Urinary Retention, trip to ER

[OllieR]

A couple weeks ago I posted a thread for advice on possible urinary retention. Well, I had finally asked my doctor about it and he just gave me some Flomax. It didn't help so I just went back to dealing with the symptoms knowing I was possibly going to have a consult for an interstim anyways. Plus, he didn't seem to think it was much of a problem. Well, I got a cold which in turn intensified my IC symptoms and I got to experience the joys of acute urinary retention :( I seem to be back to my normal self now that I'm feeling better, but it does worry me that it could happen again.

Anyways, I just thought I would share so maybe if somebody else reads this and thinks they have mild urinary retention issues they can know to be careful.

Also, does anyone have advice on how to deal with this until I can find a more permanent solution, like a medicine that works or the interstim? I was thinking about asking my doctor to teach me how to self-cath just in case it happens again.

[nottoc4]

I get retention if I am in a flare. It's been over 6 months ago. This last 6 instills and Imiprimine had done very well for me.

[angel7655]

ollie r

Thankfully I haven't had a bought of acute retention but I have found that Pelvic Floor Therapy has helped with my retention. I still have bad days but I'm learning how to relax things down there. As far as meds go...I too tried flomax and it helped a little after about three weeks. But it was so slight that I stopped taking it. The therapy did more than the pill. Good luck.

[Skynard]

Ollie, I don't have this problem, but my sister does. She had to go to the ER several times before the doctor finally taught her how to self-cath. She doesn't have to do it as much anymore since she is on an equivalant of Detrol (I am sorry, I checked with her and promptly spaced the name of her drug). This relaxes her bladder and therefore reduced the retention. I know you don't like the meds, none of us do, but it might make life just a bit easier. I am on Cystoprotek and DH Aloe and am finding some relief from it. They are natural and might help you.

I wish you well on your journey.

God Bless

[ICNDonna]

I learned to self cath many years ago. If you've ever had a severe retention problem, it's a good idea to know how. My retention was following a surgery and has not happened again, but I did do self instillations for several years.

Donna