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Options for female incontinence with complex history?
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 Poise pads a day. I never have an urge to urinate, it just leaks out.
I'm 69 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.
Has any female had this procedure done? Outcome? Also, has anyone had a bladder pacemaker? Does that help?
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I do not know if the implant by Medtronic called InterStim would help, but I would ask your doctor. There is much information online from Medtronic. I had this done last year and it has greatly improved my daily life.
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3 Reactions@rainyday541 I will ask her about it, but I don't think it would work for me. It sounds like it is more for urge incontinence? Mine is stress incontinence and at this point, I don't think my urethra sphincter works at all. 🙁
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3 ReactionsI’m so sorry to hear you’ve been having a rough time of navigating this overactive bladder issue.
My urogyn is suggesting the Botox treatment, but the side effects (even though only 10 to 30 percent) are concerning. . . UTIs, urethra malfunction, and possible self-catheterization for as long as nine months. And now hearing that you actually blacked out during the procedure has me even more concerned.
I think I’ll be stuck wearing pads. 😔
PS: what I did find helpful was pelvic floor physical therapy. But I haven’t been faithful to the daily exercises (about 15 to 20 minutes daily) and that’s important for good results. So I’m going to get back into PT for now. Best of luck on your quest for a solution. (I, too, had a complete hysterectomy and also a mesh sling, which helped for only about five years.)
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4 ReactionsYou all have been through a lot and are still dealing with these issues. I’ve struggled with some kind of urinary incontinence for as long as I can remember (I’m 69). There is a book from Mayo Clinic Press all about incontinence. I can’t remember the title of it at the moment but it describes the types of incontinence, the causes and tells about possible treatments. I found it very interesting and an informative read. If nothing else it is nice to know I’m not alone. None of you are. Please keep sharing what you learn about this embarrassing problem. We need to keep hope alive!
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1 ReactionCheryl, thank you for your words of encouragement! It does help knowing that you’re not going through this alone and having this supportive group.
I was at Mayo Clinic in Rochester yesterday and went to the education center, and I saw this book. I’m wondering if this is the one you were referring to. I had time to look at it and think it is very informative.
The book is available on Amazon.
I had a consultation and have an appointment to see a surgeon. The Urology department was so busy, the first available appointment will be in June for me to meet with a surgeon to discuss possible options.
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1 ReactionThe book you are referring to, is also available at our local Library. I fact, I found three different books by Mayo Clinic on the subject of Incontinence. If you use the app Libby for books from your library, you can just borrow the books and read or listen to them on your phone, laptop, ipad or whatever device you use.
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1 ReactionI wish they new more and could find a complete solution to a problem rather than keep trying so many different things because they don't know what it really is or have an answer and solution.
I have never heard of the two surgeries you mentioned I will look them up they may help me. I relate to your problems because my mother had it and ended up just staying home for the rest of her life. Sad to have to make that decision and not get relief from a problem, and live in that loneliness.
Praying you find help and a solution.
artificial sphincter's , autologous fascial pubovaginal
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