Bladder Dysfunction

Posted By  ccfneuromd/mrr on April 16, 1998 at 14:53:05:

In Reply to: Bladder Dysfunction posted by Barb on April 16, 1998 at 14:19:16:

: My husband, 41, began having urination problems in August.  The doctor thought it was a prostrate infection and put him  on Cipro for awhile which seemed  to clear it up but as soon as he stopped the medication it came back and he was unable to urinate all all.  At that time they put in a catheter.  He went through several test at a urologist but nothing showed up.  They checked for blockage with a scope but there was none.  The urologist suggested that he see a neurologist.  He had every blood test imaginalbe and an MRI.  The MRI showed white spots.  He had a spinal tap which was fine.  The neurologist did not want to say that it was MS due to lack of other symptoms.  He suggested that he see another Urologist because it seemed to be urological.  He went to Cleveland Clinic last week.  Very disappointed in the doctor.  He basically said there was nothing he could do and that he should see a neurologist.  We are sick of getting the run around.  He has had the catheter in for 6 months now and no one can diagnosis the problem.  Other symptoms he is encountering are tremors of the left leg, lower lip and tongue, fatigue, memory loss. His left leg gives out on him occasionally causing him to fall.  If this is MS, is there nothing that can be done for the bladder.  Who should he see next?  Should I take him to an MS Center even though he has not been diagnosis with that.  Thank you for any information you can give me.

[CCF neuro MD/MRR]

Dear Barb,
Hello- I can understand your frustration.  The next thing , in my opinion, would be to see someone that specializes in MS nad then that Neurologist may refer him
to a urologist that specializes in neurological problems with the bladder system.
The first step should be to confirm the diagnosis of MS with further tests
as the neurologist sees fit.  As a physician that works in an MS center we do see people that have
bladder symptoms as the major problem and then the diagnosis of MS needs to be
considered if there are other symptoms compatible with MS and sometimes if the bladder is the only symptoms we still goahead wit htestsing , depending on the case.  
The Cleveland Clinic has a MS Center called the Mellen Center, appointment number is 216-444-8600.  
I hope that this is helpful but to get to the bottom of the problem, your husband most probably needs
to see a neurologist and then have whatever tests they feel would be helpful to confirm or refute a diagnosis of MS.  
Good Luck.