Patient Perspective: Audra’s Story

It took me eight years to talk to my doctor about my bladder leaks. Let that sink in for a moment – EIGHT YEARS!

Think about how much happens during a span of eight years. For me, I had two children, switched jobs and had a cross-country move in the middle of it all.

You might think that with all of those life changes I’d be able to address something as simple as bladder leaks. I had a million and one reasons of why I put it off for so long: “It will heal after I recover from childbirth.” “It’s not so bad that I can’t manage it.” “I can just wear a pad.” “I’ll just bring along an extra set of clothes with me in the car just in case.” “I’m usually near a bathroom so should be able to make it most of the time.”

The excuses went on and on, but as the years went by, I got sick of just putting up with my symptoms. I finally made an appointment with my doctor and felt silly when I told him how long I had been suffering (needlessly).

The excuses went on and on, but as the years went by, I got sick of just putting up with my symptoms. I finally made an appointment with my doctor and felt silly when I told him how long I had been suffering (needlessly). He first set me up with a Physical Therapist (PT) to work on strengthening my pelvic floor and also prescribed me a medication to take. The PT helped me a lot and after nearly six months of regular therapy, I was able to reevaluate the medication with my doctor. Now I just go for regular checkups and keep up the exercises at home on my own.

Audra S., Missoula, MT

US-OAB-2100033