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Anyone dealing with urge incontinence ?

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Posted 8/4/2013 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
For the past 6 months, urge incontinence has bothered me through-out the day. I had BT in January 2012. I mostly have a desk job, and when I have the urge it comes on very strong, and often I can't make it to the bathroom in time.

I have started wearing a pad to help out or carrying a bottle with me if I'm out somewhere in the car. Either is not the ideal solution.

I had taken Vesicare early on @ 10mg. I didn't see a whole lot of improvement, and the dry mouth and blurry vision were too much.

I usually drink 2 cups of coffee in the morning before work, and at least 1 Diet Coke during the day. I hate the thought of giving up my caffiene, especially in the morning. I could probably forego the soft drink without too much trouble.

I'm just looking for others that dealing with this problem, and how you're handling it.
Posted 8/4/2013 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
Powellst, right after my brachy I was extremely sensitive to caffeine (and alcohol). That has change with time. However, may I suggest that you try giving up caffeine for a couple of weeks and see what happens? Also, perhaps alcohol and spicy foods. This may not be the answer but I would think it's worth a try.

Jim
Posted 8/4/2013 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Jim that the caffeine has got to go - maybe do it slowly so you don't get withdrawal headaches and lethargy.

What else are you taking for it? I took:
• Rapaflo. Flomax did nothing for me but Rapaflo worked like a charm. Everyone's chemistry is different and may respond to a different alpha blocker. You can raid your urologist's sample supply (with his permission, of course) to find the right one for you.

• Aleve. Or another anti-inflammatory like Celebrex may be useful, as long as you don't have heart problems.

• Cialis. No one is sure why it works for LUTS, but it does and it's now FDA approved, so your insurance may pay for it if it's prescribed for this purpose.

There are other anti-spasmotics that may work better for you than Vesicare. One RO I know routinely prescribes Elmiron, which doesn't give dry mouth. There's an oxybutynin patch (Oxytrol) that is supposed to have fewer SEs.

- Allen
Posted 8/4/2013 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
Since I am in a contrary mood I will disagree about the caffeine. You still need to give up the coffee, I'm afraid, but you can get the same dose of caffeine from tea without having the same effects on your bladder. Decaf coffee raises one's bladder pressure way more than does strong tea.

I don't get to disagree with the Tall one very often so I can't resist doing so when I can.
Posted 8/4/2013 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
Looks like I'll be trimming back to 1 cup in the morning, and eliminating the soda. I'm surprised my URO didn't recommend this as 1st line protocol.
Posted 8/5/2013 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
Oh man, I've found the same thing. For me, I'm dealing with radiation therapy induced urgency. It can be really strong, especially when I have to hold a really full bladder for a radiation treatment session.

It's coffee itself, not the caffeine. I've typically had three or four 12-14 ounce mugs of it every day. The effect for me wasn't subtle - when I quit so much coffee it helped a lot! Still need the first cup of the day, but after that it's only tea.

Tea is fine, and there are so many varieties. Loose teas are awkward to use, and more costly, but the flavors are terrific. (Tea bags seem to be much less flavorful for some reason). My favorites right now are Earl Gray (very aromatic), and English Breakfast (a classic).
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