Active living at age 86!
Freedom from bladder control problems

By Yvette M. Manard,  MPH

At age 86, Kathleen, a Garden Grove, CA resident, is a vibrant active woman who lives independently and loves to travel. Kathleen had never been hospitalized except to deliver her four children.  Imagine her dismay when her lifestyle was threatened by a series of health problems that left her dependent upon a urinary catheter.  After being admitted to a general acute care hospital for acute appendicitis, she suffered a number of health setbacks including pneumonia, bowel issues, and urinary retention.  Kathleen was hospitalized for a total of 60+ days, including a stay in a rehabilitation center.   

As she was recovering and regaining her physical strength she was very concerned about her dependence on the catheter and what it would do to her independent lifestyle.  Numerous doctors told her that she would have to learn to “live with it.”  That is until she consulted with Dr. Robert Pugach, Medical Director of Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center, in Los Alamitos, CA.  Dr. Pugach examined her on February 17, 2011 and informed her about a revolutionary treatment procedure that would enable her to remove the catheter and be able to void normally. 

After thoroughly discussing her treatment options, Kathleen elected to undergo a trial assessment with InterStim® Therapy, which is often referred to as a pacemaker for the bladder. After receiving the InterStim® device on February 24, 2011, she noticed an immediate and dramatic relief of her symptoms, proclaiming, “I am so delighted to be free of the burden of a catheter.”

From the minute the InterStim® device was installed, her bladder began working and she began to feel like her old self.  “I never have been sick a day in my life,” says Kathleen.  “To gain back control of my life and have the freedom to do what you want, when you want, is the best feeling.”

Dr. Pugach advises that age isn’t a barrier.  “Since InterStim® Therapy is a minimally invasive procedure, I am able to offer this wonderful treatment to many of my patients dealing with overactive bladder (OAB) problems.  Dr. Pugach explains, “InterStim® is a small device placed under your skin that sends signals to the nerves in your tailbone that control bladder function.”  Both male and female patients note that their OAB symptoms are markedly improved.  “This remarkable procedure is eight times more effective than typical medications prescribed for bladder control,” says Dr. Pugach. 

If you would like to learn more about treatment options for overactive bladder, call Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center for your consultation.  Stop being bothered by embarrassing bladder control problems. 
 

Call:  888.735.4336 to determine if you are a candidate for InterStim® Therapy.   

Learn More:    New Hope for Patients Suffering from Bladder Control Problems (LEARN ABOUT NEW EFFECTIVE THERAPY)