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Contact Us

300 S. Prairieville St
PO Box 991
Athens, TX 75751

Toll Free: 877-596-3500
Phone: 903-677-3500
Fax: 903-677-4700

Office Hours:
M-F 9am - 4pm

Urology

Our services may include but are not limited to:

• Supportive Care Education of Disease Process
• Individual and Family Counseling
• Management and Evaluation of Patient Care
• Observation and Assessment
• Home Safety and Emergency Education
• Medication Education
• Assistance with ADLs
• Nutrition Education
• Restorative Therapy (Physical, Occupational and Speech)
• Medical Social Services

A Treatable Problem
Do you sometimes leak urine when you cough or sneeze? If so, your doctor may have told you that you have stress urinary incontinence (SUI).You’re not alone. Many women have this problem. Urine leakage can be embarrassing, and it may keep you from being active. But know that SUI can be treated. Surgery often helps. Read this booklet to learn more about SUI surgery and what it may do for you.

The Symptoms of SUI
If you have SUI, you may leak urine when you put physical stress (pressure) on your bladder. (However feeling “stressed out” will not cause SUI.) This problem may happen when you:

• Cough, sneeze, or laugh
• Lift something heavy
• Exercise
• Get up from a bed or chair

Is Surgery Right for You?
Your doctor has examined you, asked you questions, and done certain tests. You may have tried some nonsurgical treatments to help control urine leakage. Your doctor now suggests that SUI surgery is an option for you. Discuss the risks and benefits of this surgery with your doctor. If you both agree that the benefits outweigh the risks, then surgery may be right for you. Surgery can be very helpful in controlling SUI. But before you decide to have surgery, be sure you know the possible outcomes.

Understanding Your Pelvic Anatomy
Stress urinary incontinence may occur when the structures that help hold urine in your bladder become weak. These two pages explain your pelvic anatomy (the organs and structures within your pelvis). Knowing this information can help you learn why you leak urine. If you still have questions, ask your nurse or doctor.

Your Pelvic Organs
Your pelvis is the region between your waist and thighs. The organs located within your pelvis are all supported by the same muscles and connective tissue. The pelvic organs include urinary organs and reproductive organs.

Normal Urine Control
The bladder normally holds urine until you are ready to let it flow out. The structures that help keep urine in the bladder are the pelvic floor muscles, connective tissue, and the urethral sphincter.

• The pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue help hold the pelvic organs in place. When the muscles and connective tissue are strong, the urethra and bladder are well supported. This helps keep the urethra closed, so urine can’t leak from the bladder.
• The urethral sphincter is a band of muscles around the urethra. When these muscles are strong, they keep urine in the bladder. These muscles relax when you want urine to fIow out.

If Urine Leaks Out
The pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue may stretch, weaken, or tear. Weak or torn muscles and connective tissue can’t support the urethra and bladder in place. If the urethra and bladder move out of place, urine can leak out. Changes in the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue can be caused by:

• Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth
• Constant coughing
• Being overweight
• Aging

The urethral sphincter may also weaken as you get older. A weak urethral sphincter can open when pressure is put on it, such as when you cough or exercise. Urine can then leak out.

Preparing for Surgery
You will be asked to do some things at home to prepare for surgery. Below are guidelines to help get ready. Be sure to follow any specific instructions from your healthcare provider. If you have any questions, call your nurse or doctor.

Arranging for Help
For the first 2 to 3 months after your surgery, you won’t be able to lift much. You also won’t be able to drive for a few weeks. Arrange for someone to help you with chores and errands during this time. If you live alone, ask someone to stay with you for a few days after surgery. Plan ahead so you have less to worry about while you heal.

The Weeks Before Surgery

• Have any tests that your doctor orders.
• Tell your doctor about aspirin and other. medications, vitamins, or herbs you take. Ask if you should stop taking them before surgery.
• Stop smoking to help reduce your risks during surgery.
• If you have been given any prescriptions to fill, do this before surgery.

The Night Before Surgery

• You may be asked to give yourself an enema. This cleans out your bowels for surgery. You’ll be told how to do it.
• Do not eat, drink, or chew anything after the midnight before surgery, as instructed. This includes water and chewing gum. But if you’ve been told to take any medications, swallow them with small sips of water.

Our agency can assist you with your recovery at home. We provide teaching, monitoring, incision care, catheter care, & therapy in the comfort of your home.