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Have gynae problems but now thought to also have over active bladder

Posted , 4 users are following.

susan76008
susan76008

HI all, I was sent to gynae as a scan showed I had a small ovarian cyst but I have also been experiencing bladder problems.  Saw specialist today who is now referring me to gynae/urology specialist (so another appointment to wait for).  Can anyone help with general advice for OAB?  I have downloaded some bladder training stuff and I have been given some mediction to help in the interim while waiting for next appt.  I am worried about the pain I have everytime I need to go to the loo - is this a common symptom?  I have also been told to use painkillers on a regular basis (every 6 hours) to combat this.  Just wanted to know if this is usual.

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Ginny31
    Ginny31 susan76008

    Posted

    Hi Susan76008. I also have OAB and gynae problems - with me I had the bladder problems first then the gynae issues. I have heard quite a few people get pain with the urge to go. If I am trying to 'hang on' when I need to go with a full bladder, definitely it quickly gets really uncomfortable, I don't know if I'd say painful exactly. Another thing that sometimes happens is I don't feel any need to go, then I get a sudden sharp uncomfortable twinge, a bit like a muscle pain, and leak a small amount. I can't control this at all to stop the leak and it happens without any warning feeling of needing to go, but fortunately I usually only lose a very small amount when it happens. During my period it's different. For at least a day or two of my period I have little bladder control and in this time, I get unbearable stabbing pains and wet myself a few seconds later. I don't know why - I am waiting for a scan at the moment. (I have severe pain all through my period as well anyway.)

    In terms of advice for OAB, before my gynae problems started I did get improvement with medication following a urodynamics test and bladder scan. I was prescribed oxybutinin but I know there are other medications and treatments available as well.  It sounds good that you have got this referral to gynae / urology and I hope that they can come up with something that will help you. I know I found it hard to take the step of asking for this to be investigated so well done. There are lots of different options to try to improve the distressing symptoms.  In terms of managing it day to day (and whilst it does sound obvious!) finding a pad you can use that gives you secure protection and that you know will deal with any accidents does make life a lot less stressful. Everyone probably has a different perspective on this but for me, particularly when I'm at work or otherwise away from home, I'd rather know I'm wearing a pad that will keep me protected for the (currently) inevitable times that I do have a full accident, than try to get away with wearing light protection and be constantly worried and trying to stay near a toilet.

    I'm not sure if that's the kind of general advice you are looking for but I hope it might help a bit... smile

    • susan76008
      susan76008 Ginny31

      Posted

      Hi Ginny31, I have been very lucky so far as I have not yet had a full accident, just a drop or two on the very odd occasion. The specialist sort of suggested the pain I am getting could be musculoskeletal - not sure how that would work, she also said it could be a trapped nerve, again not sure how, still at least she hasn't dismissed me out of hand. I think today has been better as far as pain goes but I have been taking the painkillers as she suggested so perhaps that is why. I am pleased to hear I'm not that odd having both problems, although obviously it's not good for you either. Really appreciate your input. Hope things improve for you.
    • Ginny31
      Ginny31 susan76008

      Posted

      It's good to hear that the painkillers could be working, Susan76008. I hope that continues to improve. Yes it's also good that the specialist has not been dismissive and is looking into things, though of course it must be really hard waiting to find out more. It's surprising, given how common a condition incontinence is said to be, how hard it can be sometimes to get it taken seriously once we've plucked up the courage to talk about it. I remember years ago when I first tried to talk to my then GP about it, she seemed to brush it off for months (admittedly, I did have several other health problems at the time which perhaps took precedence). It was only when she was examining me one day for something else and noticed the size of the pad I was wearing, that she said something like "Goodness me, you really do suffer with it quite badly don't you if you're having to wear those!" and offered to make a referral! Perhaps I hadn't been clear enough as I was very embarrassed about it but I was a bit surprised! Anyhow, I'm glad that you are getting investigations that can hopefully help you. Thanks very much for your reply.
  • pat17497
    pat17497 susan76008

    Posted

    Hi Susan,

    So sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. I don't get much pain so am fortunate there, sudden urges are bad enough!  I suppose a UTI infection has been ruled out, that can cause intense burninb and general dull pain in that area. Might be a good idea to take a urine sample to Dr. to get checked out if you are not sure.

    Best of luck

    Pat

     

    • susan76008
      susan76008 pat17497

      Posted

      Hi pat17497, I have already been tested for an infection when I went to see my gp before they made the referral to the specialist. The pain is not when actually going to the loo but a very insistent pain just before I go and if I have tried to hang on can even impede the flow or stop it entirely. It is very weird.
    • KathS
      KathS susan76008

      Posted

      I've suffered from stress incontinence for years since my 3rd child in 1968 and kept it to myself.  Eventually, it changed to very strong urge incontinence and went to see the doctor.  To begin with, I was put on Vesicare which worked great for quite a while.  I went from wearing night time Tena all the time, to the mini Tena which was great.  After probably two years, the urge got so much worse again, with pain this time (mainly in my back) and I asked if I could increase the dose.  Was told no. Vesicare was changed to oxybutinin.  This had no effect whatsoever on the problem and in fact it went worse.  In the meantime, I went back on Vesicare and the doctor sent off specimens of urine thinking it might be an infection in the bladder.  Five lots in total were submitted for testing over probably 9-12 months during which time the problem got worse.  It was very similar to cystitus syptoms except there was no burning at the end.  I was getting strong urges for just a trickle.   All of the samples came back OK each time.  No action!  Eventually I was referred to the Uro-Gynae department who examined me and sent off another specimen.  This came back with the result e-Coli infection (which I now understand is a common bladder infection).  It must have been this all the time!!!  I did ask the doctor why he thought it wasn't picked up with any of the other 5 specimens and he said that elderly women can have this infection without any problem, so a negative result is given!  The specimens wouldn't have been sent off if there were no problems!  It took 3 lots of antibiotics to clear it!  I have now been put on the strongest tablet possible (so I'm told) for urge incontinence but unfortunately, the problem is still there (without the pain of the infection but the urge itself still affects my lower back).  My follow-up appointment, after being put on this new capsule (Trospium Chloride 60mg modified release) was for 6 month's time, which I think is a long time when you have this debilitating problem.   I still have another 2 months to wait before I see the specialist agan.

      If your pain doesn't clear up, be persistent in trying to get an answer and keep sending in specimens for testing.  My experience just shows that there can be a lot of guesswork and infections can be overlooked.

    • Ginny31
      Ginny31 KathS

      Posted

      I am really sorry to hear that you have been waiting so long for answers and that something was overlooked for so long. It's good on the one hand that the infection has now been treated but I can only imagine how upsetting to know it was missed for so long. It does seem like a wait for your follow-up. Do they think it takes some time for the drug to take effect or is it because of waiting lists...? Not that that's any of my business so no need to answer - - as you say it is debilitating and very frustrating when it is not properly investigated. Hoping that your appointment will give some answers so that your persistence has at last paid off.
    • KathS
      KathS Ginny31

      Posted

      Thanks for your concern.  I suspect it's waiting lists as I can't imagine medication taking that long to take effect!  The trospium chloride has still not improved the situation at all.  Another contact with the same problem is apparently on Vesicare AND Trospium together without any significant improvement, so I'm beginning to feel that we are all just guinea pigs and the doctors haven't a clue what to do for us!  neutral 
    • Ginny31
      Ginny31 KathS

      Posted

      It is really frustrating I agree sad and hard to deal with when it has such a big effect on daily life. I'm sorry that the Trospium has not been helpful for you and hope there's some way they can help at your next appointment, at the very least that they look into things as thoroughly as possible this time.
    • KathS
      KathS Ginny31

      Posted

      My appointment to see the specialist has been put BACK another MONTH!!  No explanation given!  I'm sure they don't understand how distressing this problem is!  Still no improvement with the Trospium! 😢
    • pat17497
      pat17497 KathS

      Posted

      Sorry to hear you are having to wait so long. The Trospium worked for me but as commented before has completely messed up my eyesight, so beware of that happening.Good luck.
    • KathS
      KathS pat17497

      Posted

      Yet another cancellation!  Not seeing specialist now until mid January! rolleyes  Persevered with the Trospium and now take it early evening.  Strangely the urge symptoms are worse later on but better from when I get up until around 8pm.  It's like there's a delay before it takes effect so it's obviously not working for the full 24 hours.  At least it is better when I'm likely to be out, so this is good.  Still get severe back pain during the urge and if I hold on awhile before I go to the loo.

      I have had cataract ops on both eyes incidentally, but don't think the Trospium had anything to do with it.

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