retaining

[babydkj]

i don't have a urologist and won't for 2 more months, so i can't consult a doctor on this one yet.

ever since my cystoscopy 6 weeks ago, i've been retaining urine. the only way i can get the urine out is if i push. everyone says "don't push" but how else can i get the urine out? i know that pushing makes it worse, but i'm honestly at a loss about how else to pee? if just a little urine is left in my bladder, i have the awful frequency/urgency. so the retention makes it unbearable to knowingly leave urine in my bladder all the time and just peeing the trickle that i can when i don't push. i need real help on this, not just "don't push, it's bad." how else am i supposed to urinate?

and once more, i can't talk about this with my doctor. i don't have one for another 2 months.

kathleen

[ICNDonna]

You might try increasing your fluid intake --- and try a sitz bath before you urinate. Another thing you might try is to urinate, then stand up part way, pause, and sit down again. You are absolutely right when you say that straining will only make it worse.

Donna

[SandyRN]

I know this is going to sound ridiculous to you but try running some water from the faucet (warm water) and stick your hand in it while you try to pee. Also, you can get a squirt bottle and fill it with warm water and spray your perineum with it while you try to go. If this lasts even one more day you should be seen by someone, even the ER, just to be cathed. They can teach you how to self cath and set you up with some small catheters to use at home. I know how painful retention can be, I have it sometimes.

Its not just the pain that's bad from this though. You can get an infection from not emptying your bladder. You might already have one...if you have a regular doc, get them to do a culture of your urine. It might ease up with a course of antibiotics.

I used to work with fresh post-partum moms who had an awful time peeing...those tricks would work most of the time (of course most of them didnt have IC though)...also, when you're sitting on the toilet, lean forward like you are touching your toes, sometimes just the force will help push the urine out without having to strain.

Please get checked out if you havent already. You cant wait 2 months for this.

Take care, Sandy

[babydkj]

i can't see a doctor because i'm not covered by insurance right now.

those are great ideas but what about the 9 hours when i'm at work? i can't exactly take a bath there, nor can i hang out with running water in the stall. i'll try the spray trick though.

i did have a mild infection but i took a month course of antibiotics which got rid of it.

i'd love to have a doctor teach me how to self cath, but i CAN'T SEE A DOCTOR FOR TWO MONTHS. also, is this something i can do at work or when i'm not at home?

i'm 28, far from qualifying for disability, and i'm not married or dependent on anyone who can support me. paying out of pocket for a doctor is not an option because i don't have that kind of money.

[dyno]

If you don't have insurance do you have a county hospital or some resource for those without insurance? There are options for those with no insurance, even if you have to make small payments for the visit to help you until you can see your Dr. again.

[ICNDonna]

Many areas have urgent care clinics where you can be seen even if you don't have insurance or money --- I know there are at least two in the city near me.

You may need to pay for an office call to get some help, but it would be well worth it.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[SandyRN]

"i'd love to have a doctor teach me how to self cath, but i CAN'T SEE A DOCTOR FOR TWO MONTHS. also, is this something i can do at work or when i'm not at home?"

I understood that you cant see a doctor...for two months....I also said that you could go to the ER. They can help you learn to cath yourself there .......................I understood that you cant see a doctor .Hope you get some relief...Not sure how you had a cystoscopy if you dont have a doc? Even if you dont have insurance right now you could make a phone call to him, couldnt you? He may be able to help.

Anyway, the ideas I gave you werent directed to be done at work, nescessarily.....but yes, the squirt bottle and leaning over might help, and if you have to go that bad, who really cares if you have the water running in the women's bathroom? The other women will get over it...chances are they have done the same thing at some point in their life,...........................................also...an ER cant turn you down for ability to pay..

[mallenajolie]

Hi:
I am the retention queen here I think. Here are some tips that might help
1- Place some warm water on your tummy sometimes that helps, cold may help as well.
2- Definately increase your fluids, I notice my retention is significantly less when i do this.
3- Bendryl might help with the pain aspect. Yesterday, I was having a ** day, and I bought some bendryl last night, stopped taking it for a few days and it was a dramatic difference. If you can't afford the brand name, there are generics for about 4.00. I seem to find the brand name to work better though.
4- Hot packs and heating pad would work, I use the bodi heat pads (have one on right now, you can get three for about 4.00 at CVS. They are sold on this site as well, but with all the shipping costs I think it is about the same.
Some low costs solutions about 7.00 will bring comfort.

[~*~Christine~*~]

Message the urethra opening area and carefully void while doing so, it seems to help relax the muscles making it easier to void. If it doesn't all come out the first time than try messaging again while voiding, and again and again until the bladder is empty :)
I literally have to do this every time I go to void so you kind of get the hang of it after awhile

[emilyrose197377]

Hello I understand I am the queen of retention also . The women here gave you alot of great tips. You are in my prayers.
Kim