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View Full Version : Pelvic Floor New Diagnosis and Questions


julieferalcat
03-24-2004, 07:39 AM
Hi ladies,

How amazing to find a group of people dealing with some of the same symptoms I have. I am not alone!

Here is my story. For the past 2-1/2 years, I have had difficulty with straining during urination, as well as constipation. I go to the bathroom frequently during the day, and never feel like I'm really done. I'll pee, flush, and then feel like I have to pee just a little bit more. I have to stand over the toilet to get the last little bit out. It is embarassing, and it is driving me crazy. Plus at night I spend like 45 minutes in the bathroom trying to pee and have a bowel movement before I am successful.

I was referred to a urologist two years ago, who made me stop taking a lot of medicine that I was taking that he thought was causing the problem (antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressant). No difference. He gave me a trial course of Flomax. No difference. I had an ultrasound of my bladder and they couldn't find anything wrong. I couldn't get them to let me have the urodynamic testing until I had tapered off a lot of meds that I needed for asthma. I got discouraged.

Finally my primary care doctor referred me to a new urologist, who is a lot nicer and more proactive. I had urodynamic testing last week. I appeared to be able to fill and empty my bladder normally, but he said I am using a lot of pressure to pee, and he thinks I have PFD. I read one description of PFD that fit me to a tee: feeling of incomplete voiding, straining with urination, constipation, no problems at night, no pelvic pain. The new urologist gave me a trial course of Uroxatrol, which again is making no difference.

I guess I am just looking for help and advice. Why aren't you supposed to strain? Does anyone have my same symptoms? What treatments have worked best for you? Is there anything else I can be doing on my own, like limiting certain meds or foods? Can this get better? I am so tired of it.

Katrina
03-24-2004, 02:56 PM
Welcome to the ICN!

Straining can cause pain for those of us that have IC atleast it can mean a lot of pain.
Physical therapy is something you can try. On you own it involves learning to tighten and relax the musscles so that you can more fully relax them. You can practice that yourself.

Dixiefireball
03-24-2004, 03:10 PM
I Have always strained to get my urine out i know this isn't good for my ic but that is the only way i can get it out unless i cath my self.
i have pfd and ic and alot of other health issues that is due to kidneys and bladder problems i was born with three kidneys so i have had it hard all my life with many many uti's then about three years ago i found out i had ic. to top things off

I would like to welcome you to the icn group please browse around and ask all the question you need to we are here for you when ever you need us to support you we do care.
if you would like to talk you may email me at sassynsweet026@yahoo.com
sending you hugs and prayers
Rhonda

Megs
03-25-2004, 04:55 PM
I've had PFD for a year. what helped me was physical therapy. i would recommend that if you have a PT around you that has experience with this. she taught my fiance what to do last dec. so now he does it, which is very convenient and cheap :-) pants also make my PFD worse, but i don't know if this is common with everyone. i wish you luck and hope you feel better soon! feel free to email me if you have any questions. riley1me@cmich.edu

MakinIT
03-27-2004, 02:35 PM
So Julie:

You don't have IC but do have PFD? I'm surprised the doc didn't immediately send you to PT. I think you don't strain because it causes the muscles to tense more. A PT can teach you how to relax your muscles, albeit it's not much fun. But it is damn worth it. It has changed my life since my diagnosis with IC.

One thing my PT told me when Ido exercise (the pelvic Floor) is to tighten my vaginal muscles then almost overrelax those muscles, like you are passing gas. (lovely description, what can say) If you can do 3-4 of those without pain maybe increase one or two per day and keep your abs tight and pulled to your navel. Don't tighten the muscles too hard or you may be causing a spasm. (You are almost doing reverse kegels)

Good luck....I hope you can get a PT referreal to someone who specializes in Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.