Brooke’s journey to better health

Brooke Dotson has had urinary problems for as long as she can remember. She had visited multiple doctors, and they frequently misdiagnosed her with a recurring urinary tract infection (UTI). Brooke listened to her body and knew this was not just a recurring UTI. She was desperate to find the problem and a long-term solution. After researching local urogynecologists, she chose Mitesh H. Parekh, M.D., Board-certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at Genesis Urogynecology, to help her solve the problem.  

“I visited multiple doctors’ offices throughout the years, and it is hard to find someone like Dr. Parekh,” said Brooke. “He cares about and treats his patients like they are his family.” 

“It was such a relief that Dr. Parekh listened to my concerns and how long I had been dealing with my urinary problem and solved it instantly,” said Brooke. 

Dr. Parekh diagnosed Brooke with interstitial cystitis, more commonly known as painful bladder syndrome. “Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder health issue that induces the feeling of pain and pressure in the bladder area,” said Dr. Parekh. “It is a common condition that affects up to four million males and eight million females at birth. It is not contagious, and the symptoms develop over time.”   

Brooke finds a solution 

Brooke instantly trusted Dr. Parekh with her treatment. Dr. Parekh gave her short-term treatments, bladder instillations and hydrodistention, that relieved her pain instantly. “When I instantly felt relief from the short-term solutions, I knew I had chosen the right doctor,” said Brooke. “I had never felt that much relief from one bladder installation and hydrodistention, and I trusted him more to help me with a long-term solution.” Brooke and Dr. Parekh discussed long-term options, and he suggested placing an InterStim to help with the pain.  

“InterStim therapy is a minimally invasive procedure and works similar to a pacemaker but for the bladder,” said Dr. Parekh. “It works on the nerve from inside the body that stimulates the bladder. This relieves the pain and results in a better and healthier lifestyle.”  

Stepping into confidence  

“Once I had the InterStim placed, my perspective on life changed,” said Brooke. “Dr. Parekh transformed my life. He allowed me to do what I wanted and gave me my confidence back.”  

Occasionally, Brooke visits Dr. Parekh for a check-in to ensure everything is working okay. Since she can do things she couldn't before the InterStim, she now enjoys whitewater rafting and kayaking. She also enjoys collecting and building Legos if she needs a break from the adrenaline rush.