Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Well, today was a very exciting day, as I got my new toy - a brand new Urodynamics machine. We had 2 pts for the nurses to learn on, and for me to get used to the new machine. It was nice to find out that although this machine is 7 years newer than my old machine, it works very similarly, but better. We can now accurately test for all different types of incontinence, and even detect occult incontinence in women with more severe prolapse, which is a condition where they would leak if it were not for the severe kinking of the urethra which happens when the bladder is falling out. We can also check the strength of the urethra itself, which can indicate just exactly which type of sling should be done, or if a sling is even necessary. Sometimes, especially in the context of a failed prior procedure, a low urethral strength can indicate that a very simple procedure of injecting a bulking agent around the urethra can help resolve the incontinence with essentially no surgery or recovery! Sometimes, though, we find out that the prior procedure has failed, and we gain information from the urodynamics that helps guide the choice of the correct procedure for the patient. Basically, when it comes to incontinence and prolapse, one size does not fit all, so we need all the information we can get to design the right procedure for each individual. The urodynamics also test the emptying phase of the bladder, to ensure that after surgery the patient will still be able to empty her bladder. Believe me, being able to empty your bladder may be something most people never think about, but when you have to go and can't pee, it's MISERABLE!!!!!!
So, off I go to conquer the world of incontinence and put the Depends people out of business....

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hi Dr. Mosbrucker,

I'm enjoying reading your story-it makes for very interesting reading. Interesting how you say Dr. Redwine calls you his clone(in the making I guess). I can see why! He seems to have made a wise choice. Here's why I say that: my name is Hazel Johnson, and my life was touched by him too. I am a former patient, into my 22nd month post-surgery, and free from pain after twenty eight years of hell (see my story in the patient bulletin section of his website). It's something else to witness good doctors laboring over their patients, wanting to make a difference, constantly seeking knowledge, and wanting to do better. From what you've blogged so far, I can tell that you are one of those rare physicians (I hadn't met any until I met Dr. Redwine). I remarked that you're a good choice for a clone because you do seem to have a lot of the same values as he has demonstrated: you're good at what you do, you know it, and you strive to do better still. You seem to have a passion for learning, and for people. You demonstrate compassion. You're an excellent writer, and you've funny. Talk about clone! I am so pleased to know that someone else is learning at the feet of this unique physician so that there will be hope eternal for the women who are suffering all over the world. I hope that together, you both can make a bigger splash, although Dr. Redwine continues to quietly do what he knows is right. Best wishes to you on this exciting opportunity and do keep writing. I look forward to reading more as the story unfolds.