For as long as I can remember, overactive bladder controlled my schedule. I was making 20 to 30 trips to the bathroom a day, planning travel around restroom stops, and constantly interrupting everyday life. I had no idea there was a treatment that might give me meaningful relief.
In this episode, I'm joined by my urogynecologist, Dr. Brent Parnell, and registered nurse Renee Renier to talk about Axonics sacral neuromodulation therapy—the treatment that has changed my life. Dr. Parnell explains how sacral neuromodulation for overactive bladder helps restore communication between the brain, bladder, and bowel, while Renee shares her own experience with overactive bowel and how the therapy transformed her quality of life.
We walk through who may qualify, what the temporary trial is like, how the permanent device is implanted and programmed, the differences between rechargeable and recharge-free options, and what patients should know about exercise, travel, MRIs, and long-term follow-up. We also discuss urinary retention, bowel incontinence, bladder Botox, and why stress incontinence requires a different type of treatment.
If bladder or bowel symptoms are ruling your days—or if you have been too embarrassed to ask for help—I hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone and encourages you to speak honestly with a qualified healthcare provider about your symptoms and goals.
IMPORTANT MEDICAL DISCLAIMER AND GUEST DISCLOSURE
Important Disclaimer: This podcast episode is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease, condition, or health concern. Nothing in this podcast establishes a doctor-patient relationship between the guest and any listener. The information shared is general in nature and reflects the guest's professional knowledge, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice tailored to your individual circumstances, evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider, or personalized medical care. The guest, podcast host, and podcast team/producers are not liable for any diagnosis, treatment undertaken, or medical decisions made based on information shared in this episode. Nothing in this episode should be construed as medical advice. The information shared reflects general knowledge and is not a substitute for personalized medical care or a doctor-patient relationship.
Dr. Brent Parnell has not been compensated for his participation in this interview. He is a paid consultant for Boston Scientific Corporation.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE:
- How Jamie's overactive bladder led to 20 to 30 bathroom trips a day and affected travel, intimacy, and everyday life
- What sacral neuromodulation is and how it may improve communication between the brain, bladder, and bowel
- The symptoms Axonics therapy is designed to address, including urinary urgency and frequency, urge incontinence, bowel incontinence, and non-obstructive urinary retention
- Why overactive bladder and bowel symptoms are not limited to older women
- Renee's experience with severe bowel urgency and how her life changed after receiving the device
- What patients can expect during the temporary trial and how providers determine whether someone is a responder
- How the permanent implant is programmed, adjusted, charged, and managed over time
- The differences between rechargeable and recharge-free Axonics systems
- What patients should know about exercise, sex, travel, airport screening, and MRI-conditional requirements
- How sacral neuromodulation differs from bladder Botox and why neither treatment is considered a permanent cure
- Why Axonics therapy does not treat stress urinary incontinence and how options such as Bulkamid or a sling differ
- Dr. Parnell's advice for walking into a urogynecology appointment with clear, specific quality-of-life goals
LINKS AND RESOURCES
WHERE TO LISTEN
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