Bladder Control

[RichardP]

I have lost control of my bladder and colon ( I think), but not as bad as some of the stories I've read. I ride the bus from San Francisco to San Leandro, CA about a 35min ride. If I go to the bathroom before catching the bus, I'll be ok until I arrive either at home or at work. If I don't, then I barely make it in the front door before I wet my pants. I try squeezing my muscles to hold the urine in but will get some or many drops before reaching the toilet. While at work or at home or on the road, when the urge to go arrives, I have to drop what I'm doing to make it to the nearest toilet. Whenever we are in a store, the first thing I look for is the restroom, just in case!!! At night, if I don't drink anything after 8pm I will get a full night's sleep. Otherwise, I'm up at least two or three times at night.
What can I do to eleviate this condition. It is down right embarrasing and at 61 I do not want to start wearing Depends!!!!! This is a Urology discussion so I won't bring up flatuance.

You don't know how good it makes me feel to put my thoughts down so others suffering the same problem can offer suggestions.

[sal50]

I Totally understand your embarrassment, flusteration, and nightmare you are in.
I have urge incont/ urine retention. There is no way I make it to the Bathroom, it is amazing how far the BR can be. If you do soak your cloths and to be honest most of us get to that point, it will be one of the worst days of your life. Western medicine really does not know how the bladder works, but, more research is being done. and,I know they are trying.

Every medication, neuro stimulation i have tried nothing has helped my urge incont. It sounds like that maybe what is happening.

Go to a Uro start a work -up. It takes alot of patients.
But, you are not alone, and it is normal to have it bother you.

Let me know if I can help.

Take care--PS my bladder ownes my life!

[mik123]

Hi
I am 43 yr old male with a neurogenic bladder (other words they dont know what is causing it or how to fix it. So in the mean time I know what you folks are going through there would be times when i am meeting with business associates or contractors and all of the sudden I would feel a warm feeling running down my leg and sure enough I realized that I was peeing so I know what im talking about. So upon talking with the urologist and me doing research I found a way to mannage my problem (this will sound nasty but it beats the alternantive) the Dr. gave me a catheter to use and oh boy what a relief I now can go and do activities or anything almost and not worrying about if I am going to leak. I have a suprapubic catheter that I wear all the time with a leg bag so now my life is back to normal I even can wear shorts. So if I can help please contact me.

[sal50]

Thank you for your response and help.
I have a SPC to and if i wear the bag 24/7 i have no incont or leaking.
If i capp my SPC some days i do fine, when other days i have 2-3 wetting episodes, like you the Uro are unable to fix it.

You sound like you are coping well, and that is good.
I am planning on a urostomy because it never will be any better and i see has it getting worse. for many of us we are all indivdual and all cope differently.

Again, thank you.

[RichardP]

Thanks Sal and Mik for your insight into our problem. Wow, 43, I'm so sorry that this is bothering you at such a young age.
The catheter sounds like a good idea. But as you suggested, first I'd better see a Urologist.
I'll be reading this forum so stay in touch.

Richard

[mik123]

Hi Sal,
With your spc did you get infections often I average once a month proximately I go to the dr. and get antibiodics and then it cleaars up but about 2 to 3 wks latter I get another one I was just wondering.
Mike

[sal50]

Hi Mike,

I had my SPC placed on 5/30/08 so far no infections. my urine does have alot of sedment even after i drink alot of water. so far so good with infections.
Even when i did ISC i did not get infections.
Problem for me is urge incont--------when i cap my SPC about every other day unable to hold any bladder volume.
I hope this helps.
E-Mail me if you would like, I hope this helps.

[mik123]

Hi Sal,
How are you doing? Im ok, here is my e-mail address [moderator note: e-mail address has been removed] also if anyone else wants to e-mail me you can. I have had mine since December of last year. Have you heard of tibula nerve stimulation wher they take a electrical pulse and attach it to your ankle some how the muscle is attatched to the bladder and somehow the electricity stimulates the bladder. Another question how often do you change your catheter.
Mike