Bladder capacity

[Godwillhelp]

Hi All,

I have been researching bladder capacity. A normal healthy bladder is supposed to beable to hold approx 16 oz or 2 cups comfortably for 2 - 5 hours. Now, if at one time I was able to do this but now I can only hold 8 oz, does that mean that my IC is progressively getting worse?? Will there be a day when I can't even hold 2 oz in my bladder? I am only 31 and this is not a good thing. I already have a hard time holding it for 2 hours what is it going to be like in a month, a year?? Is there anything that can help with bladder capacity? I have done bladder training, bladder diary, IC diet, tried oxybutinin, (detrol)....I read stories of women on this board who can't hold it for 5 minutes...the urgency is overwhelming. I am nervous that I will be there very soon....not much of a life to look forward to. I have been taking Cystoprek for about 10 months now....it is supposed to help with the lining of the bladder...so wouldn't that help with capacity as well? Please help!

Dana

[ICNDonna]

I rarely can go for as long as two hours without urinating --- even when I'm feeling my best. I normally go about once an hour and more frequently if I'm flaring. I haven't tried bladder retraining, but have read that it shouldn't be attempted if in pain and should be done under a physician's care.

My IC was diagnosed back in 1975 and has stayed about the same for 31+ years now. If anything, I am better than I was then because I have learned which treatment options work best for me and which foods and drinks are a problem.

Donna

[Silverfern]

I'm lucky if I can go two hours too. Very, very rarely I manage two and a half hours which is nothing short of a miracle but I've never been able to figure out how I do it! Mostly I go about hourly unless I'm flaring and then it's more often.

I tried bladder retraining before I was diagnosed with IC but I failed miserably. There's no way I can comfortably hold on when I need to go....the pressure and discomfort is way too much. Then again, we're all different and it may well work for others.

My bladder capacity has stayed much the same since I was diagnosed. It's quite a good idea to keep a bladder diary for a day now and again just to keep an eye on things.

All the best.

Hugs

[sweetangel2080]

I think IC and its inflammation can cause lower capacity or in my case I think a shrunken bladder.
I don't know about it getting worse, when I first had symptoms was hard to not go pee every hour let alone 2, but after treatments, felt much better and sometimes could go hours but my capacity didn't change much, think it is to do with bladder sensitivity too

[Trishann]

Dana, No one can really give you an answer. I would suggest you continue to take your medication. When you are in a flare, it does cause more urination. Take advantage of the help you can get now. My bladder do not stretch, but I did not have the advantage of medication like you do and I urge you to keep seeking so that your bladder can get better. Your bladder still stretch, so I can't see why medication can't help it. I know this is scary thing for you and I do understand how you feel, but don't give up, you still have a chance, and don't let go and keep working with your doctor.. Do all that you can do, and hope the best. :hi:

Hugs, Trishann

[Godwillhelp]

Thanks all!
Thanks Trishann! I am not losing hope....it is just frustrating when people around you are either staying in one spot or improving and I feel like as I get older I am getting worse. I really appreicate your words of encouragement.

[Trishann]

I know it is, IC itself is hard. I am happy though that you are not giving up. I think sometimes we have to be able to talk about it, so we can move forward. I know there are days of good and bad but I keep remembering, Hey I can still have good days.

Hugs, Trishann