A Condition No One Talks About (NAPS)—Where is the bathroom? A simple, easy question we many OAB sufferers become housebound from the fear and embarrassment of having a wetting accident in public. Manyliving with OAB say they feel shy, happened. Keep in mind that your doctor will need to know whatpreceded your accident as it helps in the diagnosis of your condition. “It is crucial that we address the misconceptions surroundingthis condition and encouragepatients to speak with their health care professionals,” says Cheryle Gartley, president of the Simon Foundation for Continence, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to providing assistance and support to those suffering from urinary incontinence. “It is equally important for physicians and nurses to help educate patients on the full range of options that are available that can help OABsufferers resume control remain silent and untreated. “OABis not a normal part of the aging process andis a treatable medical condition,” says Diane A. Smith, Many OABsufferers with symptoms of urgency, frequency, and accidents are being successfully treated with anticholinergic medications, such as DITROPAN XL’ (oxybutynin ask in restaurants, when travel- ing, and even when visiting friends. But for 17 million Ameri- cans who suffer from overactive bladder (OAB), finding a bath- room is more than a question, it is a wayoflife. OAB and its symptoms can have a dramatic effect on everyday activities such as exercising, sleeping, intimacy, traveling and social interactions. As a result, of their lives.” ashamed, or embarrassed about their condition, and therefore RN, MSN, CRNP,a nurse practitioner at UroHealthcare, Newton Square, PA. “OAB canaffect anyone, at any age.” Symptoms of overactive bladder include: *Urge urinary incontinence— wetting accidents Frequency—anincreased rate of urination that is more than eight times a day and/or two or more times a night *Urgency—a sudden desire to urinate Thefirst step towards seeking effective treatment is starting a conversation with your doctor. tips for starting the dialogue with your healthcare provider: *Call ahead—it may makeit easier to open the dialogue regarding your condition. Your doctor or nurse will then be sure to initiate the discussion about OAB during your appointment. Makea list of all the medications that you are currently taking and the symptoms that you are experiencing. Give the list to your doctor or nurse during your appointment. chloride). DITROPAN XL, which blocks contractions of the bladder muscle, wasthefirst once-a-day medication clinically proven to deliver 83 to 90 percent reduction in wet- ting accidents, versus 51 percentfor placebo. Its safety and effectiveness have been demonstrated in patients from 18 to 98 yearsof age. If you are suffering from symptoms of OAB, start a discussion with your doctor or nurse about the condition and your treatment options today. *Keep a diary of your bathFor more information on OAB, room habits. Keep a note of what, contact your physician, visit the how much and when you drink, how DITROPAN XL Website at www. often you use the bathroom, when ditropanXL.com, or call the Simon you have accidents and what you Foundation for Continence at 1-800of OAB. Here are some helpful were doing before your accidents 23-SIMON. wee ee nnn ene en enn ee nen eee ee eeeGeen a a ee nn ne en en enn eee een nee Recognizing the condition and opening a dialogue with a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional about OABis thefirst step toward improving the symptoms Note: DITROPAN XL is indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder. You should not use DITROPANXL ifyou have certain types of stomach, urinary or glaucoma problems. Ifyou currently take medication for a gastrointestinal disorder or have had a gastrointestinal blockage, your healthcare professional should determine whether once-a-day DITROPANXL is right for you.
