http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baclofen

I don't recall many folks taking it for PN tho?

As for it taking a 'while'? Even Neurontin and Lyrica take about 4-6 weeks to actually work, providing there are no side effects.
Look up the particular drug and dose + prescribing information and read that...its listed under 'usual or common side effects'? or towards the end of the whole thing under 'less common effects reported'.

As for loss of control? A thing to consider is how she's living right now? Mostly sedentary? Pressing on some nerves and not others? Any tests that might have been done on her, such as MRI's or the like? Can also pinch a fussy nerve enough to make it that unhappy! I know. That's happened to me w/the resulting undesirable s/e! For me, it's taken almost a year to get back to normal of sorts.

As for the pain? Has she been tested for either gallstones or kidney stones? I've the former and I'm often feeling as if I've been hit w/a 2"x4"! Docs don't know 'what to do w/me' because I've so many other fun things going on! To be honest? Sometimes the 'cures' are worse than the problems!

As for the incontinence due to the med? Call the doc! See/ASK what alternatives there are? I'm sure your mother is a 'lady' and this problem is one of the more distressing ones encountered than many others! [My M-I-L went thru the same problems]

Just be glad that your mom is alive & sharp at 87! I am much her junior and having gone thru some of this issue? I have to say, it's in the top five of the most distressing aspects one has to face! Please give her a ! from me?

Kidney infections are [I now recall?] often treated w/baclofen, and yes they take a while to kick in as meds! The faster acting meds for such infections? Also have s/e's that are worse than those cures tho. Baclofen If I recall correctly, is slower? But effective w/fewer long term s/e's.

You need a ! too!!! As I'm sure you are worn out by this whole thing! I hope things truly work out for the best? For all! Hugs and hope truly! - j