When Isabella and her parents sought treatment with the Urology clinic for urinary incontinence, constipation, and urinary tract infections, her journey with Nationwide Children’s Hospital was just beginning. 

“The challenges seemed insurmountable as she endured invasive exams and faced the social and academic consequences of her condition,” recalls Isabella’s mom, Kelsey. 

Isabella's life was a constant cycle of urgent care visits, labs, imaging and doctors’ appointments, creating a burden that extended into her social and academic life. 

After several months of trying different therapies and treatments, Isabella’s care team didn’t see the results they hoped for. So, they sought help from Seth Alpert, MD, Co-Director of the Surgical Neuromodulation Center. Dr. Alpert evaluated Isabella for a sacral nerve stimulator implant, a device that works to improve communication issues between the brain and pelvic nerves that signal the muscles to help control urinary and bowel function. These devices are typically used in adults and are FDA-approved for those over 16 years old. Isabella, 8 years old at the time, was felt to be a good candidate for a trial of sacral nerve stimulation with pediatric approved use. For the two-week trial, Isabella wore the temporary device but within days saw positive results. “We were absolutely stunned,” her parents remember. “The temporary implant yielded astonishing results.”

A few weeks later, Isabella underwent surgery to have the device permanently implanted. Since then, Isabella attends school consistently and is free from the need to change clothes throughout the day. “She now stands with newfound confidence, expressing herself with a strong voice and holding her head high, fully aware that her body is finally in sync with her, supporting her in every way,” says her parents.