Cleveland Clinic in Florida utilizes investigational treatment options
Grand Bahama Island resident Sarah Forbes did not realize she had become a statistic when she developed symptoms of an overactive bladder (OAB). She simply knew her quality of life was diminishing with every passing day. The inability to control her bladder was preventing Mrs. Forbes from enjoying her normal activities, such as spending time with family, exercising at the gym, going to church, and even getting a good night's sleep.
Mrs. Forbes, 62, experienced urinary frequency and urgency -- common symptoms of an overactive bladder. She also experienced feelings of embarrassment and frustration, equally common with OAB. After several months of suffering in silence, Mrs. Forbes finally decided to seek help.
Upon the recommendation of her son, a practicing cardiologist in the Bahamas, Mrs. Forbes contacted Cleveland Clinic in Florida. She received treatment under the care of urologists Carolyn Langford, D.O., and Gamal M. Ghoniem, MD, FACS, Head of the Section of voiding Dysfunction and Female Urology and Reconstruction.
"Oral medications were initially used to try to control Mrs. Forbes' overactive bladder," explains Dr. Ghoniem. "But as is sometimes the case, she did not respond to this conservative approach."
Gamal M. Ghoniem, MD, FACS
Drs. Langford and Ghoniem then recommended an investigational procedure using Botox® (botulinum toxin type A) to treat overactive bladder (OAB). The procedure is performed in a doctor’s office under a local anesthetic. The patient receives a series of diluted Botox® injections to the bladder muscle. These injections help to control the spasms that result in urine leakage.
This procedure has been available for about a decade in Europe, but is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, it is currently offered through clinical trials and as an off-label use of Botox.® The FDA is expected to review the use of Botox® for OAB as soon as clinical testing is completed.
"Patients typically respond very well to this procedure, and we've had very good experience with it here at Cleveland Clinic in Florida," says Dr. Ghoniem. "Most patients enjoy symptom relief for six to nine months before they need another course of treatment."
Carolyn Langford, DO
Mrs. Forbes says she is no longer embarrassed to talk about overactive bladder and shares her experience with many of her friends who struggle with bladder control.
"The treatment worked and today I'm feeling great," she says. "I'm so grateful. I feel free."
Overactive bladder, also known as urge incontinence, is just one type of chronic urinary incontinence. It affects some 17 million Americans and nearly twice as many women as men. Though all too common, women today are still hesitant to talk about urinary incontinence and its impact on their quality of life.
"The truth is there are many more treatment options today than ever before," says Dr. Ghoniem. "Women should take heart. They can regain control."
To make an appointment regarding overactive bladder with a specialist at Cleveland Clinic or at Cleveland Clinic in Florida, call 800.884.9551. If calling from outside of the United States, call 001.631.439.1578.
