Glenda is a 66-year-old woman who has been dealing with urological issues since she was 42. She’s suffered from bladder infections, interstitial cystitis, and urinary incontinence. Over the years, there have been many treatments along the way, including antibiotics and a battery system installed to control the spasming wall of her bladder.
A year ago, she says she was either using the bathroom or feeling the need to go constantly. She says that she “couldn’t think of going anywhere.” Glenda recalls a particular night, crying at 3 AM, thinking “I need some help. I can’t live like this.”
She found a new urogynecologist, who referred her to KCP. She was surprised at the recommendation for physical therapy but promptly made the appointment.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Once at KCP, Glenda began learning more about pelvic floor dysfunction and how strengthening through physical therapy could help. She says that Joyce immediately told her, “We can improve this so much.” She hoped that Joyce would be right.
Initially, they began with just two exercises. Glenda says she found the exercises easy to do, and she was pleased to have a simple beginning. From there, they continued to add more and worked on developing her strength.
In addition, she agreed to pelvic floor manual therapy to address the soft tissue dysfunction. She admits to knowing little about the process beforehand but says that it paid off. “I had no life before,” she says. “I was willing to do whatever I needed to do. I refused to give up.”
“I Feel Like I’m 25 Years Old Again!”
Glenda is happy to report that Joyce was right. Today, she says that she has experienced an 85-90% improvement in her symptoms.
“I feel like I’m 25 years old again! I can go back out… it’s like the sun coming up after not seeing it for months, “she says.
After feeling “chained to the house” for so long, Glenda says, “This has opened the world back up for me again.”
In addition to doing activities at home that she loves, like playing the piano and reading, Glenda is now enjoying getting out in her yard and going for walks. She’s currently working with Joyce to improve her gait after knee surgery, and Joyce says she has made incredible progress. She is almost walking without a limp!
KCP – Like a Family
“I’m so thankful that I found KCP,” Glenda says. “They have been like a family to me. I am thankful in every respect.”
Joyce says that the feeling is mutual, and that the team considers Glenda a part of the family, too! “Glenda is such a joy to work with and has an incredible sense of humor.”
She describes the team as being “understanding and enthusiastic about what they’re doing.” She says that she can always count on the staff at KCP to cheer her on and motivate her along the way.
Fortunately, she also has a supportive husband who has encouraged her through her many years of struggling. She says that he always told her, “It’ll be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”
Let’s Talk About Women’s Medical Health Issues
Glenda hopes that talking and sharing about women’s health topics like urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction will help to destigmatize the issues. She’s eager to share her own story with the hope of helping someone else who may need to hear it.
“Women AND men need to know that it’s okay to talk about it. I have learned a lot during this process. I know this is a common thing, but people don’t want to talk about it. Let’s talk about it – it’s a thing!” Glenda says.
Joyce adds, “Glenda has learned so much throughout her physical therapy. We love helping to educate our clients and enjoying seeing the difference that it makes.”