Advertisement

My story: Kelly Jo and OAB

Updated on October 22, 2024

Living with overactive bladder, or OAB, can make certain aspects of life challenging, but there are ways you can manage your symptoms. In this video, Kelly Jo shares her OAB diagnosis story and how she's learned to take control of her condition.

close transcript modal

Transcript

00:00
Having OAB, you have to be your own best advocate so you and your doctor can get right to the heart
00:06
of the issues. I first experienced my OAB symptoms about 10 years ago.
00:14
The urologist did more testing, more in-depth urinary samples, and also ultrasounds. They originally thought it maybe was interstitial cystitis,
00:23
and that was a little bit of a scarier diagnosis. But then I figured out it was more likely overactive bladder
00:30
syndrome. Wednesday, can you sit? Medication is a really useful tool for this.
00:37
I definitely noticed that it made a difference overall, day to day, when I did try it. I would like to take back control of my life
00:45
by not having to think about what's going to cause me pain every single day for very normal
00:52
things, like eating a meal. I think the best case scenario, with living with OAB, would be to be able to just, you know, be a little bit
01:01
more spontaneous, and not have anything hold me back, because it really sucks when everyone else around you
01:09
gets to do something and you don't, and it's just because of the condition that I have.
01:16
So I'm an actor and a writer, and I do some other artistic endeavors. With theater stuff it's definitely noticeable,
01:23
especially if it's a longer show, so I definitely think of my life in terms of scheduled bathroom
01:30
breaks. Living with OAB stinks. And when me and my friends go out, because I'm always running off to the bathroom,
01:36
they love to call me bladder gladder. It's really hard to do that without like, immediately laughing.

Featured Content

article

3 embarrassing bladder problems and how to plug the leaks

Discover what may be causing some common urinary incontinence problems and learn what you can do to help relieve embarrassing symptoms.
video

What causes overactive bladder?

Urologist Harry Fisch, MD, explains the various reasons you may be experiencing frequent urination symptoms.
video

My story: Lynne and OAB

Lynne shares her struggle with OAB and urges other OAB patients to seek help for this bladder condition.
slideshow

Tips for living with overactive bladder (OAB)

OAB can hurt your social life, mental health and more. Here's how to cope.
article

Do I have an overactive bladder or something else?

Many issues can cause you to urinate a lot. Learn what's behind those frequent trips to the bathroom.