can further hydros increase capacity?

[sweetangel2080]

I had a hydro this year and my capacity increased from 100cc to 200cc whilst awake. This is still quite low I feel and the doctor said he didn't do much of a stretch as it was diagnostic and due to bleeding. Should I book another one - would it be of any help do you know? Maybe there is medication that can help but I am already on an antispasmodic. My full capacity is 400 but have only ever had 350 once!

[m123]

Well, I'm not sure about hydro's, I've never had one. But something that has helped increase my bladder capacity is drinking more liquids.

I suggest water, but try to drink all the time even if you don't want to. At the same time, try to gradually put more times between using the bathroom. This seems to force your bladder to hold more and more each time, stretching it out.

I went from feeling my bladder full every 30 min to every 5 hours. Hope it helps!

[sweetangel2080]

I am going to try re-training - have managed to do that without fluids but never with! I have today held 400cc but it was the hardest thing ever and I stayed near the bathroom the whole time! I normally just have 200cc and I think full capacity is near 400-500cc - this is why I asked about further hydros..

[ICNDonna]

I have had well over thirty hyrodistentions in my 30+ years with IC. What I have found is that this does increase my bladder capacity, but it's temporary. I usually go anywhere from six months to a year between hydros.

If you opt to do bladder retraining, my suggestion would be to go at it slowly. If you feel a need, then wait perhaps five minutes before you go. Then gradually increase the time between emptying. And, very important, discuss this with your doctor before trying it.

Donna

[intrepid]

I agree with Donna to check with your doctor before retraining. I also think drinking lots of water is very helpful. I have had hydrodistentions with anesthesia with some success. NO WAY I would ever have one without anesthesia and pain meds for recovery. The procedure causes (for me) pain and bleeding for about 3-4 days. However, it usually temporarily increases capacity and reduces pain. I consider that to be successful. Several physicans have told me that it is safe to have one every six months and that some people very successfully manage their IC in this way. You may not get the same results with each distention. Once I actually had more pain after the distention. It can also be expensive. I think retraining may be too painful for some, especially if they have a lot of glomerularations and Hunners ulcers.

[sweetangel2080]

has anyone tried drinking lots of water to see full capacity- is that what full capacity is at?
Normally I am 200cc but if I drink a lot of water I do 300cc or more but that is very painful. I have once had 400cc