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For more than three years, Deptford resident Danielle Lowe quietly managed uncomfortable health challenges while caring for her family and holding a full-time administrative job at Inspira. Each day, she pushed through worsening symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, a condition where the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor get weak or stretched, and organs drop out of their normal place.
“I didn’t realize how much it was bothering me until after I had surgery,” Danielle said. “It was just a lot of discomfort … It felt like my insides were coming out. It wasn’t a good feeling at all.”
Putting Herself on the Back Burner
Like many women, Danielle put her own health last. “Being a mom and working and being busy—you kind of push yourself off a little bit,” she said. Many people put off seeking treatment for pelvic conditions, pushing through symptoms like discomfort in the pelvis, pain during intercourse or leaking urine when exercising, coughing or laughing.
Over time, her symptoms began to affect more than just her physical comfort. Simple activities like walking or exercising became challenging. She found herself constantly thinking about where the nearest bathroom was and worrying about accidents.
“It impacted my daily life. I had to make sure I was close to a bathroom. I didn’t feel like myself,” she said.
A Turning Point and a Trusted Referral
It wasn’t until a long-overdue visit to a gynecologist that Danielle finally got answers. After describing her symptoms, she was diagnosed with a significant prolapse and referred to Inspira urogynecologist Fabiana Kreines, M.D.
From the very first visit, Danielle felt at ease. “Dr. Kreines is phenomenal. I cannot say a bad thing about her,” Danielle said. “She’s very sweet, very caring, very professional. She explained all of my options and answered every question I had.”
Dr. Kreines walked Danielle through her condition and treatment options, including both nonsurgical and surgical approaches. Given the severity of her prolapse and ongoing bladder issues, Danielle ultimately chose to move forward with surgery.
From Caregiver to Patient
Danielle underwent a total hysterectomy, bladder sling procedure and additional repair related to a prior childbirth injury. Despite the complexity of the procedures, she felt confident in her decision.
“I wasn’t really nervous,” she said. “I was more excited to see how things were going to be better for me afterward.” Dr. Kreines and her team ensured that Danielle felt fully prepared by providing detailed education, answering questions and guiding her through every step of the process.
Having worked in health care for years, Danielle was no stranger to hospital environments, but experiencing care firsthand gave her a new perspective. “Everyone took great care of me,” she said. “I am beyond pleased with everything. Every person on staff showed me true care and compassion.”
Her surgery at Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill went smoothly, and she returned home the same day. While she needed a temporary catheter for a few days, a common part of recovery, her overall healing process was easier than expected, with very little pain.
A Life-Changing Outcome
Today, Danielle says the results have been nothing short of transformative. “I feel 100 percent better,” she said. “I don’t have that pressure anymore. I don’t have bladder issues. No leakage. It’s definitely the best thing I’ve done for myself.”
She’s now getting back to activities she once avoided, including exercise, without the fear or discomfort that once held her back. And the impact goes beyond physical relief. “When you’re dealing with issues like that, it affects you mentally too,” Danielle explained. “Now I feel better not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.”
Looking back, Danielle has one piece of advice for others experiencing similar symptoms: Don’t wait. “Listen to your body and take care of yourself,” she said. “If we’re not in a good place, we can’t take care of others.” She also hopes her story helps break the silence around pelvic health issues—something many women experience but don’t always talk about.
