Bladder problems

[bamalady87]

My bladder is non functional. I am completely unable to void. Has anyone else had this problem with Ms? I am a 25 yr old female.

[bamalady87]

Thank you all for you replies. The only the I do know for sure is it's not infection related. Every time they have ran a check on my urine and they have cultured it to just be sure, I have been infection clear. Wednesday is my doctor apt and it can not get here fast enough. I will update as soon as I can get to a computer. Thank you again for the great suggestions, I've wrote them down and I feel better now about seeing the dr.

[twopack]

What happens might depend on the cause of your cystitis.  Maybe the permanent catheter won't be needed later if the problem is infection and it can be treated until clear.  I would think cystitis that comes from the MS itself would be harder to treat.

They usually don't like to leave those permanent catheters in too long.  They can end up adding to your problems.  Hopefully you might be able to learn to drain your bladder at intervals during the day yourself - using an 'in-and-out' method.  You only put the catheter in to drain the bladder and then remove it again until later in the day.  There have been advances in recent years that make this more comfortable to do and less likely to lead to infection.

If you need a permanent catheter long-term it is possible for the doctor to insert one through your lower abdomen and change it out about one a month.  I know, sounds WEIRD - but it really could be a better option than what you have now.  Allows you to do more activities too.

In the extreme there are some surgical alternatives to reroute plumbing but they are very invasive and I'm not sure how available they are nor how successful they have been.

Of course, the stimulator Lulu mentioned might be an option as well.  We don't have a lot of members with severe bladder dysfunction who are active right now but we're usually glad to help as we can.  We might want to check out websites devoted to people who live with spinal cord injury/diseases as well.  They very possibly can offer more concrete answers.

I hope you'll stick around, learn more about this new-to-you disease,  let us know how you're doing and share whatever your doctor has in store for you.  I think he really needs to explain things to you and include you as he makes plans for your treatment.  This has to be very scary for you!

Don't want to offend but I'm also hoping you will hang around and remain open to sharing - so we can learn along with you.  That's part of what we do as a community.  Best to you.... and welcome!

[immisceo]

Wow, Laura. Just googled that! My issues on this score are mild and on the other side of the coin, but it's so interesting to know the incredible things that are out there to deal with certain issues.

[Lulu54]

You might ask your urologist if the neurostimulator implant might help with your problem.  It is a small unit implanted that signals the bladder when to void.  They try it out for a week or two on you tp see if it is beneficial before they do the permanent implant.  there are a bunch of us around here who have different coping mechanisms for bladder problems.

[kwarendorf]

Hi BL- As Poppy said, many people with MS have bladder issues, myself included. There tend to be two categories; the inability to void and the inability to control voiding.

I have hesitancy. I am able to void my bladder, but it can take a very long time and it is often incomplete.

I take Flomax and it helps a great deal. Sorry to hear that it didn't work for you. I'm glad to hear that you're working with your doctor to address the issue.

Kyle

[bamalady87]

I currently have an indewelling catheter. I guess I should have stated my question better with more information. I'm currently waiting to go see my doctor after receiving the news about my bladder. I was just wondering what kind of treatment someone else had been through with it. I started off with cystis and the dr putting a treatment directly into my bladder but they didn't help. I've tried several meds including flomax and urocloic. I'm new to Ms and extremely nervous as to what my bladder problems are going to bring me.

[Poppy7402]

A non functioning bladder is a serious problem, one that you probably need to get fairly urgent medical attention for.

It is a problem some with MS suffer from (mine's the opposite) and self catheterise, but you definitely need to get some help with this - quickly.

Best wishes


Poppy