Overactive bladder

Dont know how old you are, but Im 80 and have been going through this for 15 years.   I started to see some improvement after the 7th treatment.    I used to have lots of bad days and even had to cancel some of my activities.    Now I have lots of good days and think   Oh, this has worked.   Then I have another bad day.  Seems to come and go.    I also have a pessiary which helps the bladder  prolapse.   When I was having these treatments, met lots of women.    It has helped some and others say it hasnt done a thing  The girl that does this treatment said it has 75% success rate.   There is something else they do called Bulking.   Dont exactly Know what this entails, so ask your Dr. about it.    My Dr said I could try it, but doesnt know if it would work.    One thing it definitely has helped.   Like you, I used to get up 5 or 6 times during the night.   Now I get up once or twice.  Im going to stick with this maintenance program and see what happens.  At my age, dont want to have surgery.   

I really dont know much about Botox, but what I've read dont this its for me.

Finish the 12 week program and see what happens.   Some of the women Ive met only saw results after the 7th or 8th treatment.  

Let me know how you make out.   Sure hope it works for you.    

I am 60 and very healthy otherwise in all ways.  This came on suddenly and it interferes with everything I do from day to day.

Actually about 8 years ago, I had something similar - it lasted for about 3 months - then it just went away.  I started and then stopped an noone knows why.

So I figured maybe that would happen this time - but it's not going away.  I thought perhaps it might be an age thing, but I see a variety of ages here with the same problem,

What I don't understand is why by treatment 6 does it maybe start to help or help at all.  I'm very curious about things medically, and want to know why and how, etc.

I started with 'vesicare' that my Dr. prescribed.  Did not work that much, but my mouth go so dry I could barely talk so I quit that.  The urologist asked me to try Myrbetriq, and got no improvement at all.  He said, I should take it least 2 months before any improvement is seen.  I really didn't want to take yet another medication, but I had to try.  I did, and it didn't make a dent.

Now I'm on phase 3 with the tens treatment (tomorrow is week 5) which I'm hoping works.  So far, nothing.  Aside from just having to pee so much, I don't leak, or strain to hold it, or anything of that nature.  But, my bladder is feeling 'tired' as well as my general demeanor because I really never get a good night's sleep.  I have actually fallen asleep on the toilet waiting for it to end.

Also, I only drink 1 glass of ice coffee per day as I have been for years.  I know they say don't drink coffee, but it's part of my routine, perks me up, and it's just one glass.  I do not drink anything else!!! fearing it will make it worse.

I'm not dehyrdated so I have wonder where is all the water coming from.  I'm also afraid it will lead to something worse.

I know there are worse things (some things are painful and at least this is not) but it sure interfereres with ones life in a big way.

Like you, I tried the same drugs as you, and they made me nauscious. I cannot tolerate many drugs. I also do not leak or ever wet myself, just feel like I always have to go. But, as I said it comes and goes. So I do think these treatments have helped. I never have caffeine and also don't eat anything Spicey. The other night we were at a party and I ate something spicey and did I suffer with frequent urination.I've done a lot of research on this and also gave up drinking wine. Try eliminating certain things and see if it helps. I can't tell you how many parties I've declined because of this problem.

Also, I take a tranquilizer at night. (A very low dose). The Dr gave it to me as it relaxes me.

Another thing I have eliminated is anything with tomato sauce. You'd think I'd be skinny with all I've eliminated. I'm not really heavy but not skinny either.

Good luck to you. Hope the treatments help. Let me know.

I replied to you, but it didn't go through. Like you I tried the same drugs as you, but they made me nauscious. I don't leak or ever wet myself, just feel like I always have to go. I have lots of good days and i feel normal so I guess these treatments have helped. I also have eliminated caffeine, wine, spicey foods and anything with tomato sauce. Last week we were at a party and i did have spicey food and boy did I suffer with frequent urination. Try eliminating certain foods and see if this helps.

With all the things I've eliminated, you'd think I'd be really skinny. Also, my family Dr gave me a very mild tranquilizer which I take at night to relax me.

Give the treatment some time. Sure hope it works.

Hi Trudilu and Ann Marie,

I was searching for places that do PTNS but can't find anything. Are you guys by any chance in Sydney, Australia or located somewhere else?  

Thank you!

I am in Florida and go too a gynecologist.PTNS has worked for me.Try looking up doctors who do this procedure in Australia. Good luck.

Have to laugh sinc yesterday had a bladder scan and first she had me empty bladder. During the test I said I have to pee again and she said no you don’t the scan shows ur bladder is empty. Got dressed and right away had to pee!!!?so much for accurate testing!!

I just got your message and feel so bad for what you are going through.    Why dont you speak to the Dr. about it and see if theres anything they can do.    Are you going to a gynecologist or a urogynecologist?  A friend who I met at one of these treatmenets called me yesterday.    She gets up every hr during the night, but has no problem at all during the day and, like you, is completely exhausted.   The PTNS did not work for her and now the dr is suggesting Botox, which she doesnt want to do.   He gave her another medicine to take for 2 weeks.

When things were real bad for me the Dr. gave me an anti-anxiety pill and told me to take it 3 times a day, which I did for a while.  It was a very low dosage.   Now I only take one at night.

I, too, had a bad day.   Ive been having problems with constipation so took Ducalese which helped but then I had diarrhea.  I was going out so took an imodium and felt fine yesterday.    This morning I decided to take a probiotic and then the frequent urination and pressure started.    Dont know if this was from the probiotic or now.  I had a meeting this morning, but didnt go out to lunch with the group, because of all this bladder pressure.   After supper, I laid down to take the pressure off and now I feel better.

Have you seen a urologist?   Im sure you have.    Dont give up on these treatments.  I've met so many woman who had success with it.   I think I felt a difference in the 7th week. so your not even half way through.

So many women have these problems and you can get depressed.   Try to keep busy and put your mind on other things.    Do you work?   Sometimes if I get involved with something, I forget about my problem.

Hope tomorrow will be a better day for you.   Write to me anytime.

 

Hi, thanks for the sympathy!!!

I've seen my PMP, a urologist, and as you know having #5 PTNS this week.  I have to still hope that it will work for me altho I'm skeptical.  I would not want to take Botox either, but I've heard from one or two that it works.

I already take anti-anxiety meds (1 at night) and they do what they are supposed to do, but of course don't prevent me from waking up to go to pee.  One time, I took more than I usually do, and I should not do that, but I only woke up 2X during the night so i guess it kept me asleep.  I really don't think it's related to anxiety.

I retired early from my regular profession; but sometimes when I'm concentrating on something; having to go interrupts my train of thought.  Mostly, it's just so uncomfortable having to to to the bathroom all the time.  I can't imagine living with it so something has to work.

I have a lot to do, but as I said, I start forcing myself to do what is needed, but I feel so tired...I always needed 8 hours sleep and Im getting about 5 at most.  So, I just can't function normally with this thing.

I will keep in touch.  Maybe I should see another urologist.  I have to try.

Thanks Anne.

 

Just wanted to let you know I had an excellent day today. I really think that probiotic had an affect on me. I remember I took it once before and the same thing happened. I have a terrible time with meds. Try eliminating one of your meds, and see if you feel any different.

Hope you had a better day today. Hang in there.

Wow funny you mentioned the excessive bowel movements .  I find if constipated then finally go, that day I will be peeing constantly!! Guess a connection?

I think you misunderstood me.   The probiotic I took was in a pill form.    Thought I'd try to take one and the next day I had frequent urination (like every  5 min.)   I didnt take one today and I was fine.   Did you ever hear of D Mannose.   Many doctors recommend this for urinary problems.    Right now Im staying off all those things,   I also have diverticulitis so am very careful what I eat, so I dont get a flare up.

Give that PTNS a few more weeks, and maybe it will work.    

Hi Trudi,    Well, I spoke too soon.   Today was an awful day for me.   Had to go constantly.    I really cant stand this anymore.    Guess I should be thankful for the good days.     Im on the maintenance program for the PTNS, but dont even know if I should continue it.   If you come up with any new solutions, let me know.