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Losing bladder control???

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Posted 3/27/2008 4:25 AM (GMT 0)
I feel like I am losing control of my bladder sometimes.  Like yesterday I was at the gym on the treadmill and I had to run to the bathroom because I just started leaking urine. (Sorry if too much info)  Sometimes it is the opposite, I feel like I have to pee and I can sit on the toilet for 10 minutes without being able to go.  I dont know what to do.  I am not seeing my neurologist until the end of May.  I am going for a new MRI scan right before I go to him.  I have not been diagnosed with MS, I am still waiting in limbo to find out is going on.  But I have so many symptoms that my doc said he thinks it is MS, but doesnt want to diagnose me until he is positive.  So my question is really, should I see a general pratitioner about my urinary issues, or call my neuro?  I am unsure of what to do!  I am a 24 year old woman and feel like I should not be having these urinary problems! 

Thanks is advance for all of your advice, I really appreciate it!

Elaina

Posted 3/27/2008 6:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Elaina,

What your are experiencing sounds like neurogenic bladder.  I have experienced that exact same thing.  Running for the toilet one time only to be followed by sitting on the toilet and knowing I have to go and yet nothing.  You need to see your doctor.  You can see your gp or you can go to a urologist.  Don't walk in and say "I have neurogenic bladder" - doctors hate that.  Tell your doctor what you have told us here.  Don't let this go.  If you are not emptying your bladder, then you might end up with an infection.  A bladder infection can lead to a kidney infection.  And while MS can cause this, there are other things that can cause this as well.  Good luck.  By the way, exercise does this same thing to me.  I will start on the eliptical only to have to get off and "go".

Please go see your doctor.  Come back and let us know how you are doing.

Love and prayers,

Posted 3/27/2008 11:54 AM (GMT 0)
Gretchen, what can the docs do for this though? I've gotten so I'm wearing a little pad because of it (and I had a full hyst at age 34 fo it's useless for that!) It's embarassing to suddenly realize what's happening and not make it.

I'm also just over my third UTI in 6 months... I know it was suggested to ask the dr for a Bactrim dose for 90 days but I got a feeling she's (GP) gonna think I'm nuts asking for that - she's not crazy about long term antibiotics ever and the neuro may not agree either... so is there something that's been helping?

Posted 3/27/2008 1:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Elaina

I COMPLETELY agree with all that Gretchen said! She is RIGHT ON. Get to u'r gp or urologist or u'r neuro...but go. As she said, this can lead to an infection if left untreated...and then all the ramifications that come with that! As Gretchen said, neurogenic bladder can exist with other probs, but since ms in on u'r plate it's prob safe to say it's a symptom of that bigger prob. Hang in there friend and do get to that doc! Please do let us know what is done and how u'r feeling.

Hey Deb

Well as far as i know treatment for neurogenic bladder depends on the underlying cause. There are treatment options ranging from self cathater to medications. It's quite important to not let something like this go.

Here's a link that may offer some answers.
http://www.hmc.psu.edu/healthinfo/no/neurogenicbladder.htm
Posted 3/27/2008 1:14 PM (GMT 0)

D'awesome said...
Gretchen, what can the docs do for this though? I've gotten so I'm wearing a little pad because of it (and I had a full hyst at age 34 fo it's useless for that!) It's embarassing to suddenly realize what's happening and not make it.

I'm also just over my third UTI in 6 months... I know it was suggested to ask the dr for a Bactrim dose for 90 days but I got a feeling she's (GP) gonna think I'm nuts asking for that - she's not crazy about long term antibiotics ever and the neuro may not agree either... so is there something that's been helping?

Not Gretchen...but yes, it does sound like it could be a neurogenic bladder. 

A question .. are you SURE you are having UTI's? I ask, because that's exactly what happened with me years ago.. I thought I was having UTI's, kept asking for (and getting) an antibiotic, and they would happen again.  In fact, there was no infection (at least not every time!) and what I was experiencing was the neurogenic bladder.

Antibiotics won't help a neurogenic bladder...but there are meds that will. You've seen the ads on TV -- Detrol, some others.  It will be important to figure out for certain what is going on -- it's likely your gp will refer you to a urologist for testing -- and then there are meds that can help.

I hope you can get some treatment for this soon. As Gretchen suggested, problems with bladder control can lead to a lot of serious complications, including bladder infections, kidney infections, bowel problems, etc.

Posted 3/27/2008 2:20 PM (GMT 0)
There is a lot you can do for neurogenic bladder.  But it is up to a doctor to decide what might by right for you.  One thing that might really be helpful on the work out issue is to learn how to self cath.  You can then make sure your bladder is empty before jumping on the treadmill.  Good job on the exercise by the way.  Good for you!!!

Love and prayers,

Posted 3/28/2008 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your replies! I will call and get into a urologist, or to a general practitioner as soon as I can. Ill let you know what I find out!

Elaina
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