PT and bladder retention

[angel7655]

Hey all,

Just wondering if anyone has had good experienced with resolving their bladder retention with pelvic floor therapy? I start my therapy next week and it's kind of my last hope before my doc want to do urethral dialation, which I've heard not so great things about. I'm also wondering if you guys think I should buy the Heal Pelvic Pain book? Does it touch on bladder retention? I have IC, I have no pain, just frequency and retention. I believe the frequency is mostly caused by the retention however. Thanks so much for your input.

Sue

[purpleviolet]

Dilation of urethra is "rape of the urethra". It triggered my IC - Do some research. Most docs don't do it anymore.

[Goodnightmoon]

Hi!

though I have not done it myself I hear again and again the PF therapy is very helpful for retention, so I guess it is a very good idea to give it a try!!

Personally I am having similar symptons and I am considering a PF therapy myself. So far, all I do are regular hot sitz-bath, which also help me a lot to loosen the spasm in the PF area - strange enough not immediately after the bath but more with the overall feeling of it. Like a "wellness session" for the PF :lmao:

Good luck!!

[snow_melt]

Hello!
I just leafed through Heal Pelvic Pain and found that retention is discussed in conjunction with other bladder symptoms, but not necessarily as a separate topic.
However, I would still recommend the book as an aid to physical therapy. I started doing the exercises in the book at home before PFT, and have found the sessions and more personalized stretches to be more helpful. But, obviously, that will probably always be the case. One of the reasons I bought the book was to learn more about the holistic practices that Beyond Basics, the author's practice, uses. I go there now and am very happy with my progress so far. (I already knew it would take a long time, so I am content feeling myself inch along to success!)
It is amazing how out of whack our muscles get when they are in pain for a period of time---I still can't believe how tight my muscles are in reaction to the bladder inflammation. And although you said you didn't have pain, Heal Pelvic Pain will still be very applicable to your symptoms!
Good luck with your therapy --- let us know how it goes!

[angel7655]

Thanks so much snow melt. I think I'll go ahead and order it. Every little bit helps, right?

[Cassaundra]

Angel,

I have had bladder rentention due to the PFD. The muscles were so tight and would not relax that I had trouble going to the bathroom.

After I had my muscles stretched out, my IC symptoms lessened, the pain lessened, and I had less trouble urinating and making a BM.

I hope you find the same relief soon.

[Landish]

I also have bladder retention. This is mi biggest problem because my pain and my frecuency are the result of may continous pushing. I can not be able to relax the muscle when I go to the restroom. My stream is very thin. The only thing that helps me is Hydro but for a very short time.

The Doctor I had 5 years ago used to make me urethral dialation and it was not a cure but it helped me. Don't worry about this Angel, catheter is painful but the dilation is with a kind of metal stick and it is not painful. The Doctor starts first with a small one and then with a bigger one. For me it was not painful.

I hear about the PF therapy and I think is tremendous idea that I also would like to try.

Good luck

[angel7655]

Thanks everyone for all your input. I've only had one meeting with the pft and noticed my stream is much stronger. I'm still retaining, but it's a start. I'll keep you all posted.