility of an artificial sphincter or any additional treatment options?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsThank you Kelly! I have an appointment with my urologist in October and will then discuss any other options for me. I don't think UW hospital has experience with artificial sphincters and saw that Mayo do, so posted it on the Mayo blog.
Hopefully I will get some answers on whether that might work for me.
Regards,
Vicki
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi Vicki,
My, you really have been having some issues with incontinence! That's too bad. I have incontinence too. Quite severe actually. They did a procedure on me which lasted for 9 years! I think it was Botox because everything stopped. No more incontinence. Then it started to come back. I went back to the same doctor and she said they don't do that procedure anymore and that the ones they can offer me often are only 70% effective. She suggested I "just live with it" as she said. I do wonder if this suggestion had something to do with the fact that I'm 79. So now I support the Poise pad company very well. (Amazon has the best prices on Poise.) Still sometimes I leak through two pads with toilet paper on top of that! When I go somewhere I only go a few places and then return home. I also try and drink very little liquid before I go but I don't want to be dehydrated. It can be very frustrating but I don't know what else a person can do. I've never heard of the procedure that you mentioned.
You mentioned the UW Hospital. Are you referring to the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle? That is where I went. I think if they had the procedure that you mentioned they would have offered it to me because it's probably expensive.
I hope things work out well for you.
PML
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsIs anyone familiar with a bladder pacemaker???
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionNo, I had not heard of that. I may ask my urologist her thoughts on that. I will also ask her about the artificial sphincter. I'm thinking I may have to consult up at Mayo (I am in Wisconsin) as I think they have more specialists in these types of surgeries when a sling and other procedure have not worked. It sounds like a possibility! I hope someone has had the procedure and responds.
Vicki
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI wish you the best and thanks for responding.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction