Page 80 - Urological Health

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM or Interstim®) involves a preliminary evaluation test in which a
wire is inserted into the lower backbone area (sacrum) and you are shown how to operate an external
electrical stimulator that is connected to the wire. The electrical stimulation may influence the pelvic
floor muscles and through a series of complex interactions improve the OAB symptoms. If the
preliminary test is successful, you may be offered a permanent implant that involves a surgical
procedure. Sacral neuromodulation is done in only six or seven highly specialized units across Canada
and is covered by the healthcare system.

What can you do to improve the result of treatment?

Successful outcome in OAB treatment depends very much on your involvement and active
participation. To help you manage your symptoms, make sure you do the following:

During the workup for OAB

1. Tell your doctor what bladder symptoms you have and how much they are bothering you.
2. Complete any questionnaires that you may be given about your symptoms.
3. Fill out the 3-day Voiding or Bladder Diary as accurately as possible.
During the treatment of OAB
UNDER REVIEW
1. Ask your doctor to explain anything that you do not understand.
2. Read the information that you are given about conservative management.
3. Try your best to eliminate caffeine from your diet.
4. Try your best to learn the correct way of doing Kegel exercises and to practice suppressing
the urge to void.
5. Try your best to follow the advice of your doctor about other recommendations, such as
bladder training, dietary intake, weight loss and exercise.
6. Take the medication as prescribed and note any side effects that are troublesome. If the side
effects are troublesome, tell your doctor.
7. If you have actively followed the recommendations for conservative management and have
tried one or more medications, ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist.
Above all, remember that OAB treatment usually requires more than just “a pill.” Your active
participation is necessary; different medications and other treatments may also be needed. OAB
may never be cured, but the symptoms may be improved to the point where you can resume a
normal lifestyle.

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