Fear of injury to the bladder because of holding urine too long.

Posted by Jerry on June 19, 1999 at 13:36:47
Dear Sir or Madam,
I'm a male, 36 years old, and never had any serious problems with my bladder before, and consider myself in good general health. About 10 days ago I was in the middle an interstate traffic jam in the middle of nowhere.  I had to hold my urine in almost extreme pain for about 40 minutes to an hour.  After releaving myself I felt my bladder becoming tender/resented.  I did not see any blood before and after I first urinated and ever since.  Today, my bladder still feels a little resented, it seems as if the feeling of knowing when you're close to have to go to the bathroom (soon) has disapeared. The feeling now is like I need to go right away after the very first indication, it's like I've lost the 'old warning mechanism.  At times after urinating, it's hard for me to control a few extra drops of urine that apparently did not make it, and it's a problem because its wetting by underwear a little.  The frecuency of having to go seems to be normal, as before the incident.  Can you offer any suggestions? (besides checking the traffic and the bathroom before driving away!!!)  What are the scientificaly known problems/ramifications for containing urine for long periods of time, what are the known possible symptoms or indications of injury?  Any household remedies or is there anything I can do or check before deciding to go to a urologist. Thank you very much in advance!

Posted by HFHS M.D.-BE on June 29, 1999 at 10:32:51

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Dear Jerry,
From the history that you have given it seems that the precipitating event for your urinary problem was the prolonged full bladder in the traffic jam.  A full, distended bladder for long periods of time could cause a stretching of the bladder muscle, thus leading to a more floppy bladder which can not contract as well as before being stretched.  This imparts some laziness to the bladder to empty properly.  This usually takes a few weeks to resolve.  In a young man your age the resolution should not require too much intervention, except it would help you if you put yourself on a schedule of frequent voiding/urinating (every 2 to 3 hrs. while awake) to keep your bladder empty most of the time.  This will help bladder muscle regain its integrity to be able to contract and empty better.
Another possibility to keep in mind is urinary tract infection. This is very uncommon in a young man your age.  But if your symptoms of urgency, frequency and dribbling persist, and especially if you have a fever and  any burning with urination associated with a discolored and foul  smelling urine you may have an infection. In such case you need to see a urologist for further evaluation.
This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.  More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568).
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-BE
*keyword: urinary retention

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