Horizon Health Patient Finally Finds Solution

Thanks urologist for fixing 50-year problem

For 50 years, the simple things in life weren’t so simple for Liza Stanisz, of Terre Haute. No playing sports. No casual walks. No lifting up her granddaughter.

But that all changed when she met Dr. Michael Shanks, board certified urologist at Horizon Health. For her, the culprit was an overactive bladder and persistent urine leakage, also known as stress urinary incontinence.

“I had stress incontinence since I was 12 years old,” said Liza, age 63. “At the time, there wasn’t much available to help me. I had to cross my legs when I laughed, sneezed, or coughed. Now I don’t have to. It’s the first time I can live my life to the fullest.”

Overactive bladder is the frequent and urgent need to empty the bladder, a condition that affects an estimated 50 million Americans. Stress urinary incontinence, sometimes called stress incontinence, occurs when unwanted bladder leaks happen during normal daily activities, such as coughing, laughing, or exercising, as was the case for Liza. The condition affects one in three women at some point in their lives.

Following two unsuccessful bladder surgeries, Liza discovered Dr. Shanks in 2019 at his former practice. His solution involved placing a miniature implant device under the skin (about the size of a quarter), called Axonics, to gently stimulate nerves that control the bladder. The device helps restore communication between the brain and bladder, which can improve symptoms.

“Axonics neuromodulation is a long-term solution that acts as a pacemaker for the bladder, sending electrical impulses to specific nerves that control the bladder,” said Dr. Shanks.

In April 2024, Liza visited Dr. Shanks at Horizon Health. Because of her weight loss, Dr. Shanks repositioned Liza’s nerve stimulating device. He also upgraded the battery, which will last Liza the rest of her life. To further help her stress urinary incontinence, Dr. Shanks injected a bulking agent – a soft, water-based gel called Bulkamid – to restore the natural closing of the urethra.

“With Liza’s mixed incontinence, which is a combination of stress urinary incontinence and overactive blader, I felt Bulkamid would address both her bladder and urological symptoms,” Dr. Shanks said.

The procedures Dr. Shanks performed were “truly life changing,” Liza said, eliminating her fears of bladder accidents.

“Both procedures were simple to do and recover from,” she explained. “Now I can pick up my granddaughter and not have to worry about what’s going to happen. “I’m good to go and ready to rock!”

Liza encourages others with bladder and incontinence problems to seek help.

“Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor; there is something you can do about it,” she said. “I had always hoped to live a normal life with this condition, and now I can. This is new technology and Dr. Shanks is on the cutting edge of it. He is an amazing doctor.”