NATIONAL2BASSOCIATION2BFOR2BCONTINENCE2BURINARY2BINCONTINENCE2BEDUCATION 1024x145 1
Donate Now
Search
Donate Now
Subscribe
NATIONAL2BASSOCIATION2BFOR2BCONTINENCE2BURINARY2BINCONTINENCE2BEDUCATION
Donate Now
[give_form id="19690"]

Patient Perspective: Allison’s Story

Browse By Topic
Urinary incontinence
Bowel health
Pelvic floor
Caregiving
More +
Search
URINARY INCONTINENCE
BOWEL HEALTH
PELVIC HEALTH
CAREGIVING
MORE+

I’m a survivor. I’ve lived through the joy (and scars) of giving birth to three boys, experienced two job layoffs, suffered through one divorce, and most recently, battled (and beat the shit out of) breast cancer. I didn’t really expect, after all that, to be so impacted by something as trivial as incontinence.

I first started having symptoms during my cancer treatments – my doctor said that it could sometimes be a side effect of chemo – but thought that it would go away once chemo was over. Unfortunately, I was wrong.

A year after completing treatment, I was still experiencing leakage.  At first, I just lived with it, thinking it would go away on it’s own. I packed extra underwear and experimented with various incontinence pads to help me manage.

I finally decided to talk to my doctor when it was clear that my leaky bladder wasn’t getting any better. My doctor had me make some diet adjustments, prescribed a medication to help stop the leaks, and sent me to a physical therapist to help me learn how to strengthen up my pelvic floor.

I’ve had one year of regular PT sessions and I am happy to say that I rarely have leaks anymore (even after I stopped taking the medication).

I’ve lived through a lot of setbacks in my life. But after surviving all of the hardships, I certainly wasn’t going to let something like incontinence control me. Life is just too short to live with something that’s so treatable.

Ladies – find the help if you need it.

Alison B., San Diego, CA

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A blue and white circular badge with the text TRUSTED PARTNER on top, SERVICE EXCELLENCE on the bottom, NAFC 2026 in the center, and white stars on a ribbon-like design on each side.

Click here for more about our Trusted Partners, including special offers on products and services.

cartoon image of sad girl with call out for pelvic floor training kit.

Related Articles

An older couple smiling and talking in a laundry room, with the man holding a coffee mug and managing male stress incontinence, while the woman holds a stack of folded towels.

Managing Male Bladder Leaks in Everyday Life: A Practical Guide to Comfort, Fit, and Discretion

A few drops after leaving the bathroom. Leakage when you cough or lift something. A sudden urge that makes it difficult to reach the restroom in time.
Bladder leaks can show up in different ways, and even a small leak may change how you feel about a commute, a meeting, a walk, or a night away from home. Understanding your pattern of leakage can help you find both appropriate medical care and a daily routine that works for you.

An elderly couple sits on a cozy couch, snuggled under a blanket. Smiling and relaxed with a TV remote, they feel confident thanks to discreet bladder leak pads. Framed art and pillows decorate the background.

Ask The Expert: How Can I Manage The Odors, Furniture Stains & Skin Irritation With Leaks?

Helping a loved one manage heavy to severe incontinence can be physically and emotionally demanding, and it’s natural to worry about whether you’re doing enough to support and protect them. While incontinence is often unpredictable, there are many practical steps you can take to maintain your loved one’s comfort, dignity and well-being while also protecting your home from unexpected accidents.

An older man walking on a golf course holds a club. Text promotes Elitone for Men, an FDA-cleared device for pelvic floor activation after prostate surgery—an innovative alternative to traditional incontinence products.

Male Stress Urinary Incontinence After Prostate Treatment: Why Early Action Matters

Male stress urinary incontinence is one of the most common challenges men face after prostate surgery or radiation. While the primary focus is understandably on treating cancer, many men find that bladder leakage becomes the most persistent issue during recovery.
After cancer control, regaining bladder control is often the next priority. Until continence improves, it can be difficult to return to normal daily activities, and many men focus on this before addressing other aspects of recovery, including sexual function.

An older couple smiling and talking in a laundry room, with the man holding a coffee mug and managing male stress incontinence, while the woman holds a stack of folded towels.

Managing Male Bladder Leaks in Everyday Life: A Practical Guide to Comfort, Fit, and Discretion

A few drops after leaving the bathroom. Leakage when you cough or lift something. A sudden urge that makes it difficult to reach the restroom in time.
Bladder leaks can show up in different ways, and even a small leak may change how you feel about a commute, a meeting, a walk, or a night away from home. Understanding your pattern of leakage can help you find both appropriate medical care and a daily routine that works for you.

Blue and orange text invites adults 18+ who have had a UTI to share their experience in a survey. Speech bubbles illustrate conversation, and an orange button says Take the survey..