frequency/pressure

[jenmomof3]

I posted this under not yet diagnosed, but I really did not get any posts(thank you to the one who did!!!) ....PLEASE RESPOND-I DON"T KNOW IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE IC!!!!!!!!!!!!! URINE RETENTION ANYONE??????


My story...

I just had a baby by c-section in July....In March, I began to notice that I had to go to the bathroom constantly and going would not provide relief...My doctors said this was just from being pregnant, but it wasn't the "normal" frequency being pregnant causes...(I also have 5 year old twins) I just could not get relief and was feeling frustrated because the doctors wouldn't believe me. I also was diagnosed with kidney stones at this time...

Needless to say, it did not go away after I had the baby. I do not have any pain, just a CONSTANT feeling of having to pee...even after I have just gone. My urologist has done numerous tests including cystoscopy, cystogram etc...I have had MRI's and cat scans...My bladder capacity is very high, and I don't have signs of OAB...I AM retaining urine though...After I think I empty my bladder, I have about 123ml (about 2 oz) have urine still in my bladder...My urolgist does not think I have IC...(he is a really good compassionate doctor) He referred me to a neurologist...I had an MRI of my lumbar spine to rule out any nerve damage from the pregnancy...other than some mild degenerative disease and a small protision on my spine which the doctor assured me is completely normal for a 30 year old......NOTHING ABNORMAL....I am getting frustrated because I still have this constant pressure on my bladder-no pain whatsoever-I just feel like I ALWAYS have to pee...frequency- no urgency...The thing is, the longer I hold my bladder for like 3-4 hours most of the time..sometimes longer...the longer I hold it, the less pressure there is...My uro wants me to try Detrol LA because he thinks I may be having spasms after I go that is casuing pressure and that I ride it out...I am afraid to try the Detrol, because it can make the retention worse, and most days I can "tolerate" the pressure and do not want to make it worse...

My primary care, OBGYN, urologist and neurologist all think that it is PROBABLY just a little nerve damage from being pregnant and that the baby was laying on my bladder strange...I just don't know if I believe that...I really need some advice.....anyone have urinary retention? do you think this is IC? should I try the Detrol?

I am sorry this is sooooo long....I am just had the end of my rope

[ICNDonna]

If you are having bladder spasms, it may be that an antispasmodic will be the thing that will help most. There are many available, including Detrol. The one I take for bladder spasms is hyoscyamine. It hasn't caused retention for me. The good thing is that if the detrol does cause retention, you can always stop it and the retention should go away fairly quickly.

I hope you find some answers soon.

Donna

[jenmomof3]

I have urine retention before taking any med...after I feel I empty my bladder, I have about 123cc's still in my bladder...

[charmedx3]

Hi jen, I am sorry you are through all of this. I also have not been diagnosed I have had my symptoms for about 2 1/2 yrs. I have 3 kids, the only uti's I have had was during 2 of my pregnancies. I have seen about 7 drs trying to figure this all out. 2 gyns thought it was a fibriod they found said it was sitting on my bladder- had hysterectomy-symptoms return just after. I have finally found a uro who is listening to me & actually treating me with different meds handed my a print out on IC. We still have a to figure this out.
When I found this web site it made me feel like i wasn't alone in this. I also hope that you find some answers.

[traceann]

Hi Jen and welcome to the gang! As Donna said, you may wish to try the antispasmodic, your doc is aware of your retention, so maybe he thinks it will not make it worse, or possibly help you in that area, by relaxing the bladder etc, and allowing it work properly. There are a few also as Donna said, so if one doesn't do the trick maybe another would.

Sounds like you have discussed IC with your docs pretty thoroughly. Have they done a PST? (Potassium Sensitiviy Test) That is a very popular minimally invasive method of testing for IC.

Have you thought about yet another opinion since you don't seem to feel comfortable with the suggestions and diagnosis they have come up with (or lack of one, ;) ). That always is another option. Many of us have been to numerous doctors to get a diagnosis and get started on treatments!

Well, once again, welcome to the gang and hope to see you around the boards!!!

Hugs!
:)

[VirtualBiz4u]

I had this issue after I had my c-sections.
Both boys were born after 12 hours of labor and then emergency c and then my other son with 8 hours labor and then emergency c.

I did go on ditropan Xl I think that was the drug and it did help with the feeling of pressure and feeling like I have to go to the bathroom.

I found this site recently because I think I have IC based on what two dr. have stated. Going to go for some testing in Jan.

This site is a God send. You don't feel as if you are alone and you get the feedback from so many women with similiar issues.
Networking is key in business and I am finding networking is key to be proactive with your health.

Laura

[Cheries]

Have you checked out pelvic floor muscle dysfunction? Did you have a hydodistention done under general anesthesia during cystoscopy? That is the only way to tell if you truly have IC. I couldn't tell from your post if you had a cystoscopy in office or in the hospital.

If you had a C-Section, could they have cut a nerve or something?

[Silverfox]

Hey Jen,

We have the same birthdate, only I'm a whole lot older. LOL

I have 3 grown kids too, they are now out of the nest.

Hey, I sent you a pm, hope you get it, and it helps you!

Sincerely Sheila