Aa
I'm gonna go urodynamic!
Today I had my first visit with a uro-gynecologist, trying to pin down what's behind the urinary hesitation and stopping and starting I experience frequently, like every day. This has been more of an annoyance than a problem for me, really. I didn't want to start investigating this, since I'm doctored out, but my neuro pretty much insisted. He got my attention when he said that retaining urine (if I am) can lead to major kidney problems. Still, it took me a couple of months to get around to looking into it.
This appointment was interesting. The doc was nice and pleasant, and about half my age. She assured me that although the aging process can lead to urinary urgency, increased frequency, and sometimes leakage, age is not to blame for the stop and go stuff, etc. So they had me void in the bathroom, and later cathed me to see what was what. The doctor said that under these circumstances, more than 200 cc retrieved by cath is considered a problem. Mine was 300 cc. However, she noted several times that half an hour had elapsed before the cath, while I did what we all do in doctors' offices, waited. She also noted that I seem to have no structural or other findings that might account for any retention. I virtually never have UTIs and didn't today. I know my kidneys are healthy because of blood work done recently before I get a Reclast infusion for osteopenia, which I've had for maybe 10 years.
Now she's calling out the heavy artilery. I'm to undergo urodynamic testing at some early date. That will involve various things, including a reverse cath procedure. They will pump X amount of water in, using a cath, and then I think measure how much comes out. That sounds a lot better than drinking a lot of water and waiting around for nature to take its course. They will be able to see how well the bladder muscles and the other parts of the system work together to achieve healthy urination.
I asked her a number of questions that other members here might have. These were about what else might cause urine retention, assuming that's what's going on. She said not much other than MS can, in a female patient with MS and with otherwise healthy plumbing. So in effect, that could provide more evidence of MS when a diagnosis is in question. It would seem that whatever is causing my current uro problems, the outcome for me thus far is pretty benign, since I'm not having infections and so on. And it's a lot better that incontinence!
Well, I'm betting that once this testing is over I'll be told that Hmmm, this might or might not be urogenic, the amount is iffy, and so on. I'm so accustomed to the Who Knows diagnosis. However, I'll report back after I'm urodynamic.
ess
This appointment was interesting. The doc was nice and pleasant, and about half my age. She assured me that although the aging process can lead to urinary urgency, increased frequency, and sometimes leakage, age is not to blame for the stop and go stuff, etc. So they had me void in the bathroom, and later cathed me to see what was what. The doctor said that under these circumstances, more than 200 cc retrieved by cath is considered a problem. Mine was 300 cc. However, she noted several times that half an hour had elapsed before the cath, while I did what we all do in doctors' offices, waited. She also noted that I seem to have no structural or other findings that might account for any retention. I virtually never have UTIs and didn't today. I know my kidneys are healthy because of blood work done recently before I get a Reclast infusion for osteopenia, which I've had for maybe 10 years.
Now she's calling out the heavy artilery. I'm to undergo urodynamic testing at some early date. That will involve various things, including a reverse cath procedure. They will pump X amount of water in, using a cath, and then I think measure how much comes out. That sounds a lot better than drinking a lot of water and waiting around for nature to take its course. They will be able to see how well the bladder muscles and the other parts of the system work together to achieve healthy urination.
I asked her a number of questions that other members here might have. These were about what else might cause urine retention, assuming that's what's going on. She said not much other than MS can, in a female patient with MS and with otherwise healthy plumbing. So in effect, that could provide more evidence of MS when a diagnosis is in question. It would seem that whatever is causing my current uro problems, the outcome for me thus far is pretty benign, since I'm not having infections and so on. And it's a lot better that incontinence!
Well, I'm betting that once this testing is over I'll be told that Hmmm, this might or might not be urogenic, the amount is iffy, and so on. I'm so accustomed to the Who Knows diagnosis. However, I'll report back after I'm urodynamic.
ess
So the roller coaster ride continues - I got to my local little pharmacy to pick up the prescription only to find out from my very helpful pharmacist that my insurance denied paying for FloMax because it is ONLY for men - they won't pay for a woman to take it. In excess of $100/month ..... Monday morning the urogyno can argue the point with my big insurance company and see if they can be swayed to pay for this off label use. What fun!!! Lulu
So of course I go to research FloMax and find that it is a product for men with enlarged prostates... Morty might want to try it. So I search some more and am finally reassured that my urogyno does know what she is doing - I found this about prescribing it for women ...
"It's an alpha agonist and relaxes the detrusor muscle, enabling them to urinate more easily. "
So once again I have a rarely used drug rx'd ... wonder how much this one will cost? At least when I was searching for information I found a $10 off coupon on their website!!! That's $10 towards ice cream or shoes!
Lulu
"It's an alpha agonist and relaxes the detrusor muscle, enabling them to urinate more easily. "
So once again I have a rarely used drug rx'd ... wonder how much this one will cost? At least when I was searching for information I found a $10 off coupon on their website!!! That's $10 towards ice cream or shoes!
Lulu
Cyndi,
Thanks for the tip and the laugh.
All,
It just seems to be another reality check in this disease process for me.
Surprise... I literally stopped typing to answer the phone and it was my urogryno, not her nurse, but a real live doctor calling me. The cardio ok'd me to try Flowmax (sp?) so I will pick up that drug on the way home tonight. She then wants to see me in a month to make sure it is working.
My life is never predictable anymore - :-)
Lulu
Thanks for the tip and the laugh.
All,
It just seems to be another reality check in this disease process for me.
Surprise... I literally stopped typing to answer the phone and it was my urogryno, not her nurse, but a real live doctor calling me. The cardio ok'd me to try Flowmax (sp?) so I will pick up that drug on the way home tonight. She then wants to see me in a month to make sure it is working.
My life is never predictable anymore - :-)
Lulu
Self Cathing is a life saver for me! I cath at least 3 times during the day and once at night. The night one is when I can't go at all. I am totally used to it.
I don't remember who it was(someone on the forum) that came up with a great way of storing the little Tinkle straw, but a toothbrush holder is the perfect size and fits nicely in your purse. I have 2.
Also you can wash it with antibacterial soap and use it a few times. Just let it air dry.
As you can tell, me and my Tinkle straw are very close! We go every where together!
The only time it gets frustrating is during the middle of the night, when it is dark, when my hands are clumsy, the straw goes....Plop ..... Right in the toilet!!!
:). Fun stuff! Arg!
Cyndi
I don't remember who it was(someone on the forum) that came up with a great way of storing the little Tinkle straw, but a toothbrush holder is the perfect size and fits nicely in your purse. I have 2.
Also you can wash it with antibacterial soap and use it a few times. Just let it air dry.
As you can tell, me and my Tinkle straw are very close! We go every where together!
The only time it gets frustrating is during the middle of the night, when it is dark, when my hands are clumsy, the straw goes....Plop ..... Right in the toilet!!!
:). Fun stuff! Arg!
Cyndi
Gee, I'm sorry about all that's going on with you. It does sound like a real cascade of events and symptoms. When that happens we can't help wondering what next.
However, quite a few folks have posted here (not sure who), that they cath a few times a day and have gotten quite used to it, so it's no longer a big deal. I hope that's what happens with you. At least it beats infections and organ damage, and it beats Depends.
Try cheering yourself up today with whatever works. Is it ice cream? Or how 'bout some new shoes? We can NEVER have too many shoes! And it's our patriotic duty to stimulate the economy in these trying times!
Hang in there, Lulu. You're so good at bolstering others on the forum, and now it's our turn to bolster you. Feel better soon.
Oodles o'hugs,
ess
However, quite a few folks have posted here (not sure who), that they cath a few times a day and have gotten quite used to it, so it's no longer a big deal. I hope that's what happens with you. At least it beats infections and organ damage, and it beats Depends.
Try cheering yourself up today with whatever works. Is it ice cream? Or how 'bout some new shoes? We can NEVER have too many shoes! And it's our patriotic duty to stimulate the economy in these trying times!
Hang in there, Lulu. You're so good at bolstering others on the forum, and now it's our turn to bolster you. Feel better soon.
Oodles o'hugs,
ess
My follow-up-
It seems I don't need to get up to use the restroom through the night because I am so good at retaining urine. Yep, this morning's appt. was not particularly good. The infection is gone thanks to the antibiotics but the retention is a major problem. I had over 500cc left behind..... so, you all can guess the punch line .... she taught me today how to self-cath, gave me some supplies to take with me, and wrote a prescription for more. She would prefer to try drugs first, but they lower blood pressure. Until she gets the ok from my cardio, which I seriously doubt will happen since low BP is a major problem with me already, I am to self-cath at least twice a day.
I'm still wondering how I went from being relatively healthy and functioning at all levels to this point, all in just a few short months..... no need to answer that, it's purely rhetorical.
I do have to admit that after the cath I felt immensely better - the constant pressure in my abdomen was not there, so perhaps there really is a good side to this. I'll keep trying to paint that rainbow....
Lulu
It seems I don't need to get up to use the restroom through the night because I am so good at retaining urine. Yep, this morning's appt. was not particularly good. The infection is gone thanks to the antibiotics but the retention is a major problem. I had over 500cc left behind..... so, you all can guess the punch line .... she taught me today how to self-cath, gave me some supplies to take with me, and wrote a prescription for more. She would prefer to try drugs first, but they lower blood pressure. Until she gets the ok from my cardio, which I seriously doubt will happen since low BP is a major problem with me already, I am to self-cath at least twice a day.
I'm still wondering how I went from being relatively healthy and functioning at all levels to this point, all in just a few short months..... no need to answer that, it's purely rhetorical.
I do have to admit that after the cath I felt immensely better - the constant pressure in my abdomen was not there, so perhaps there really is a good side to this. I'll keep trying to paint that rainbow....
Lulu
Good Luck with going urodynamic ess. I hope it gives you some answers that you can then pass on to the neuro.
I agree with you about Zilla. Hey Zilla...you do need to get tested. It must be so difficult to get any rest with getting up so much to use the bathroom.
Elaine
I agree with you about Zilla. Hey Zilla...you do need to get tested. It must be so difficult to get any rest with getting up so much to use the bathroom.
Elaine
Ess,
Funny you're posting this today because I have my revisit with the urogyno first thing in the morning to see if the antibiotics cleared up the uti and how my retention problem is. Last week I had 285 ml or cc or whatever unit of measurement they use , according to the ultrasound. Pretty nifty little device to get an accurate count.
Since I got on the antibiotics I have been really surprised that I am sleeping about 6 hours at a stretch without needing to get up for the bathroom.... but I have also cut way back on the amount of water I drink in the evening.
Thanks for starting this discussion..... Lulu
Funny you're posting this today because I have my revisit with the urogyno first thing in the morning to see if the antibiotics cleared up the uti and how my retention problem is. Last week I had 285 ml or cc or whatever unit of measurement they use , according to the ultrasound. Pretty nifty little device to get an accurate count.
Since I got on the antibiotics I have been really surprised that I am sleeping about 6 hours at a stretch without needing to get up for the bathroom.... but I have also cut way back on the amount of water I drink in the evening.
Thanks for starting this discussion..... Lulu
Why don't you have Morty pay a visit to your friendly neighborhood urogynecologist and get this checked out? (Let them deal with the gender bending!) A spring chicken like you shouldn't be running to the pot all night, and especially when not much happens once you get there. And you have to divest yourself of all the breathing gear first, don't you? Oy.
In re lox and bagel, you're on! But don't hold the capers, they're yummy. And add some cream cheese, red onion and tomato, and what's not to like, Morty?
Your old feend,
Poil
In re lox and bagel, you're on! But don't hold the capers, they're yummy. And add some cream cheese, red onion and tomato, and what's not to like, Morty?
Your old feend,
Poil
Ha! That was funny Momzilla!!!
Ess,
Good luck with your test. At the time of mine
I was holding over 500 cc. Yikes! He said it had gone on
way too long and stretched my bladder!
I have a regular Urologist, but he is Great.
He thinks I have MS.
The test is very interesting :) but sort of neat.
The Best to you!
Cyndi
Ess,
Good luck with your test. At the time of mine
I was holding over 500 cc. Yikes! He said it had gone on
way too long and stretched my bladder!
I have a regular Urologist, but he is Great.
He thinks I have MS.
The test is very interesting :) but sort of neat.
The Best to you!
Cyndi
Hey ~
I'm glad to hear you're getting things checked out. I swear, sometimes I think I'm channeling a ninety year old man I've named Morty in the middle of the night who makes frequent but unproductive trips to the bathroom, because of my prostate problems. I've even given him a Yiddish accent. And then I'm fine for a while. Or, as Morty says, "It passes."
Yes, report back, but I'm willing to wager a bagel and lox and some hard candies that you will have to shuffle both feet out of Limbo finally once this testing is over. And besides all that a shmear o' cream cheese. Hold the capers, I'm not that fancy schmancy. (OK, I am, but Morty's not. We have this fight all the time.)
Good luck with the testing and report back soon!
Hugs,
*
I'm glad to hear you're getting things checked out. I swear, sometimes I think I'm channeling a ninety year old man I've named Morty in the middle of the night who makes frequent but unproductive trips to the bathroom, because of my prostate problems. I've even given him a Yiddish accent. And then I'm fine for a while. Or, as Morty says, "It passes."
Yes, report back, but I'm willing to wager a bagel and lox and some hard candies that you will have to shuffle both feet out of Limbo finally once this testing is over. And besides all that a shmear o' cream cheese. Hold the capers, I'm not that fancy schmancy. (OK, I am, but Morty's not. We have this fight all the time.)
Good luck with the testing and report back soon!
Hugs,
*
It sounds like you had a pretty decent appointment. It really helps to have an understanding doctor that communicates clearly, doesn't it!? Sounds like you asked the right questions, and got interesting answers. I think the possibility of my urinary symptoms being neurogenic is why my MS specialist wanted me to see a urologist. I also suspect that my situation is too benign to add any weight to the possibility of a MS diagnosis. Ah, the Who Knows diagnosis! That fits so well, you smarty-pants! :o) Sorry, I just thought the nick-name fit the topic...
I just noticed that my next appt. with my urogynecologist is on Nov. 5, and I'll probably be doing the urodynamic thing, too. I hope you get in and get it done soon, and we can compare notes.
Hugs,
Kathy
I just noticed that my next appt. with my urogynecologist is on Nov. 5, and I'll probably be doing the urodynamic thing, too. I hope you get in and get it done soon, and we can compare notes.
Hugs,
Kathy
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