incomplete emptying?

[jlove98905]

Could someone please enlighten me about incomplete bladder emptying? Sometimes I feel like I pee, then 5 minutes later I have to pee again, a full bladder's worth! I'm not sure if this is "washback" (I hear the word but don't really know what it means) or if it's caused by tense muscles or what. Any thoughts appreciated.
Thanks,
Jen :toilet:

[~*~Christine~*~]

It's called "retention". The bladder holds in the urin when you retain even though you're relaxed and trying to urinate. This is a major problem with me which, I think is caused when the bladder is in a flare the bladder muscles and nervs spasm making it difficult to pass. It can be helped by messaging the urethra while on the toilet; catheters work as well

[emilyrose197377]

I have the same problem it is called urinary retention. and I am experiencing it now. It is where the urine back flows into your urinary system. My uro prescribed me urecholine for me but it didn't seem to help me that much. Some people with severe retention have to self cath .

[Sarojini]

Has your uro checked to see how much you are actually retaining using an ultrasound or a catheter in his office?

If you are retaining a lot, taking warm baths can relax the pelvic area and help you more fully empty your bladder. Also, some (like me) have luck with an alpha blocker drug like Flomax, which helps relax the muscle at the bladder neck to help urine pass. Sometimes, if retention really is a problem and you cannot go no matter what (this has happened to me) learning to self-catheterize can be a lifesaver -- it sounds hard, but it really is easy when you get the hang of it.

[Katrina]

wash back means it goes back into your kidneys. It is quite common for us to have retention.... Jen is right!

If you have severe retention consider learning to self cath.
If your problem is retention or bladder contractions practice relaxing the pelvic musscles. When you go to the bathroom and go...wait and relax and message your urethra with a tishue or something.
Use a topical analgesic, alternate heat and cold,
o Marshmallow root (althaea officinalis) helps sooth irritation and inflammation, can help spasms
Catnip (nepeta cataria) eases menstrual pain, soothes the nerves, and as a sleep aid.
http://www.algonot.com/ Algonot-Plus®: Algonot, LLC, is the maker of a line of nutraceuticals specifically designed to help with the symptoms of IC, chronic prostatitis, and arthritis. Their latest products, CystoProtek and ProstaProtek, combine the original Algonot-Plus formula with sodium hyaluronate:
o Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) mild sedative, reduces inflammation, relieve menstrual cramps, can help bladder spasms http://www.ic-network.com/cgi-bin/u...=Foods-Tea.html
cornsilk tablets are unreal!!!!! Good for burning but may up your frequency. Are mild dieuretics
Lavender Oil (the sent is a great for relaxing but to rub on bladder can also have a calming effect. Good for spasms)

• Moisture (Moisture helps relax your pelvis is calming to your bladder)
Warm Baths (NOT HOT!!!!) No bubble bath or strong soaps, please! Soft soaps, perfumed soaps, bath salts & bubble baths can be very irritating to an IC patient. However, you can put baking soda in the tub for extra comfort. SITZ Baths Definition: A sitz bath (also called a hip bath) is a type of bath in which only the hips and buttocks are soaked in water or saline solution. Its name comes from the German verb "sitzen," meaning "to sit." I recommend: (a tub divided into two …one half is filled with hot water and the other cold. With part of the body on one side and than switching and back again in quick succession) Recommended 3 times a day for 20 min each
Warm wash cloth

[green_the_fish]

I also have retention problems. It's not too bad, but it bothers me.
I hope you'll be alright :grouphug:

[ellienor]

Try this.
When you sit down to go, reach to your back and make very light small , then larger circles with your fingers, right above the crack of your but.
( sacrum to the butt ) This will cause you to need to urinate completely.
It feels wonderful and you will really empty.
Do it during the entire urination.
Hope this helps.

[windwalker]

LOL And I thought I was the only one that did that! :)

[jlove98905]

this is fascinating - why does it work? i haven't tried it yet but i will!
thanks,
Jen

[windwalker]

I have no idea how/why it works, but it does ;)

[emilyrose197377]

I have tried all those before I never can seem to completely empty my bladder.