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lower back pain, bladder control

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Posted 8/14/2013 8:50 AM (GMT 0)

Hi

Just wanted to ask if I should be concerned about losing total control yesterday.  All of a sudden, I just went and couldn't stop it.  I was in my living room looking to go down the basement and it just let go.  I tried to make it to the bathroom, but, it just kept coming, no control to stop.

I have ben having in the past few days loss of bladder by only drippings and there.

I have been to a orthopedic doctor and a mri with contrast a couple of weeks a go.  The results, where the same.  Bulging disc in several different disc location in the lumbar area. DDD, facet arthopathy and several other things that I can't be persist. Had cervical fusion due to myopathy.   Been to pain management, which done shots, medications, spinal nerve condunction implant, failed.  (will update later ) I just want to figure out if I should be concerned about the bladder thing, 

Could anyone give me any idea on this, Thanks. 

Posted 8/14/2013 10:28 AM (GMT 0)
I would certainly talk to my doctor about it. One of the questions I am commonly asked is if I have any loss of bladder/bowel control. If it is new and unusual it would be a good thing to get the doc's advise.
Posted 8/14/2013 10:32 AM (GMT 0)
Yes you should be concerned! Definitely talk to your Dr ASAP! Today. It can be a sign of a more severe problem. It could also be kidney or bladder related but you need to know whichever way.

Good luck and make that call today!
Posted 8/14/2013 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like you need a referral to a good Urologist, concerning your bladder control issues. Hope you find an answer for that part fast.

david
Posted 8/14/2013 2:34 PM (GMT 0)
There is a rare possibility but one you need to rule out and that is Cauda Equina Syndrome which can happen with people with spine issues.

So, this is something that I would get in to see your PCP today as many Drs. will have spots open for urgent care or even go to the ER if you can't get in to see them.

I'm not sure of your age, but it could just be where there are issues starting with bladder control.

I hope that it's nothing too serious and you can get answers asap!
Posted 8/15/2013 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
Anyone with spine issues who develops any sudden loss of bladder or bowel control should consider it a medical emergency. And I am quoting my doctor from last Month's discussion.

Call your doctor ASAP! If any delay or hesitation from your doctor, take matters into your own hands and go to the er right away!

If you were experiencing cauda equine syndrome, which is caused by pressure, often from a large, central disc herniation at the level of the cauda equina, where the spinal cord splits into the 'horse-tail of nerves.

When this happens, permanent nerve damage can occur in less than 24 hours. That's why it is an emergency!

I hope your symptoms were caused by something much less serious than ce syndrome. Good luck!
Posted 8/15/2013 6:27 AM (GMT 0)
I would absolutely get in to see someone just in case, but try not to worry too much until you know more about what's going on.

It's possible you have a bladder or kidney infection, or any number of other things which could be causing your bladder to spasm and empty spontaneously.

Do you feel like you have to go at ALL before it happens? Is there any feeling of pressure or fullness or urgency?

It could be that the other times you've had this happen, your bladder just wasn't full, so hardly anything came out, whereas this time you had a full bladder.

But if this has been going on for a few days, get in to see someone ASAP. Even if it's just an infection, a bladder infection can turn into a kidney infection within days, and a kidney infection can turn serious and be harmful to the kidneys in a few days.

Some of the WORST back pain I've ever felt came as a result of a really bad kidney infection. I was bent over with sharp pains that literally took my breath away. I had no idea what was going on until I ended up in the ER; sick as a dog and unable to stand up straight or walk without help.

Definitely let us know what you find out from the doc. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Posted 8/16/2013 7:59 AM (GMT 0)
Get thee to a neurologist!

I have multiple spine problems, the most bothersome have been my low back. I had the same dx as you, plus more, but I was WARNED sharply in advance, pain is one thing, loss of function is another, especially bladder, and bowel. When my back got it's worst, I lost control...(of NOT being able to STOP passing gas. Sorry guys, but, hey...) When I saw my neurosurgeon and we did extensive (and rapid) diagnostics, along with what I shared, once he went in there (I did end up needed surgery) he said in his opinion, the severity was not fully realized until they put the pieces together, so to speak, and I was roughly within 12 weeks of permanently losing bladder and bowel control.

So, yeah. Don't mess around with this in the least. Caught early, if they can free entrapped nerves, over time, a long time, nerves have a shot at regenerating. If they're trapped too long, too hard, the damage can be nerve death and permanent.

My opinion, and it's just that, and it's based on my history and what you've shared, is this is beyond a gyn/uro appt. Those two together are a serious combo not to be procrastinated about.

At least get a neuro's opinion, from THEIR perspective.

Best of luck to you.


Sookie
Posted 8/17/2013 6:46 AM (GMT 0)
I have to also jump in and say that I have several things going on with my spine and this was the first thing they warned me about. If I lose bowel or bladder control then I am to get to the ER immediately, don't call the doc, don't ask the hubby if I should go, don't feed the cats, just go. Yes it could be a bladder issue or an age related issue but I know that I would definitely get to hospital very quickly just to make sure it's nothing serious. If it is serious then you are already right there where you need to be and they can take care of you.

Please do let us know what happens and what the verdict is as I know many are wondering if you are okay. Never, ever feel silly about going to ER. That is their job and it will ease your mind.

Much love and gentle hugs,
Lynn
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