Personal Stories

Cheryl's Story

Cheryl was in her mid-fifties when she noticed she had to go the bathroom more often. Her family doctor told her this just happens when women get older. "You'll get used to it," he said. But Cheryl didn't buy it. "I'm only in my fifties, but I was too embarrassed to talk to anybody about my problem."
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Jayne's Story

"I tried many medications, but nothing helped. I carried pads and a change of clothes wherever I went. Eventually I couldn't go out."
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Josephine's Story

When Josephine was working as a waitress, she needed a note from her doctor to explain that she had bladder problems and needed to go to the bathroom every 15 to 20 minutes. She tried several medications but they made her mouth so dry she'd need to drink something – and then she'd need to go again.
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Nancy's Story

Nancy, age 57, had accomplished a lot as an executive. But her moments of success were overshadowed by concerns about her bladder. Often she couldn't make the half-hour commute to work without stopping at a gas station to use the restroom.
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Pam's Story

Pam has seen plenty of doctors and tried medications, biofeedback, and Kegel exercises, but nothing really worked. One doctor told her the problems were all in her head. She was often in tears at the doctor’s office, feeling like there was no hope.
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Peg's Story

"I'm made of steel, but after five years of no improvement in my urgency-frequency symptoms, I broke down in my doctor's office and said, 'I can't do this any more. Isn't there another treatment option?'"
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Ron's Story

Ron had been living with urinary retention since 1994. To empty his bladder, he needed to use a catheter. "You can't imagine how difficult it is to set up a catheter kit and keep everything sterile in a men's public restroom," he says.
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Next: Cheryl's Story

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

Last updated: 5 Jun 2009