Question Title: bladder dysfunction

My husband's bladder has not worked since October. He has a catheter in since that time. At first they thought it was prostate infection and he was on cipro then cardura. This was in August. He continued to have problems until October when he was unable to urinate at all. In November a urologist did a cystoscopy to see what was causing the blockage but everything was ok. He referred him to a neurologist at OSU Clinic. He went through an MRI that showed white spots. He also had a spinal tap which come back ok. He was tested for lyme disease which came back negative. The neurologist then told him he need to go back to a urologist which he went to Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion but the doctor just came out and said there was nothing he could do that he should see a neurologist. HELP! Any suggestions of what may be causing the bladder problems. He does also have tremors of the mouth, occasional memory lose, his left leg gives out on him, weakness. Could this be MS and how can that be diagnosed? Thank you for your time and any information you can give. He was referred to a MS center but will it be a waste of dollars? Do not want to be told to go back to a urologist. Thanks.
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Dear Barb,
Thanks for your question. I wish that I could give you a definitive answer.
Did your husband have any studies to evaluate his bladder function? What were the findings on the neurologic exam? How does the neurologist account for the tremors, memory loss and leg weakness?
To make a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, there needs to be demonstrated remissions and relapses and more than one specific lesion in the central nervous system. There is no one test, MRI or lab that can make the diagnosis.
I think that your husband needs urologists and neurologists who can talk to each other and to you in such manner that you feel a part of the picture, which for one reason or another is not happening. Possibly having all of his care from the same institution as primary care giver (not simply as second opinions) would help.
I hope that I have provided you with some questions and ideas. It is great that your husband has you for an advocate.
This information is provided for general medical information purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. Dr.D.Burks at our institution has experience and interest/ in neurogenic bladders and I would highly recommend that you see him for your problem. If you would like to make an appointment [for a second opinion], please call us at (1-800-653-6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any x-rays [and pathology slides] (not just the reports) as well as any physicians’ notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.

HFHS M.D.-SAL
*Keyword: Neurogenic bladder

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