My INNOVO Journey Christine Payne, 70 Christine Payne, aged 70 is an INNOVO user tester who has been having problems with leakage for over 40 years. She discovered the INNOVO user testing opportunity from the Bladder & Bowel community. Christine s bladder weakness had a huge effect on her day-to-day life. When you suffer with bladder problems two words feature high in your vocabulary, never and can t because you live in constant fear of not only causing embarrassment to yourself but more importantly to others around you. You carry with you a sense of shame at all times. As a result, you never go anywhere that involves a long journey unless you know there are plenty of toilet facilities on route. You never go on a coach trip unless there is an on-board loo and one of the first questions you ask of the coach operator is whether there will be a comfort break on the journey. You never go anywhere without taking spare panties, tights, pads and wet wipes with you. You never stay overnight anywhere other than in your own home. You never go on holiday. You never wear trousers although everyone says you would great in them being tall and slim. You never wear anything close fitting because you fear the pads will show. You can t go swimming because. And here you make some feeble excuse. Likewise, you can t go to exercise classes, go for a long walk with the local rambling society or do any physical activity for fear of leakage. You never have more than one cup of tea or coffee or even a glass of water when you are out unless you know there s a loo close by and so life becomes very restricted, very insular. People start to think of you as being unsociable so you begin to lose your friends, you don t get invites any - more and you shut the door on the outside world and all because of a leaky bladder. But life is about to change.
Getting started Friday 6.10.2017 Programme 1. Level 35 Having had problems with leakage for over 40 years I jumped at the chance of trying out the INNOVO as a user tester. It arrived by delivery van 2 days ago in a small unmarked box with nothing to indicate its contents thereby ensuring privacy, so important when bladder problems are still not always understood by others around you. I unpacked every-thing, read the manual and watched the video for about the fourth time. There was no hard sell here; no claims of overnight miracles just a very soft and reassuring voice talking you through the process of setting everything up in very clear way and as the voice- over spoke so the girl on the screen followed the instructions. Arrangements had been made for customer services to ring me at a time convenient to myself and guide me through the set-up process, so much better than just reading an instruction manual and perhaps getting things wrong at the very start. As promised Christina phoned and checked that I had read the manual and fully understood how everything worked and then just like the video Christina took me through the set-up process. When everything was ready I put on the garment and so again listening to Christina I was now ready to plug the programmer in and start my first session. For anyone who has used a Slendertone in the past, the sensation is just like that, not unpleasant in any way so I took the level to 35 to start. Having a mix of urge and stress in continence I started with Programme 1. First, I felt a tingling sensation in my buttocks and then a eureka moment when I got a very mild sense of lift and fall in the groin area. This Christina assured me was the pelvic floor working. Then all I had to do was remain in a standing position leaning slightly forward or go into the crook position on the bed or sofa and let the machine do the work. 30 minutes passed swiftly by. Then I just packed everything away until tomorrow ready for my next 30 minutes session. The only lasting sensation was a dull ache in the buttocks which soon disappeared. Saturday 7.10.17 Programme 1 Level 40 I had intended to try Programme 2 today but decided to have a second day on Programme 1 and get used to putting on the garment before alternating daily between the two programmes as suggested for mixed incontinence. I raised the strength to 40 and was more conscious of the slight rise and fall of the pelvic floor muscles. Just that dull ache at conclusion which soon passed.
******************** WEEK 1 Mon. 9.10.2017 Programme1 Level 45 Being quite happy about the process and the sensation I raised the level to 45. My buttocks seem to have got used to things so there was no dull ache on completion. Tomorrow I shall switch to Programme 2 and start alternating between the two as recommended for my condition. Tues. 10.10.17 Programme 2 Level 60 Programme 2 is a totally different sensation. Just a mild tapping sensation on my buttocks. Not in the least uncomfortable or painful. I could increase the intensity to level 60 and was acutely aware of the muscles in my pelvic floor working. The only feeling of any form of discomfort is after the process when having to remove the garment. It s rather like taking off a number of large sticking plasters without being able to whip them off swiftly! There was no adverse reaction, a daily process that will quickly become routine Wed. 11.10.17 Programme 1 Level 70 Increased intensity to 70. Really felt pelvic floor working Thurs. 12.10.17 Programme 2 Level 70 Warning symbol flashing. Switched off tried again. Still no joy. Tried again, checked leads, nothing obstructing pads. Still no joy. Emailed Christina who suggested that a pad may not be making full contact. Repositioned pad 3. Problem solved. Took level to max. Stimulation on LHS a little uncomfortable. Seemed to be much stronger on that side Fri. 13.10.17 Warning symbol flashing and bleeping. No reference number as to a particular pad. Checked he leads. Tried removing garment and restarting several times... Left it again till the evening and tried once more. No luck. Will leave it till tomorrow and try removing and replacing pads before contacting Christina again. (The gremlins of Friday the 13 th at work here I fear!) Sat. 14.10.17 Programme 1 Level 70 After another thorough read of the informative manual I thought the problem might be with one of the pads being dry and not adhering properly. A few drops of water on my fingers and smoothed over each pad meant that they adhered to the body better. So, I set it up again, everything working fine and much more comfortable, the discomfort I had experienced on Thursday was no longer present so I am ready for next week.
Summary Week 1 Really strong sensation of the pelvic floor muscles working and now a much clearer understanding of how things should feel when those muscles are put to work. I remember attending classes for pelvic floor exercises at our main hospital and never really knowing if I was using the right muscles or not. The only guide line was that I should not be squeezing my buttocks together; locating the pelvic floor muscles was a mystery to me and has remained so until now, so thanks to INNOVO I have discovered their whereabouts at last. I feel more confident in the management of my bladder problems and am finding using INNOVO very straightforward. I start my day with my 30-minute session and then just carry on as normal. The joy is I don t have to go anywhere to learn how to do these exercises. Living in a very rural location means that every activity outside of the home involves a fairly lengthy car journey but with INNOVO I have everything I need to hand and also a very helpful link via email or the telephone should I need advice and guidance ********************* WEEK 2 Mon 16.10.17 Programme 1 Level 70 I have found that by putting the garment on starting with lining up the front along the bikini line much easier to manage and then wrapping it around to the crease of the buttocks and securing it. Flashing symbol again. No reference to a particular pad so undid and reset connecting leads. The blue lead is a little problematical and is difficult to get it to really click in. Tried again and all is well. Tues.17.10.17 Programme 2 Level 70 Still getting that flashing symbol. Re-connected the leads and all fine. It would be helpful if the lead covers had a central section that was transparent so that you could see the connector engaging. The blue lead doesn t click in like the red one and seems to be at a bit of an angle making the connection awkward. It's rather like trying to link a stud to an earring, if they are not truly aligned they won t connect and you can t see where you are going wrong. I will speak to Christina if this becomes a real problem. Good sense of rise and fall of the pelvic floor. Wed.18.10.17 Programme 1 Level 70 Still starting off with the flashing symbol but I know where the problem lies so really pushed the blue lead in and all was fine. Pelvic floor muscles working strongly. I had to attend a long meeting today and on returning home I normally experience that overwhelming sense of latch key urgency as the bladder contracts and I race to the loo but today none of that. I went in, took my coat off, unloaded my papers, put the kettle on and then went to the loo! It s little things like that that are so noticeable.
Thurs.19.10.17 Programme 2 Level 70 I only got up once last night to use the loo! Everyday life is already changing in a very positive way. Extra vigilant with the blue lead this morning really pushing it together. All well. Despite programme 2 being a more gentle sensation the pelvic floor muscles react in an equally strong though subtle way. Fri. 20.10.17 Programme 1 Level 70 All good Sat.21.10.17 Programme 2 Level 70 All good Summary Week 2 I have reduced the number of visits being made to the loo particularly at night time (from an average of 6 down to 3 or less) and feel I am beginning to take control of my bladder. I have been able to work in my garden without the panic setting in of being unable to get back to the loo in time. I have reduced the number of pads I normally use in a day and that in itself is a cause for celebration. It just goes to show that you are never too old to make improvements to your health and lifestyle. I am 70 now and wish I had known about INNOVO before, so I am now embarking on a journey that could change the rest of my life for ever. Number of sessions to date 11 Total treatment time 4hrs.30mins Maximum intensity reached 75 Average Intensity 62 Mon. 23.10.17 Programme 1 Level 70 All good Tues. 24.10.17 Programme 2 Level 70 All good ********************* WEEK 3 Wed.25.10.17 Programme 1 Level 70 Today has been a day worthy of note. Having completed my 30-minute session first thing this morning I left the house at 9.00am to do a presentation at a community event. During the course of the morning I drank 2 cups of coffee then had a light lunch. I left the presentation at 2.00pm, called in to one of my charities on the way home to make a delivery and then got home just before 3.00pm. Not once did I feel any need to go to the loo. I
unloaded the car of all my presentation material, put the kettle on and then went to the loo. No leaks, no panic, my bladder was under my control rather than controlling me. I felt a great sense of elation, so this is what it feels like to be able to carry out every day commitments like anybody else without fear of embarrassment. You have no idea what a confidence booster this has been and this is only week 3. Thurs.26.10.17 Programme 2 Level 70 All is well Frid.27.10.17 Programme 1 Level 70 All is well Sat.28.10.17 Programme 1 Level 70 All is well Summary week 3 Having changed the way I put the garment on and come to terms with the vagaries of the blue lead everything has become routine. I feel a lot happier with my daily life. Things are definitely improving and as the weeks go on can only get better. ******************** Week 4 Mon.30.10.17 Programme 1 Level 75 Took the level up to 75 which is the limit recommend for Programme 1. As long as you allow your body to acclimatise to this added pressure there is no discomfort just an even stronger sense of the pelvic floor muscles really working hard. Tues.31.10.17 Programme 2 Level 70 Having reached the maximum level for Programme 1 I was interested to find out why Programme 2 has a cut-off point at 70. You cannot increase this as the controller is programmed in to go no higher than 70 even though the sensation is much more gentle and the rise and fall far more subtle. Never just accepting just what the instruction book says I emailed Christina for the answer. The reason the intensity is more subtle on the Urge Programme 2, is it is a much lower frequency than programme 1 as the unit is delivering a gentle signal to the nerve that helps to control the over activity rather than delivering a stimulation and contraction to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Ah yes, very clever, a signal to the nerve rather than a contraction. Interesting. Take note nerves, you are dealing with a very intelligent device here. Wed.1.11.17 Programme 1 Level 75 All is well and apart from the benefits I am getting my cat has cottoned on to the idea that
this means an extra 30 minutes cuddle time as he curls up beside me knowing that I won t be going any-where for the next half an hour. Clever creatures, cats. Thurs. 2.11.17 Programme 2 Level 70 Keep responding nerves. You are making my life more bearable by the minute. Frid.3.11.17 Programme 1 Level 75 All is well Sat.4.11.17 Programme 2 Level 70 All good. I am hosting a big charity tea party tomorrow and have no fears of little accidents or miss-haps. I am so much more relaxed about everything and just get on with life as I used to. Summary Week 4 Gosh, it s hard to believe I am already a third of the way through the programme. Day time issues have most certainly improved with days where I could say I was dry or almost dry. I still wear a pad just in case so I haven t as yet got the confidence to put them aside. Night time, although much improved, still needs a lot of work. It s the urge incontinence at this time of day that can catch you unawares. I suppose the body is much more relaxed and so you are not totally in control especially when you are sleeping, then you wake, knowing the need is urgent and it s that race to the loo in the early hours. I am going to try something out to see if it makes any difference. I have, up until now, had my 30-minute session first thing in the morning to really set me up for the day. So instead of that, as my greatest need now is at night time, I shall see if by using my INNOVO just before going to bed helps in any way. I shall take note if this change of pattern has an adverse effect upon my working day. I think it s worth giving it a try and if it doesn t work I can go back to my original routine. Number of sessions to date 24 Total treatment time 11hrs.00mins. Maximum intensity reached 75 Average Intensity 62 ********************* Week 5 Mon.6.11.17 Programme 1 Level 75 Well as I had said I have changed to having a late session and used my INNOVO from 10.30 11.00pm. Whether it was sheer fluke, or whether this actually helped, it is interesting to
note that I only had to get up once during the night. Let s see what happens as the week progresses and how I cope during the day. Tues.7.11.17 Programme 2 Level 70 All is well. Day times continue to be almost dry Wed.8.11.17 Programme 1 Level 75 Night time is still an issue, as I said before this may be because the body is so relaxed but patience is needed and I shall press on Thurs.9.11.17 Programme 2 Level 70 Odd thing to say but I miss my morning routine. No real change at night at the moment Fri.10.11.17 Programme 1 Level 75 I have decided to go back to my morning session. It fitted in better with my daily life and I seemed to gain more from it. By the end of the day I am tired and having to then have my 30 minutes session seemed to eradicate the positive feel that I had had previously. That I have no wish to do as so much has been achieved in a short space of time. It was worth giving it a try. Maybe later on when I am fully confident that my stress incontinence is under control I could try just concentrating on Programme 2 shortly before going to bed to see if it helps to control the night-time urge issue. Sat.11.11.17 Programme 2 level 70 Not so good during the day today. Maybe it was because the weather was so cold and wet that I wasn t as active as normal. Too much sitting around and then up you get and panic, the race is on. Summary Week 5 As the days go on I become more and more aware of the progress I have made since using the INNOVO. There are days, like Saturday, when things seemed to take a step back but then there are bound to be reasons behind this. The important thing to remember is that this is still only week 5 and there are still another 7 weeks to go before the end of the trial. By using the INNOVO regularly for just 30 minutes each day my life has already changed for the better. Long may this continue. ******************** Week 6 Mon.13.11.17 Programme 1 Level 75 I have gone back to my morning routine. It just sets me up for the day (and my cat prefers the timing as he was missing out on that extra cuddle when I left things till bed-time). I have
a very busy week ahead so confidence in being able to sail through the day without worries of little accidents is paramount. Tues.14.11.17 Programme 2 Level 70 All is well Wed.15.11.17 Programme1 Level 75 Relaunch of the Community Meal this evening. Lots of people to talk to. I didn t have any worries about coping with my erstwhile bladder problems and just went through the evening without even thinking about it. Only had to get up once during the night. Thurs.16.11.17 Programme 2 Level 70 All is well Fri.17.11.17 Programme 1 Level 75 Long journey today as I had to attend a funeral. I didn t give the location of public loos a thought whereas normally my journey would be planned around them. All went well and no little accidents. Sat. 18.11.17 Programme 2 Level 70 Had a bout of sneezing today. Usually alarm bells ring as each sneeze triggers a leak but not today. Summary Week 6 Half way through the programme and it s been another good week with day times being dry or almost dry. Night time remains the main problem. I am not getting up as often as I used to but even so speed is of the essence when I do wake knowing I need to get to the loo and fast. I don t know what else I can do to improve on this as I am careful not to have anything to drink late evening. Just keep on with the regular INNOVO sessions as it s still early days and I have made huge steps in the right direction. ********************** Week 7 Mon.20.11.17 Programme 1 Level 75 All was going so well until the weather changed. Why is it that when it is cold and wet my bladder seems to want to rebel and destroy my confidence? I seemed to be back and forth to the loo all day almost in competition with the rain outside and it is so cold and miserable. Tues.21.11.17 Programme 2 Level 70 Whether it is just my imagination or maybe the fact that my body has become accustomed to the nerve stimulation of Programme 2 I can now barely sense the movement of the pelvic floor on this programme. The tapping is much the same but my nerves do not seem to be
reacting as strongly as they used to. I am sure it felt much stronger than this. I shall see what happens when next on Programme 2 and if it still feels the same a quick email to Christina is called for. Wed. 22.11.17 Programme1 Level 75 Another cold wet day, which means I am not as active as normal, which means I am sitting around too much, which means my bladder is being very anti- social. I need dry weather so as I can get out in the garden. Strangely enough I used to have my worst days bladder wise when I was being particularly active. It s quite the reverse now. It doesn t do me or my bladder any good if I am sitting around and it s cold and wet outside. Keep active. Thurs.23.11.17 Programme 2 Level 70 I still feel that the nerve stimulation is not as strong on this programme so I will see what Christina has to say. Fri.24.11.17 Programme 1 Level 75 Sent an email to Christina regarding Programme 2. Unfortunately, she is on leave for a week so I hope she enjoys her break. If considered an emergency I could have contacted someone else but this enquiry can wait until she returns. Pelvic floor really reacting well on this Programme. Daytimes are dry or almost dry. Sat.25.11.17 Programme 2 Level 70 Maybe it is because I have got so used to the strong sensation of Programme 1 that I am finding Programme 2 so mild. I shall press on until I hear what Christina advises. Summary Week 7 Well there have been good days and bad days mostly weather related when my bladder has been anti-social, that and the ongoing night time problems. Day times are so much better, unbelievably so. Because of the main problem now being urge related as from Monday I shall concentrate on Programme 2 and have just one session on Programme1 at the end of each week. ******************** Week 8 Mon. 27.11.17 Programme 2 Level 70 Well let s see if this change of Programme use has any direct effect upon my night time issues. It s worth a try and it would be lovely to get things under control by Christmas. I have great confidence in INNOVO so let s see how we go. Tues.28.11.17 Programme 2 Level 70 All is well. Daytime dry. Night time?? Patience is called for.
Wed.29.11.17 Programme 2 Level 70 Lots going on this week so I am busy, busy, busy. Day time bladder under control. No adverse reaction to my coming off my regular Programme 1 session. Thurs.30.11.17 Programme 2 Level 70 I have moistened the pads on my garment to improve adhesion and have changed the way the garment sits so the pads on my buttocks are sitting slightly deeper. The sensation does feel a little more intense so I will see if this helps. Fri. 1.12.17 Programme 2 Level 70 Crikey, it s December already and only 20 INNOVO days till Christmas. To be pad free and totally dry by Christmas would be the best present ever. Perseverance is called for. Sat.2.12.17 Programme 1 Level 79 I think the move to concentrating on Programme 2 is beginning to help as I only had to get up once during the night. 19 INNOVO days till Christmas Summary Week 8 Day time has improved 100%. The cold weather still has a bearing on my number of loo visits. Apparently, what I am experiencing is called cold diuresis and is all to do with the body temperature dropping and the reaction of the body to this. In very simple terms, my kidneys are reacting by pulling out excess fluid so my bladder fills. A full bladder causes the body to lose heat so by urinating more in the cold weather my core warmth is preserved. Lesson to be learned I need to wrap up well and keep warm in winter and to visit the loo regularly to avoid those little accidents! My change to concentrating on Programme 2 was a good move and I shall continue with this. Number of sessions to date 47 Total treatment time 22hrs 30mins. Maximum intensity reached 79 Average Intensity 62 ******************** Week 9 Mon. 4.12.2017 Programme 2 Level 70 Having spoken to Christina about my night-time issues and what appears to be little effect from Programme 2 she suggested that I increase the days I am using this programme to 5 days a week on a short-term basis to see if this has any effect and to only use Programme 1 for 3 days a week. As Programme 2 does not contract there are no issues in relation to fatigue. So, I have decided to use Programme 1 on Tues. Thurs. and Sat. in addition to Programme 2 throughout the week.18 INNOVO days till Christmas.
Tues.5.12.2017 Programme 1 Level 75 + Programme 2 Level 70 Well I have started this new routine. (My cat is delighted, he gets a whole hour for extra cuddles!) Daytime continues to be dry or almost dry and I have dispensed with using pads during the day, only using a panty liner for reassurance. 17 INNOVO days till Christmas Wed.6.12.2017 Programme 2 Level 70 All is well.16 INNOVO days till Christmas Thurs. 7.12.2017 Programme 1 Level 75 + Programme 2 Level 70 All is well. Day time brilliant. 15 INNOVO days till Christmas Fri. 8.12.2017 Programme 2 Level 70 All is well. Still too early to say if the change of routine is having any difference but day time remains dry and pad free. 14 INNOVO days till Christmas Sat. 9.12.2017. Programme 1 Level 75 All good. 13 INNOVO days till Christmas Summary Week 9 Days continue to be dry and even sneezing has no adverse effect on my bladder as it used to so major improvement. Night time still troublesome ******************** Week 10 Mon. 11.12.2017 Programme 2 Level 70 Day time dry. Night time variable 12 INNOVO days till Christmas Tues.12.12.2017 Programme 1 Level 75 + Programme 2 Level 70 Much the same. 11 INNOVO days till Christmas Wed. 13.12.2017 Programme 2 Level 70 As before. 10 INNOVO days till Christmas Thurs. 14.12.2017 Programme 1 Level 75 + Programme 2 Level 70 Day time - brilliant. Night time - getting there slowly but surely. 9 INNOVO days till Christmas Fri. 15.12.17 Programme 2 Level 70 Much the same. 8 INNOVO days till Christmas Sat. 16.12.2017 Programme 1 Level 75 Day time perfect. Night time variable. 7 INNOVO days till Christmas Summary Week 10 I have been following Christina s suggestion for using both programmes for 2 weeks now. Day time continues to be dry and pad free. Night time varies. Sometimes good with perhaps one visit to the loo, other times not so good when the need is frequent and urgent. There seems to be no
underlying reason for this variation in urgency. It may be because the weather is so much colder and this has caused my bladder to become over- active at night. I shall press on. I cannot fault the day time improvement, it s the complete opposite from where I started. A little more patience and perseverance and I feel sure we will achieve the ultimate goal of being dry both day and night. Mon. 18.12.2017 Programme 2 Level 70 All is well. 6 INNOVO days till Christmas ******************** Week 11 Tues.19.12.2017 Programme 1 Level 75 + Programme 2 Level 70 Much the same.5 INNOVO days till Christmas Wed. 20.12.2017 Programme 2 Level 70 Progress being made at night time. 4 INNOVO days till Christmas Thurs. 21.12.2017 Programme 1 Level 75 + Programme 2 Level 70 Day time - brilliant. Night time - getting there slowly but surely. 3 INNOVO days till Christmas Fri. 22.12.17 Programme 2 Level 70 Much the same. 2 INNOVO days till Christmas Sat. 23.12.2017 Programme 1 Level 75 Day time perfect. Night time variable. 1 INNOVO day till Christmas Summary Week 11 it s hard to believe that there is only 1 week left of the 12-week tester trial. To be able to celebrate Christmas without fears of little accidents and worries as to how I will cope when I have lots of guests to entertain, is probably the best Christmas present I could ever have wished for. I could never have dreamed that this improvement to my daily routine would have been possible. INNOVO changed all that and not only restored my confidence but gave me back my life again. I just need to concentrate on getting my night time issues sorted. ******************** Week 12 Mon. 25.12.2017 HAPPY CHRISTMAS!! I am taking a day off and will resume the programme tomorrow. Tues. 26.12.2017 Programme 1 Level 75 + Programme 2 Level 70 I have a house full of guests and so to be able to function without fear of bladder mishaps is such a joy. Day time is brilliant; I don t give my bladder a thought which is such a relief. Night times are improving but there is still work to be done on the urge problems but things are most definitely better
Wed. 27.12.2017 Programme 2 Level 70 Night time certainly better than it used to be. Thurs. 28.12.2017 Programme 1 Level 75 + Programme 2 Level 70 Day time - brilliant. Night time much the same. Fri. 29.12.17 Programme 2 Level 70 Much the same. Sat. 30.12.2017 Programme 1 Level 75 Day time perfect. Night time getting there. Summary Week 12 Christina s suggestion of running the two programmes back to back has most definitely helped and there has been marked improvement in my night time difficulties. Day time continues to be dry with stress issues a thing of the past. I can sneeze with confidence without invoking a chain reaction from my weakened bladder Number of sessions to date79 Total treatment time 38.5 hrs. Maximum intensity reached 79 Average Intensity 62 ******************** Conclusion and Evaluation Who would have thought that a problem that has plagued me for 40 years could be very nearly resolved within the space of 12 weeks? When I started the INNOVO programme back in October I had no idea what to expect. It had been a chance search on Google for advice for bladder weakness that took me to the BBC No, not the broadcasting corporation we know so well but to the Bladder and Bowel Community. It was here that I read about INNOVO and as luck would have it they were looking for user testers. I knew little about the product so again Googled the company to discover what they were promoting. There was nothing invasive in the way of treatment, no unpleasant side effects to consider. I had nothing to lose so took the plunge and applied. Would they want a 70- year-old with my past history of bladder problems? I had my doubts but if they had confidence in their product it was worth a try and joy of joys I was asked to take part in the programme. At this point my life changed for the better. For just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, my weakened pelvic floor muscles were given a new lease of life. Restore the Floor is the INNOVO strap line and it does just that. With an informative manual to accompany the garment and a very valuable help line where I could talk through any problems, concerns or
issues I had, without having to leave the comfort of my home, it was absolutely wonderful! There was no fear of embarrassment; I could be totally open about my very personal problem. INNOVO was there to help, not to comment or criticise. They truly understood how I was feeling; why I had become a bit of a recluse; why everyday happenings could present as a major problem for me. Bladder weakness and its consequences are not items for general discussion with my age group. It s not acceptable coffee morning conversation! Young mums have Mumsnet and similar groups on social media where there can openly discuss such topics. Those of us of more mature years, unless they are aware of the Bladder and Bowel Community, have the Practice Nurse with whom an appointment has to be made and then often only to be told that bladder problems are to be expected at our time in life and that we just need to wear a pad 24 / 7. Not the answer you want to hear. So, I started the programme and on Day 1 rediscovered my pelvic floor muscles without having to search for them and wondering whether I was doing the right exercise in the correct way. Oh, how I remember with dread those Pelvic floor classes all those years ago. But INNOVO hit the spot immediately and so got work straight away. Within the space of a few weeks I was noticing a difference with my stress incontinence. I could sneeze and laugh without panicking. My self -esteem and confidence returned. As the weeks progressed I started doing things that had been on my no longer able to do because of bladder weakness list. I took a coach trip to the theatre to see the ballet, something I had not dared to do for many years because of fear of bladder accidents. I no longer needed to take my emergency kit of spare panties, pads etc. with me whenever I went out. I was not constantly searching for public loos or planning my day around where I would find one. I bought myself a pair of trousers having never felt able to wear them for fear of my pad showing. I joined the Dolphin Club and started swimming again. I began to socialise more and started hosting a number of charity events which I had thought I would never do again. My sparkle returned and everyone said how much better I was looking. It has not all been plain sailing. I have had my good days and bad when I ve felt that things were not going to improve having had a bit of a set- back. Everything seemed to go downhill as the weather got colder and wetter but then I looked at the progress I had made and how different my life had become. My stress incontinence was under control but my urge incontinence seemed to be taking its toll especially at night time and this is when I needed reassurance that all was not lost and that with perseverance and patience things could only get better. Christina from INNOVO, was there to answer my emails and to point me in the right direction and to make suggestions as to minor changes in my daily programme that might help and slowly but surely my night time bladder issues improved just as she had said they would.
So now I am virtually pad free. I wear a panty liner for reassurance as much as anything. I hope to continue with the programme to maintain this change in the quality of my life. Does INNOVO work? The answer has to be a resounding YES. If I can Restore my Floor at 70 then it just confirms that point. It doesn t matter how old you are. INNOVO does work; I ve tried it and tested it. It has proved itself and I could not be more grateful for being given the chance to get my life back again. Thank you INNOVO not only for your product but for your support and advice and your confidence in me achieving what I set out to do just 12 weeks ago. Christine Payne. 3.01.2018