Chronic Bladder Retention

[angel7655]

Has anyone had chronic bladder retention issues? I don't feel like I'm holding urine...but everytime i've been to my uro he says I've been holding urine. He checked my bladder and said it seemed to be in the right place. I'm pretty young...29...and that's all I keep hearing from everyone. "You're too young to be having this problem." He gave me flomax and I've been on it for a week and a half now with no improvement. I'm in the middle of DMSO instills and won't get to see my doc again till the first of June. I'm getting really nervous because last time I was in he was talking about having me self cath. I'm driving myself crazy here. Thanks for any info.

[aleet7]

I also have bladder retention. I have a low bladder which probably contributes to the retention. My uro also said that I don't empty my bladder which also probably causes my bladder infections. Unfortunately I don't have a solution to this problem. I read in a book on IC that I should probably take more time to urinate instead of going in a hurry and then going about my business. I have noticed if I take my time, I can go even more(residual urine that can grow bacteria). There are some ladies on here that self cath. I'm sorry that I couldnt' help. I hope you get to the bottom of this.
Hugs,
Aleet7

[steelerfan]

Angel I once had bladder retention for 8 months from getting Botox injections in my bladder for my IC. I was so scared when I couldn't pee at all. My uro's nurse taught me how to self cath, and at first I was so scared and thought to myself how in the world am I supposed to do this. I was also afraid I would have to do it for the rest of my life, but I realized its not that bad once you get the hang of it. After a few days I could do it without even looking. Now I can go on my own, and I have been able to for a couple yrs now. I know having bladder retention can cause infections and you dont want that. Did your uro talk to you about what he wanted you to do for the retention? I know that it sounds scary to self-cath, but really it's not that bad if thats what you have to do. I hope you feel better soon.


Steelerfan

[dverba]

I do not have just retention, I can not pee!!!! Cymbolta is the culprit. I am home from work today because It takes me a very long time to start the peeing process. What a whole new kind of pain and frustration. I was due to have Botox soon but my dr says I may have to cath my self twice a day after wards for a while. :cussing::cussing::cussing::cussing::cussing::cussing::cussing: I am already on Valumn for this problem so I am kinda out of it. Have to act like I am fine because it is family night at the locale community center where Joe and I take Kirsten my 10 year old every Friday to swim and spend time together away from the 8 people living in my house.

[ICNDonna]

Self cathing is challenging to think about, but once you learn how, it gives a wonderful sense of freedom. I was scared out of my wits to do it, but after the first two or three times, it's easy. You'll do fine.

Hugs,
Donna

[amylr]

Ive had what I think are retention issues for quite a long time. I recently got taken off of Vesicare after only 2 weeks of treatment because I wasnt able to urinate-- I would literally need to push as if I were having a bowel movement to even start my stream and if I didnt continue to push, the stream would completely stop. Ive had to push to urinate for as long as I can remember and I have a very difficult time starting. I have no clue why. My Uro doesnt really want to treat me because Im only 18. She performed the Hydro and confirmed a pretty nasty case of IC, but is somewhat afraid to do any type of treatment because of long term effects. Basically, they make it sound as if my choices are Vesicare, Elmiron or nothin'.

[Briza]

Self cathing is challenging to think about, but once you learn how, it gives a wonderful sense of freedom. I was scared out of my wits to do it, but after the first two or three times, it's easy. You'll do fine.

Hugs,
Donna

I completely agree with Donna on this. Even if an IC patient has never had retention problems, never know when they might present due to meds, treatments, procedures, stress, or just for no good reason at all. I had to learn how to self cath in a time of EXTREME pain and under great duress while having serious complications after a diagnostic outpatient surgery. I so wish I had been shown how to do it before getting in that situation, but believe Donna and me when we say that it is a "wonderful sense of freedom" to know how to do it. The alternative is much much worse and MUCH more painful than self-cathing.

Amy...sounds like it might be time to seek a second, third, fourth opinion! There are SOOOOOOO many other successful treatment options out there and SOOOOOOO many other drs who will give you these options. Please do not be afraid to keep searching til you find the dr that works right for you! Most of us have had to see quite a few to MANY drs til we found the right fit for us. The pushing you are describing is not good to do and can exacerbate many of your symptoms...there are treatments out there that could help with this! And if all else fails, or in the meantime, self-cathing at times can bring much relief! (((hugs))) I hope you find relief soon.:flower:

[angel7655]

Thank you everyone. You are the greatest and have made me feel much better. There are definitly worse things than having to self cath once and awhile. I go back to my doc in june after these wonderful DMSO instills are done...and than we will talk about my retention at that point. Thanks again to all you.