Dr. Ronald Kim is one of five Urologist on the world class team of physicians at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital. Urologists specialize in urinary and reproductive health from prostate cancer to kidney stone disease. A very common yet often embarrassing issue that urologists treat is incontinence- the loss of bladder control.
“The classic patient story that I frequently encounter,” said Dr. Kim, “is that of a middle-aged to elderly man or woman who over time has an increasingly difficult time holding back their urine. The individual gets accustomed to racing to the bathroom and even begins wearing adult pads or diapers. The individual thinks that bladder leakage is their new reality and that they must learn to endure the uncomfortableness and embarrassment. Eventually, the individual gets exhausted with the inconvenience of their condition and mentions it to their doctor. A urologist on our team provides the patient with a variety of options, and the patient finally finds a successful solution for their bladder control. Then, oftentimes, the patient wishes they would have spoken up much sooner about their struggle with incontinence. I cannot stress this enough. You do not have to silently suffer. Talk to your doctor about your incontinence right away.”
Ronald Kim, M.D. Urologist
LET’S HAVE THE CONVERSATION
It’s okay to tell your doctor about any bladder leakage issues you may be experiencing. “You may feel embarrassed or think that you are the only one having this frustrating issue, but you are not alone,” said Dr. Kim. “Incontinence care products make up a multi-billion-dollar global industry. You are not the only one experiencing bladder leakage.”
Tell your doctor and have the conversation. “My goal with shedding light on this underdiscussed topic is for people to know they have viable options. There are many adults wearing pads or diapers on a regular basis not knowing that something can be done to improve their struggle. The team of urologists at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital are here to help you have the conversation about your incontinence and help you find the option right for you,” said Dr. Kim.
INCONTINENCE IMPACTS QUALITY OF LIFE AND BUDGET
Incontinence can be a cumbersome and expensive issue to live with. Incontinence supplies are costly, and patients can go through several pads or diapers per day. Trips across the country or across town can become unappealing and challenging as patients learn that rushing to use a bathroom is not always possible. “Living with the inconvenience of incontinence significantly impacts a patient’s quality of life. Also, continually buying incontinence supplies can be a strain on a person’s budget,” said Dr. Kim. “Every week I see a new patient that thought they could not do anything to improve their situation. Then, helping them go from needing to use five or six pads a day to zero changes their life! They realize how much their condition was limiting their ability to enjoy leaving their home. I truly love helping my patients improve their quality of life.”
Part of the Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital Urology Team Left to Right Theresa Harju, MA, Dr. Kim, Dr. Nelson, Akua Akuffo, APNP
YOU HAVE OPTIONS!
The great news is people suffering from incontinence have options. You may be surprised to learn that Botox is one of them. Botox injections prevent a muscle from moving for a limited time and are often known for smoothing wrinkles; however, Botox is also used to treat other conditions such as overactive bladder.
“We do not jump right to Botox,” said Dr. Kim. “We utilize medication or physical therapy first. Some patients respond well to medication, and that may be all that is needed for them. Some incontinence issues may not need a drug solution. Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital offers a comprehensive Pelvic Floor Therapy program. Physical Therapy can be a solution or part of the solution for some patients, and it is impressive that we offer this right here as a convenient option.”
Then, there is Botox. “When used for therapeutic and not cosmetic means, Botox injections are almost always covered by insurance,” said Dr. Kim. “A bladder is like a balloon of muscle, and its job is to squeeze the muscle for the urine to come out. Patients suffering from incontinence cannot stop the muscle from squeezing, and the bladder contracts even when you are trying to signal it to stop. A Botox injection in the bladder relaxes the muscle and enables the patient to have more control over their bladder.”
The urologists at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital offer Botox injections as an in-office procedure. Patients stay awake for the five to ten-minute procedure. No incision is made, and the treatment is typically effective for six to eight months.
“Two treatments a year is significantly better than buying all the incontinence supplies and living with the daily struggle and embarrassment of incontinence. Please know that you can discuss your incontinence with your doctor or schedule a consultation with my colleagues or myself. You have options, and we are committed to helping you.”
NO REFERRAL NEEDED
A referral is not necessary to schedule a consultation at the Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital Urology Clinic. The clinic sees adult and geriatric patients, and Dr. Kim speaks both English and Spanish.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Urology Clinic at (262) 577-0240.
