NATIONAL2BASSOCIATION2BFOR2BCONTINENCE2BURINARY2BINCONTINENCE2BEDUCATION 1024x145 1
Donate Now
Search
Donate Now
Subscribe
NATIONAL2BASSOCIATION2BFOR2BCONTINENCE2BURINARY2BINCONTINENCE2BEDUCATION
Search
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Your email address will not be published.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

A doctor speaks to a patient in a clinic. Text discusses advocating for care, exploring Gut Health and how to improve gut health, and introduces a podcast episode featuring Dr. Jannah Thompson and Morgan, a U.S. Marine veteran and bladder patient. NAFC and podcast logos are visible.

“Am I going to be heard here?” How to Advocate for Yourself and Get the Care You Deserve

Embarrassment. Frustration. Unanswered questions. For many people living with bladder or bowel conditions, these feelings can become just as challenging as the symptoms themselves.

In this episode of Life Without Leaks, we’re joined by board-certified urogynecologist Dr. Jannah Thompson and patient advocate Morgon for an honest and inspiring conversation about navigating the healthcare journey. Morgon shares his deeply personal story, from developing debilitating bladder symptoms as a young U.S. Marine to years of searching for answers, learning to advocate for himself, and ultimately finding treatments that transformed his life.

Two pairs of men's underwear and four types of adult incontinence products, including bladder leakage pads, are displayed on a bed and nightstand in a softly lit bedroom.

How to Choose the Best Incontinence Products: A Complete Comparison

Bladder control problems are common in both men and women, yet most people are left scratching their head at the pharmacy shelf, overwhelmed by options. The right choice usually depends on many factors like the type/level of leakage, mobility, daily routine and more.
That’s a lot to weigh in on, so some direction can be helpful. Drawing from hands-on care experience, this guide compares the six main product types so you can get the best incontinence products to suit your needs.

A smiling woman with blonde hair in a blazer is featured next to text about real solutions for women with bladder leaks. As a health advocate, she supports the Life Without Leaks NAFC podcast, which highlights Dr. Susan Oakley’s expert advice.

Beyond Pads and Panty Liners: Real Solutions for Women Who Leak

Millions of women experience overactive bladder or urge urinary incontinence, but far too many assume it’s simply part of getting older or something they have to live with. The truth is, effective treatments exist, and help may be easier to find than you think.

In this episode of Life Without Leaks, we welcome urogynecologist Dr. Susan Oakley to follow up on her recent NAFC webinar and answer listeners’ most pressing questions. It’s an honest, practical conversation about overactive bladder, urge urinary incontinence, and the latest treatment options. Dr. Oakley explains the difference between common bladder conditions, discusses everything from pelvic floor physical therapy and medications to neuromodulation and Botox, and shares why so many people wait years before seeking care.

A doctor speaks to a patient in a clinic. Text discusses advocating for care, exploring Gut Health and how to improve gut health, and introduces a podcast episode featuring Dr. Jannah Thompson and Morgan, a U.S. Marine veteran and bladder patient. NAFC and podcast logos are visible.

“Am I going to be heard here?” How to Advocate for Yourself and Get the Care You Deserve

Embarrassment. Frustration. Unanswered questions. For many people living with bladder or bowel conditions, these feelings can become just as challenging as the symptoms themselves.

In this episode of Life Without Leaks, we’re joined by board-certified urogynecologist Dr. Jannah Thompson and patient advocate Morgon for an honest and inspiring conversation about navigating the healthcare journey. Morgon shares his deeply personal story, from developing debilitating bladder symptoms as a young U.S. Marine to years of searching for answers, learning to advocate for himself, and ultimately finding treatments that transformed his life.