Urinary Incontinence

[rjames1973]

Hi,

I just joined this forum, as I suffer from urinary incontinence and need some support from others who are in the same boat. I am a 34-year-old male and was born with Spina Bifida. Specifically, I was born with a meningocele and hydrocephalus. I have full mobility and have been able to do most of the things that others can do physically; however, I have always had problems with my colon and bladder. Although urinary incontinence has always been somewhat of an issue for me, I have always been able to manage it. Over the past two years, it has gotten increasingly worse. I am experiencing a considerable amount of sexual dysfunction from the incontinence, which has been a real morale destroyer for me. I've been going to a Urologist in my area who suggested I have a Urodynamics and Cystoscopy done to determine the level of the problem with my bladder. Those tests confirmed what I have always known: I have a bladder problem. My Urologist has tried a couple of different medications, but both have had terrible side effects, so I stopped taking them. He has suggested that I start self-catheterizing myself, which is very disconcerting for me.

Ok, enough about me. I was just hoping that there might be others in this forum who were also born with Spina Bifida and would chime in and share their experiences with me. Also, if anyone could suggest a really good specialist in the Northern Virginia area for someone with my medical background, I would really appreciate it. I apologize if asking for a recommendation for a specialist is inappropriate to the forum, but I could really use a second opinion. Thanks!

[stulchinsky]

Hello, this is a forum moderator responding. Although I don't have a direct answer to your question, HC's MDLocator may be used to help you find a qualified urologist in a community near you:
http://www.urologychannel.com/mdlocator/index.shtml

Although MDLocator lists many urologists, it does not include all. Thank you for participating in the forum, and I wish you the best in finding answers to your medical questions.