Hello Friends,
Today, I’m sharing something personal in the hopes that it might reach someone out there who feels the way I did—alone, embarrassed, and unsure where to turn. This is the story of my journey with Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) and how it unexpectedly brought me closer to my mom.
Discovering the Symptoms
It all started when I noticed little leaks whenever I laughed too hard or pushed myself during a workout. At first, I brushed it off, thinking it was just a one-time thing. But after I had my daughter, it became more frequent— especially when I laughed, sneezed, or even lifted something heavy. It was embarrassing, and I didn’t know what to do or who to talk to. I felt isolated and kept thinking, “I’m too young to be dealing with this!”
Seeking Help
For a long time, I kept it to myself. I was embarrassed and felt like I was the only one my age dealing with these issues. I tried to manage it on my own by changing my routine, avoiding certain activities, and wearing pads. But deep down, I knew I needed help. Finally, I worked up the courage to talk to my doctor, who referred me to a urogynecologist.
She was incredibly understanding and reassured me that SUI is more common than I thought. They explained that there were effective treatments available, after discussing my options, I chose Bulkamid®, a minimally invasive procedure designed to provide long-lasting relief.
Sharing with My Mom
After my appointment, I decided to share what I was going through with my mom. To my surprise, she had been dealing with similar symptoms for years! She never talked about it, thinking it was just a normal part of aging. Like me, she had been struggling in silence.
Hearing my story encouraged her to see the same urogynecologist. She ended up choosing Bulkamid® as well, and the procedure was a turning point for both of us. We regained the active lives we had started to give up, and in the process, our bond grew stronger as we supported each other through our journeys.
A Message to Others
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this experience, it’s that you’re never alone. Bladder leaks can happen to anyone, regardless of age, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek help. Talk to an expert physician, explore your treatment options, and don’t be afraid to share your journey with those close to you. You might find support and understanding in unexpected places, just as I did.
All my best,
Chelsea
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Results and experiences may vary and are unique to each individual.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
Indications: The Bulkamid Urethral Bulking System is indicated for urethral injection for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) in adult women who have SUI or stress predominant mixed incontinence.
Contraindications: Bulkamid Urethral Bulking System must not be used in patients suffering from acute urinary tract infection.
Warnings: Do not inject Bulkamid Hydrogel intravascularly. Injection of Bulkamid Hydrogel into blood vessels may cause vascular occlusion leading to a possible embolism. Discontinue injection of Bulkamid Hydrogel if the superficial capillaries of the mucosa start to fade in order to avoid ischemia. Prior assessment of the tissue is recommended before introducing the Bulkamid Rotatable Sheath into the urethra. Do not force the Bulkamid Rotatable Sheath into the urethra or inject Bulkamid Hydrogel if the urethral tissue is damaged. The Bulkamid Urethral Bulking System should not be used in patients with urethral or bladder neck strictures until the strictures have been corrected. Use of the Bulkamid Urethral Bulking System in patients with strictures may cause injury and/or urethral obstruction. Over-correction using Bulkamid Hydrogel may lead to obstruction. Patients receiving treatment affecting blood coagulation have an increased risk of hematoma or urethral bleeding, as with any invasive procedure. Do not use Bulkamid Hydrogel in male patients.
Precautions: The Bulkamid Urethral Bulking System is only to be administered by a qualified physician, e.g. gynecologist, urologist, or urogynecologist. Safety and effectiveness of Bulkamid have not been established in patients with a fragile urethral mucosal lining, with urethral hypermobility with a straining angle >30º from horizontal bladder neck, predominant urge incontinence, detrusor overactivity, known polyuria (≥ 3L/24h), unevaluated hematuria, prolapse stage greater than Stage II using the ICS Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) exam, BMI >35 kg/m2, neurogenic bladder, less than 18 years of age, have active Herpes Genitalis, or for re-injection of Bulkamid Hydrogel less than 4 weeks after initial injection. The effect of Bulkamid has not been evaluated in women during pregnancy, delivery or lactation. The effect of Bulkamid on subsequent pregnancy and delivery, and the impact of subsequent pregnancy on the effect of Bulkamid, is unknown. Therefore, the risks and benefits of the device in women of childbearing potential should be carefully assessed.
Adverse Events: Adverse events may include: pain at the implant site, acute retention, urinary tract infection, hematuria, de novo urge incontinence, dysuria, urinary urgency, vaginal infection/irritation/Lichen Sclerosus, and worsening urinary incontinence.
Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale and use by, or on the order of, a physician.
For a complete listing of indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions, go to www.bulkamid.com/isi.
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