Thinking about trying Axonics therapy for bladder or bowel control issues? We’ve got the scoop on what an Axonics trial involves.

This test run lets you see if the treatment might work for you before getting a full implant.

Axonics trials come in two flavors – basic and advanced. Both use a temporary lead and external stimulator to check if the therapy helps your symptoms.

It’s like taking a car for a test drive before buying.

The trial period gives you a sneak peek at how Axonics could improve your life. You’ll get to experience the effects and decide if it’s worth moving forward with the full implant.

We think it’s a smart way to explore this option for tackling overactive bladder, urinary frequency, or bowel control problems.

What Is Axonics Therapy?

Axonics Therapy is a treatment for bladder and bowel control problems. It uses a small device to help the brain and body talk better. This can improve symptoms for many people.

The Basics of Axonics

Axonics Therapy helps with several bathroom issues. It can treat an overactive bladder, which makes you feel like you need to pee a lot.

It also helps with peeing too often or not being able to hold in poop.

The therapy uses a tiny implant to gently zap the nerves that control your bladder and bowels. This zapping helps your brain and body work together better.

Before getting the full implant, patients can try it out. This test uses an outside device to see if the treatment will work.

The trial usually lasts up to two weeks. If it helps, you can get the real implant put in.

The trial is a good way to check if Axonics will help you before committing to it.

Understanding Sacral Neuromodulation

Sacral neuromodulation is the fancy name for how Axonics works. It targets the sacral nerves, which control your bladder and bowels.

The Axonics device sends small zaps to these nerves. This helps fix the signals between your brain and your bathroom parts.

The goal is to get your body back to normal. When it works, you might not need to pee as often. You might also be able to hold it in better.

For some people, it can even help with poop problems.

The therapy can be a big help for folks who have tried other treatments without success.

Remember, Axonics isn’t for everyone. It’s best to talk to a doctor to see if it’s right for you.

They can explain more about how it works and if it might help your specific problems.

Exploring the Axonics Trial

The Axonics trial is a crucial step in treating urinary and bowel issues. It lets patients test the therapy before getting a permanent implant.

Let’s look at why this trial matters and how it works.

Purpose and Goals

The Axonics trial aims to see if the therapy helps with bladder and bowel problems. We use it to check if symptoms get better before doing a full implant. This test run helps patients and doctors decide if the treatment is right.

The main goal is to reduce issues like:

Urgent need to pee
Peeing by accident
Trouble emptying the bladder
Poop accidents

We want to make sure the therapy works well for each person.

The trial lets patients feel the effects firsthand. It’s a safe way to try the treatment without a big commitment.

Trial Design and Structure

The Axonics trial comes in two types: Basic and Advanced. Both use an external device to send tiny zaps to nerves near the tailbone.

This test usually lasts a few days to a week.

Here’s what happens:

We put in a thin wire near the sacral nerves
We connect the wire to an external stimulator
Patients wear the device and track their symptoms
We adjust settings as needed

The device is small and easy to use. Patients can do most daily activities during the trial.

We teach them how to use the controls and keep a symptom diary.

If the trial goes well, we talk about getting the full implant. The trial helps us fine-tune the therapy for each person’s needs.

Eligibility for Participation

To take part in an Axonics trial, patients need to meet certain criteria. These requirements help ensure the study’s safety and effectiveness.

Let’s look at who can join and who might not be able to participate.

Inclusion Criteria

We look for adults with specific bladder or bowel control issues. Patients should have tried other treatments without success. Good overall health is important.

We often seek people who:

Are 18 or older
Have overactive bladder, urinary retention, or fecal incontinence
Haven’t responded well to medications or other therapies
Can follow study instructions and attend follow-up visits

We may ask about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. It’s crucial to be honest about your medical history and current health.

Exclusion Factors

Some health issues may prevent participation. We can’t include everyone, as safety comes first.

People who might not qualify include those with:

Certain nerve or muscle disorders
Active urinary tract infections
Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
Implanted medical devices like pacemakers
History of pelvic surgery complications

Mental health conditions or substance abuse problems could also affect eligibility.

We’ll do a thorough check-up to make sure the trial is safe for you.

Remember, not qualifying doesn’t mean your condition isn’t serious. We’re just being extra careful to protect your health.

Potential Benefits of Axonics Therapy

Axonics Therapy can make a big difference for people with bladder and bowel control issues. It offers lasting relief and helps patients get back to enjoying life.

Improving Quality of Life

Axonics Therapy can really boost a person’s quality of life. Many patients tell us they feel more confident going out and doing everyday activities.

They don’t have to worry as much about accidents or rushing to find a bathroom.

This treatment can help people sleep better at night too. They may not need to get up as often to use the bathroom. Better sleep means more energy during the day.

Some patients even say they feel happier overall. Being able to control bladder and bowel functions can reduce stress and embarrassment.

Symptom Relief

Axonics Therapy targets the root cause of bladder and bowel control problems. It can help with several symptoms:

Less frequent urges to pee
Fewer accidents or leaks
Better emptying of the bladder
Improved bowel control

Many patients see big improvements in just a few weeks.

The therapy can last 10-20 years, much longer than pills or shots.

We’ve seen patients go from using pads every day to not needing them at all. Some can hold their bladder for hours instead of minutes.

It’s amazing how much this can change daily life.

The Procedure Step-by-Step

The Axonics trial is a test period to see if this therapy can help with overactive bladder or fecal incontinence. It’s a short-term trial before getting a permanent implant.

Let’s walk through what happens during this process.

Preparation and Planning

Before the trial, we’ll talk with you about your symptoms and medical history. We’ll explain how the Axonics system works and what to expect.

You’ll need to stop taking certain medicines before the procedure. We’ll give you a list of dos and don’ts.

On the day of the trial, wear comfy clothes. Don’t eat or drink for a few hours before.

We’ll ask you to arrive early to fill out some forms. Our team will answer any last-minute questions you have.

During the Procedure

The trial procedure is pretty quick – usually less than an hour. Here’s what we do:

We’ll have you lie on your stomach.
We clean the lower back area.
We use local anesthetic to numb the spot.
We place a thin wire near your sacral nerves.
We connect the wire to a small, external device.
We test the device to make sure it’s working right.

You might feel a tapping or tingling sensation. That’s normal! Let us know how it feels.

What to Expect After

After the procedure, you can go home the same day.

You’ll wear the external device for a few days to a couple of weeks. During this time:

Keep the area dry when bathing.
Don’t lift heavy things or do hard exercise.
Track your symptoms in a diary we give you.
Come back for check-ups as planned.

We’ll show you how to use the device. You can adjust the settings a bit to find what works best.

If you have any problems or questions, call us right away.

At the end of the trial, we’ll talk about how it went. If it helped, we can plan for a permanent implant. If not, we’ll look at other options for you.

Safety and Side Effects

The Axonics trial involves some risks and side effects. Most are mild, but there are a few serious risks to be aware of.

Let’s look at what you might experience during the trial.

Common Side Effects

During an Axonics trial, you may feel some discomfort where the lead is placed. This often goes away on its own.

Some patients report feeling a tingling or pulling sensation when the device is on. This is normal.

You might also notice changes in how often you pee.

For some, this means going to the bathroom more. For others, it means going less. These changes are usually temporary.

Some people get small bruises where the lead is inserted. This should heal quickly. If you have pain that doesn’t go away, tell your doctor right away.

Serious Risks

While rare, there are some more serious risks with the Axonics trial.

The lead could move out of place. If this happens, you might need another procedure to fix it.

There’s also a small chance of infection. Signs of infection include fever, redness, or swelling at the insertion site. If you notice these, call your doctor right away.

In very rare cases, the lead could damage nearby nerves or organs. This could cause lasting pain or other problems.

But don’t worry too much – this almost never happens.

Remember, the trial is meant to test if this treatment is right for you. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor.

They’re there to help keep you safe and comfortable.

Measuring Trial Outcomes

The Axonics trial uses several methods to gauge how well the treatment works. We look at both objective measures and what patients tell us about their experiences.

Efficacy Indicators

We track key numbers to see if the Axonics system helps.

One big one is how many times a day someone has to pee. We count this before and after treatment. Another is how often accidents happen.

We also measure how much pee is left in the bladder after going. This tells us if the bladder is emptying well.

Some patients keep a diary of their bathroom habits. This gives us a clear picture of daily life.

Blood and urine tests can show if the treatment causes any issues. We do these tests regularly to keep patients safe.

Patient-Reported Outcomes

What patients say matters a lot. We use surveys to learn how they feel.

One asks about quality of life. It covers things like sleep and social life. Another looks at how much urinary problems bug them day-to-day.

We ask patients if they’re happy with the treatment. Their answers tell us if it’s working well.

We also want to know about any side effects. Even small ones can be important.

Some patients tell us the treatment changed their lives. Others might say it didn’t help much.

All this feedback helps us understand how well Axonics works in real life.

Patient Stories and Testimonials

Real people have tried Axonics therapy and shared their experiences.

Let’s look at some success stories and challenges patients have faced.

Success Stories

We’ve heard from many patients who found relief with Axonics.

Jill, a 45-year-old mom of four, had dealt with overactive bladder (OAB) for 10 years. It was messing up her active family life. After trying Axonics, she saw big improvements.

Another patient, who had severe urge issues for 6 years, tried lots of treatments before Axonics. They did a week-long trial and had great results.

Many folks say the therapy is easy to use. In fact, 91% of patients found recharging simple.

Most patients are happy with Axonics. About 94% feel the charging time is fine, and 94% are satisfied overall.

These high numbers show how well it works for many people.

Challenges Faced

While many have success, some patients face hurdles. The implant surgery can cause pain or discomfort at first.

Some may need time to get used to the device. A few patients might have trouble with the recharging process. It’s important to follow the instructions closely.

In rare cases, the therapy may not work as well as hoped. Some people worry about having a device in their body. But most find that the benefits outweigh any downsides.

It’s key to talk to a doctor about any concerns before trying Axonics.

Remember, these stories are just examples. Your experience may be different.

Always chat with a urologist to see if Axonics is right for you.

The Science behind Axonics

Axonics has made major breakthroughs in treating bladder and bowel control issues. Their devices use advanced technology to help patients regain control and improve their quality of life.

Technological Innovations

Axonics’ system is small and rechargeable. It’s about the size of a USB stick – much tinier than older devices.

This makes it more comfortable for patients. The battery can last up to 15 years, which means fewer surgeries to replace it.

The device sends mild electrical pulses to nerves that control the bladder and bowels. This helps patients regain control over these functions.

Axonics also made the system MRI-compatible, so patients can still get important scans if needed.

We’re impressed by how user-friendly the Axonics remote control is. Patients can easily adjust settings and check battery life.

Understanding the Bioengineering

The Axonics system taps into the body’s own nerve pathways. It targets the sacral nerves near the tailbone. These nerves play a key role in bladder and bowel function.

The device’s electrical pulses help “retrain” these nerves. This can reduce sudden urges to go and help empty the bladder more fully.

For some patients, it can even stop accidental leaks. The system is smart too.

It can detect changes in body position and adjust stimulation as needed. This means it works well whether a patient is sitting, standing, or lying down.

Comparing Treatments

Sacral neuromodulation offers an effective option for managing bladder and bowel issues. Let’s look at how Axonics compares to other therapies and why it may be a good choice for some patients.

Axonics vs. Other Therapies

Axonics and Medtronic both make sacral neuromodulation devices. The Axonics system is newer and rechargeable. It can last up to 15 years before needing replacement.

Medtronic’s InterStim device needs replacing every 3-5 years. For overactive bladder, doctors may also suggest Botox injections.

Studies show sacral neuromodulation and Botox work about equally well. But Botox wears off after a few months and needs repeat treatments.

Some key differences:

Axonics: Long-lasting, rechargeable
Medtronic: Needs replacing sooner
Botox: Temporary, needs regular re-treatment

Why Choose Axonics?

We think Axonics offers some nice perks for the right patients:

• Lasts longer – up to 15 years
• Rechargeable battery
• MRI-safe (with some limits)
• Treats bladder and bowel issues
• Works 24/7

The long battery life means fewer surgeries to replace the device. Being rechargeable is handy too. Patients can “fill up” the battery at home.

Axonics treats several problems like overactive bladder, bowel issues, and urinary retention. It’s nice to tackle multiple symptoms with one therapy.

Remember, picking a treatment is a personal choice. Talk to your doctor about which option fits your needs best.

Next Steps after the Trial

After your Axonics trial, we’ll help you decide on the best path forward. Your comfort and health are our top priorities as we explore your options.

Continued Care Options

If your trial was successful, we’ll talk about getting a permanent implant. This small device goes under the skin in your upper buttock.

It’s connected to a thin wire that helps control your symptoms. The surgery is usually quick and you can go home the same day.

We’ll teach you how to use and care for your new device. You’ll get a remote control to adjust the settings. We’ll also show you how to charge it.

Don’t worry – it’s easy to learn! Some people might decide not to get the implant. That’s okay too.

We can look at other ways to manage your symptoms, like medication or lifestyle changes.

Long-term Management

With a permanent Axonics implant, you’ll need regular check-ups. We’ll make sure it’s working well and adjust it if needed.

Most people come in every 6-12 months, but we can see you more often if you want.

The implant battery lasts 10-20 years. That’s much longer than other similar devices. When it’s time for a new one, the swap is usually a simple procedure.

We’ll help you track your symptoms over time. This lets us see how well the therapy is working.

If you have any problems or questions, give us a call. We’re always here to help!

Remember, everyone’s body is different. What works for one person might not work for another.

We’ll work with you to find the best long-term plan for your needs.

Axonics Trial: New Hope for Overactive Bladder Sufferers