For months, maybe longer, Amelia had been feeling not quite herself. At 62 she had been an active woman. Retired early, traveling with her husband, daily walks with her dog, and weekly workout classes with her girlfriends at the gym – her life was full and happy. But then, she started experiencing bladder leaks. “They weren’t huge at first, just small leaks here and there with certain activities”, she said. “I honestly didn’t even give them much thought until they started to become worse”.

After a few years, Amelia noticed that her leaks had progressed to the point that she had to wear absorbent pads when working out, and then, even when walking her dog. She had a couple of episodes where she nearly had an accident when out to dinner, and started to become fearful of long trips.The changes were gradual, but she found herself not wanting to do much of anything anymore and stayed in most days.

“I was so embarrassed and ashamed of the leaks. I felt like I had lost my spark”, said Amelia. “I didn’t want to do anything, go anywhere. I felt sad and lonely and couldn’t believe that this was now my life”.