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Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) and urinary urge incontinence are problems that affect millions of men and women each year with a greater prevalence in older patients. I am certain that this is something that you see frequently in your practice.

First line treatment includes trying to limit bladder irritants such as caffeine, high acidic foods, consistent use of pelvic floor exercises and behavioral changes. However, as we all know, behavior modification is the hardest treatment to implement for some patients.

Oral medications for treatment include Ditropan, Detrol, Sanctura, Vesicare, Toviaz, Enablex, and the newer beta-3 adrenergic agonist drug Myrbetriq. Often oral therapy is effective but there are times when patients fail this treatment due to poor efficacy, medication side effects or cost. Fortunately there are other options.

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) is a very safe treatment and studies have shown that it can be as effective as oral medications. It requires 12 weekly treatments so the patient needs to be aware of this, but it is minimally invasive with few if any side effects.

Intravesical Botox has been FDA approved for some time now. The Botox is injected into the bladder under light sedation and works very well to slow down the bladder. The effects of the treatment last for 4-6 months for most patients and they can repeat the procedure as needed.

Interstim Sacral Nueromodulation is also a very effective treatment for select individuals and is a good option if fecal incontinence is also present.

Expanding Opportunity Through Innovation

How OTIDE and DCH Are Empowering Nurses in West Alabama

In a powerful new partnership designed to strengthen the region’s nursing workforce, the University of Alabama’s Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education (OTIDE) and DCH Health System have joined forces to expand educational opportunities for local nurses and healthcare professionals. This collaboration is more than a traditional university–hospital partnership — it’s a modern, flexible model of learning that meets healthcare workers where they are.
What OTIDE Brings to the Partnership
OTIDE serves as the bridge between higher education and real-world professionals, helping nurses and hospital staff balance their demanding schedules while continuing to grow academically. Through UA Online, OTIDE delivers over 100 fully online degree and certificate programs — including the RN-to-BSN program from the Capstone College of Nursing — specifically designed for working adults. For DCH nurses, this means: Access to Flexible, High-Quality Education: Nurses can pursue their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) online while continuing their roles at the bedside. Personalized Academic Support: OTIDE offers success coaching, online tutoring, and writing-review services tailored for adult learners balancing career and coursework. Scholarships and Financial Assistance: DCH employees and their families gain access to scholarship opportunities and grants that help make higher education more affordable. Career Growth Beyond the Bedside: OTIDE’s programs extend well beyond nursing, opening doors to continuing-education courses, leadership certificates, and advanced healthcare administration degrees.

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