A simple procedure gave Janet her life back .
A simple procedure gave Janet her life back .
Urinary incontinence affects more people than you think . Janet Louise Rominski , an actively involved partner , mother , stepmother , grandmother , great-grandmother , and world traveler , is one of them . She relied on non-surgical options such as exercises , medicines , removable devices , and pads for years . But as she aged , they failed to provide relief . “ It got to the point where I was afraid to go anywhere ,” Janet said . “ It was causing problems with my life . What if there wasn ’ t a restroom around ? What if I needed to change my pad ?”
She shared her frustration with her AHN gynecologist , Marcia Klein-Patel , MD , who recommended she see Erin Lavelle , MD , an AHN urogynecologist who specializes in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery . Janet felt comfortable with Dr . Lavelle the moment they met . “ She ’ s a caring person who put me at ease ,” Janet said . “ I felt comfortable discussing everything I was experiencing .”
There are two main categories of urinary incontinence : stress incontinence and urgency incontinence . “ Stress incontinence happens when you cough , laugh , or sneeze ,” said Dr . Lavelle . “ Urgency incontinence is when you have to go and can ’ t get to the bathroom in time .” Like many women with urinary incontinence , Janet was experiencing a mix of both , so Dr . Lavelle recommended mid-urethral sling surgery , followed by medical therapy .
“ Dr . Lavelle did everything she could to make it easy for me ,” said Janet . “ She scheduled the procedure and made sure I knew how to prepare for it and exactly what to expect .”
The day of the procedure went exactly as planned . “ When you ’ re 77 , it ’ s a little scary going into surgery . But everyone was positive and encouraging , from when I went in that morning to when I was wheeled out to the car . The anesthesiologist even joked a bit to make sure I felt comfortable and at ease . I couldn ’ t have been in better hands ,” said Janet .
Women of all ages can experience urinary incontinence and be candidates for treatment . If you or someone you know has symptoms , take Janet ’ s advice : “ Don ’ t be afraid to talk about it . Find a doctor who will answer all your questions , make you feel important , and never rush you ,” she said . “ And if you have a chance to get your life back , take it . No matter what age you are . I feel like I ’ m 20 again . I can go anywhere and not worry about where the bathrooms are . I can just enjoy the moment .”
AT LEAST ONE IN THREE WOMEN WILL EXPERIENCE A PELVIC FLOOR DISORDER IN HER LIFETIME .
“ I ’ m happy I had the surgery . People my age need to know they can have it , too .”
— Janet Louise Rominski