Hi KK,
A neurogenic bladder can play all sorts of tricks and most of them are not entertaining.
From my own experience it sounds like your problem is retention. The overflow urine with retention comes because when you do void, your bladder is not emptying completely.
You should be seen by a urologist- in particular a urogynecologist if you can find one - and discuss treatments. You do not want bladder problems to turn into problems with your kidneys. Stale urine, hanging around and backing up into your kidneys can do just that.
If you are found to be retaining urine, which it sounds like to me, you may need to do intermittent self catherization (ISC) - once you get past the *ick* factor it is simple to do and can make such a difference for you, including allowing you control over the leaking issues.
There are also drugs that can be given to help with the bladder - your urologist can help discuss these options too... I have now been on Sanctura for about 6 weeks, and I consider it a miracle drug. The combination of ISC and Sanctura have made my life better in so many ways.
When you get the bladder problems under control the problems with hygiene and odors will most likely also resolve themselves.
Hang in there and have this talk with the appropriate doctor - the hard part is starting the conversation and being openly honest about the problems. Remember these doctors have heard this all before and they really do want to help.
be well,
Lulu
The clonazepam may interfere with the test results. You need to call and ask the doctor's office if it will affect . The half-life of clonazapem is 18 hours so you would have to stop it for several days before the test . the doctor's office should be able to provide this info.
Issue two the drip and concentrated urine. Jen is correct about not taking enough fluids. Quix wrote some great articles about the urinary problems in MS in the health pages:
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/Urinary-Incontinence-Physical-Therapy---Part-I/show/759?cid=36
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/The-Neurology-of-Bladder-Incontinence/show/758?cid=36
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/Urinary-Incontinence-PT---Part-Deux/show/760?cid=36
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/Urinary-Incontinence-PT--Part-Tres/show/761?cid=36
I hope this helps.
Ren
not real sure how that how part works... but I used to have the "have to pee now" and the leaking when I cough or whatever, now I rarely get the signel to go, I think I am dehydrated... almost always... yes it is to control urine output, at least until I get this figured out. I think I have PPMS. no official DX yet, but thats what I think. anyway I have slowly been loosing this and then one day it was gone. I also believe last febuary I "switched " now it seems I am going down hill fast. since I think my neuro is missing my point. I think she is looking for like reoccourant UTI's.... well yeah I had that now I dont but from about 21 to 28 or so.... lost the sensation to pee like 5 years ago and had bladder trained myself. well.... that is a no go anymore. I am so scared.
I think the clonazepam helps with keeping your nerves from being so overactive... but I'm not sure about that.
Hmmm... how's your water intake? Many people with incontinence end up not drinking enough water.
When I have a cold or flu I end up with a pseudo-relapse - and then a real relapse a week later. So take care of yourself!
You might try some adult undergarments, and see if they do a better job than the pads. I have the opposite problem - I need to go, but can't. But then when I cough I have urge incontinence, which is really irritating during cold season.