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8256587 tn?1399897506

Urodynamics appointment for bladder problems

Hi, I am a 29 year old female and currently waiting on a referral to a urodynamic studies department as I have been getting urgency/leakage problems with my bladder.

The problems I experience are listed below:

* Sudden urge to urinate when I get up after sitting down
* Not urinating first thing in the morning - I urinate up to several hours after getting up simply because I do not feel like going
* Wetting myself (been happening on and off since I was 8 years old)
* Recurrent bladder infections - the most recent one I been prescribed Trimethoprim due to leukocytes and protein in urine.
* Inability to hold urine in
* Inability to stop urinating myself when starting (whether accidental or not)
* Not feeling the urge to go for a pee until my bladder feels like it is bursting
* Rib/flank/pelvic pain – not sure if this is to do with urinary problems
* No fever or burning pain with urination

I have not really spoken to a doctor about this in great detail as this is something I have always had, have been embarrassed about it and have assumed that it is part of who I am.

Ultrasound of kidneys done in 2011 was normal.

I have been to my previous GP three times to discuss my bladder issues and every time I discuss my concerns about this with them they kept saying that they will follow-up the next time and then the time after that they told me the same thing. I feel as though I will never get anywhere with this and have lost my confidence in them so much so that I changed practices.

Family members will not accompany me to appointments as they do not understand my illnesses, problems or symptoms. I am now hoping a friend of mine will accompany me to further appointments/tests.

I also suffered pain in bladder during an ultrasound scan (2011) when transducer was pressed onto full bladder. Sonographer noted that pain in bladder when it is full is not usual and asked me to go back to my doctor. She said she would write this in the report but the doctor did not mention this when I last saw them.

I am worried about a possible prolapse issue since I have constipation from my hypothyroidism and strain a lot on the toilet. I am worried that part of my uterus may have fallen through due to constant straining but I can't be sure if it has fallen through as I don't know what my vagina is meant to look like. Sorry if that sounds ignorant but I have not had sex hence why I am not sure if my uterus has fallen through but an ultrasound on my uterus was normal so I can only assume that it is normal.

I have sent a fresh sample to my GP and it has come back with leukocytes again and proteinuria. The GP I saw (who was a locum) said leukocytes and some protein in the urine was normal, but the practice nurse who did the test said it was not normal.

I do not have intercourse as I am not sexually active but I do get some pain when masturbating (sorry if too graphic) and on a period. I don't know where my urethra is as I only thought I am able to view my external sexual organs from where I can see. Is the urethra external for women?
I have not been checked for a prolapse. I have not had any internal investigations - primarily because I am not sexually active and secondly because something happened to me years ago that has put me off internal investigations.

The GP did not give me antibiotics in the past for bladder infections because she suggested I simply drink water to flush out the bacteria. This was even when I had a confirmed dipstick test for leukocytes.

Although I have been referred to a urodynamic studies department my doctor was wavering between referring me to a urodynamic department and a urologist. I am hoping she will refer me to a urologist once everything from the urodynamics department has been done.

I have read up about what a urodynamics department does and I am preparing for it by putting some bladder diaries and voiding logs together. If I come to the appointment armed with the information will they be able to perhaps do further investigations since I would have come prepared? I don’t want to go there, be told how to make/keep diaries and logs, told to go away and come back a month or so down the line. I want this sorted so much as I have had it for 21 years.

Thank you :)
3 Responses
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1616953 tn?1443835511
I don't know if it helps but my testing resulted in them finding prostate cancer (Of the bad kind) and its been removed and I'm testing cancer free for 6 months!  Plus no more catheters required to go pee.  Its almost weird to be able to urinate like I did when I was 19
Helpful - 0
8256587 tn?1399897506
Thanks for your reply. :)

I have real trouble advocating for myself - I have little confidence in myself.

Yes, I have a lot of faith in my doctor since I moved surgeries and so since they have referred me for these tests I think I have raised my hopes a bit..

I have no idea what to ask, only what problems I have.
Helpful - 0
1616953 tn?1443835511
I had a urodynamics study done.   I want to say that you shouldn't be embarrassed about this.   I spoke to some of the nurses in the past about this.   This is their job (Doctors as well) and its nothing to feel bad, weird or guilty about.  

I think it is essential that you advocate for yourself.  It sounds like you have a lot of faith in your doctor but remember he/she sees hundreds of patients and even if they are looking at your records before every visit they can't guess whats wrong with you or whats important unless you give them the facts.  

I'm just a patient but it was of value to bring a bladder diary.  In my case they asked me to do a second one but the original data was of some value.  

I have some difficulty bringing somethings up myself so I've written down problems, questions - things to sort out and I just print two copies and the Doctor and I check off things as we go.   Without this cheat sheet I don't think I ever left without thinking (Oh dang I was going to ask her about xy or z)   Plus if there is any concern about being embarrassed you can just hand her/him the note.

Good luck on your urodynamics!  
Helpful - 0
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