Urine Retention Uncertainty and want to know why

[georgecoolname]

I usually get urine retention from certain medications and have had to be catherized for that each time. It happened again last week and I'm not 100% sure why. I had to wear a catheter for 2 days (thankfully could go on my own again when they took out out). I see my urologist finally tomorrow. I had seen my PCP on Saturday and he took out the catheter.

My colonoscopy was on last Thursday. I couldn't eat the whole day before. I drank lots of water though. Could that be a cause? What about the laxatives I had to take? They say not to take if you have kidney problems (I do have stones and by the way, the CT done at the ER showed them, but nothing to cause the urine retention), but didn't mention anything about urine retention.

Effexor is my newest med and had been on it for approx. a month, but since I'm going now and am still on it, I can't blame that. Urine difficulties was mentioned under side effects, but it didn't seem to be likely (which for me, doesn't matter, I am extremely sensitive and have approx 5 medication allergies because of the urine retention). The other meds, I've been on for way too long and again, since I am going now, I can't blame that either.

The retention started after the second round of laxatives around 4am. The colonoscopy was at 11am and they catherized me during that time, but I still couldn't go after. I gave up at 8pm and went to the ER. My bladder stretched measured 500cc last summer, yet it was 700cc in the ER. How can it do that?

Could the not eating do it or maybe that and/or the laxatives, whether combined with any of my medications or not? Am curious on what actually happened, especially to prevent this from the future. I'm tired of this happening. Gotta love having IC. :)

[jen74]

I am sorry you are dealing with this. I am guessing that maybe it is the effexor. Medications can cause werid side effects and they can be intermittent. As far as the laxative, I guess it is possible. I do not think it has anything to do with what you ate or drank though. I pray you feel better soon and get this resloved.
Jen

[georgecoolname]

The only thing is, I am still taking Effexor and I am still able to go. What do you mean by intermittent?

[dg2901]

You're bladder being stretched to 500cc's was probably the point at which the Dr saw bleeding; this isnt necessarily the max your bladder can hold.

Not sure what could be causing the retention; cant imagine it being caused by anything relating to the colonoscopy though. Have you consulted with your treating DR to see what s/he feels is causing this?

Hope you start feeling better very soon!
Diana

[ICNDonna]

Laxatives usually will make me urinate more. I did totally detest the laxative I had to drink before a colonoscopy, but it just made me go more.

You will want to check on all of your medications to see if any can be causing the problem. And "intermittent" means that it happens sometimes but not all the time.

Donna

[leelee88]

KIDNEY STONES!!!
If you have kidney stones this will cause retention!! I had 4 stones and could not pee!!! I would pee just a tiny bit and retain the rest It was horrible!!!

[Mothergoose]

I know this can happen with kidney stones, but with stones this is an emergency, you need to go to an er if you have stones and get blocked up enough you can't pee.

Even lots of sugar can act as a durectic, when I had my debetis test not long ago even with retention I peed like a race horse for 2 days.

Diffent meds effect me in this was, all OAB meds stop me right up.

Think the resaon for retention determines what may or may not cause the retention.

Mine they believe is from my bladder muscle not squeesing down to push the urine out. also the muscel dosen't sense when it is full and needs to go until, I got to go right now.

[georgecoolname]

Was told that the stones wouldn't be the cause from what they saw on the CT. Who knows?

[ICNDonna]

It can be very difficult to determine what is causing retention. I do know that straining can make the situation worse. I noted from another thread that you are now taking flomax --- which is one of the meds that help relax the muscles to allow easier urination. Since you've had a problem with flomax, hopefully your doctor will put you on a lower dose or on one of the other similar meds.

Donna

[Mothergoose]

For me most of the meds that have anything to do with urination cause me to have retention, but if they effect the muscle it puts me over the top and I can't go. My bladder does not contract.