chronic bladder issues

[rita2007]

I have been struggling with a bladder issues for some time and kind of like MS no one has been quick to diagnose the problem or give me any solution that works.  Sometimes my bladder will feel so stressed I can barely stand it.  I get the sensation of itching to the point of pain (and I don't mean inside my urinary tract).  It seems like it is being agitated on the outside of my bladder and then I can barely urinate.  When I do it is hard to start and slow urination.  During this time, I have taken benadryl, alieve, colace, flaxseed meal, and even vicodin, just to get some relief. I've had urodynalisis, but my urologist is being very slow with a solution.  I am hoping the MS community can give me some tips on how I can help myself.

[taabar2]

I understand your frustration with bladder issues. I too have bladder problems and finally found a urologist who actually listened. I recently had a neurostimulator implanted, which controls bladder pain and urinary problems. Do some research on Interstim Therapy. It is a blessing. I no longer have bladder problems after many years of frustration and pain. I hope you find some relief.

[rita2007]

You'll probaly understand why I can't remember if I thanked you or not. : )  If not, I do aprpreciate the response and good advice. You are so right about this urologist.  He has no clue re an MS patient.

[essdipity]

I would be very annoyed with this urologist and consider switching doctors. Your problems are common in MS and shouldn't be that much of a mystery to a good doctor.

I don't know what the sensation is outside your bladder, but it may be a paresthesia of some sort. If the net result is that you can barely urinate, you might consider self-catheterization. That will ensure that your bladder is really empty. You shouldn't need pain pills to accomplish a normal bodily function.

Self-cathing isn't all that bad. It's no fun, of course, but you get used to it quickly. It's very important that a bladder function normally, because otherwise infection, sometimes serious, can set in.

As it happens, I've been having several kinds of bladder dysfunction in recent months, which is why I have an appt. with my uro-gyno tomorrow.

Good luck to you in getting to the 'bottom' of this  :-)

ess