Urethra Dilation???

[CharAnn74]

Not sure where to post this, I know someone had said something about having their urethra dilated??? I have alot of probs with my urethra, and I have to push/rub next to it to urinate 99% of the time.I have been doing this for yrs,even before I got dx with IC.What is this procerdure, or is there any procedures I could discuss with my uro that would help this?? I failed anti-chloregenics cause they cause my bladder to relax too much then I cannot pee, and I have a lot more pain cause of it.
:confused:



Thx!

[ICNDonna]

You might talk to your uro about trying one of the medications that help relax your bladder, making it easier to urinate --- some examples are Flomax or Hytrin or Cardura --- it's what they usually give to men who have a urethral stricture, but also works for women. It's not good to be pushing that tissue or straining to urinate, which can make the situation worse.

Another thing that can help is to try sitz baths to help relax that tissue.

I had a series of dilations done about 30 years ago and it did help my situation, but it was pretty painful to have done and I do suggest you try some of the above first.

Warm healing thoughts,
Donna

[Cate]

I also had dilations done many years ago. The very first time I had it done my IC went into remission for 5 years. I then had it done again several times and not only did it not work, but it made my IC worse. My doctor at the Cleveland Clinic said they rarely do this procedure any more as it can damage the protective mucus lining of the urethra. I agree with Donna, it is very painful and I would suggest trying all other options first.

Cate

[CharAnn74]

Ok, I just thought that maybe my uro could do it while he was in there doing the distention.I think I have gotten myself so accustomed to pushing or rubbing on that area to urintate.(Almost like if you use laxatives all the time you eventually cannot go without them)
I have told them (uro office) about this, and they do not seem to say much!?! I know Detrol and urised made it even more difficult for me to go.The Detrol actually caused me pain also, cause I could not go.
In the am when my bladder is completely full I do not have to do this.Maybe I should try holding it longer.But, then that makes me miserable.I feel like I am gonna pee on myself, then I go in the bathroom and it won't come out.I have been trying to take deep breaths and relax myself on the toliet before I go.Sometimes this helps, and sometimes it does not.My uro tells me to take valium, so I will relax and can go.Honestly though it does not seem to help a whole lot.Just makes me sleepy.I am under a lot of stress,and completely tense all the time anyways, and it is just like I want to get in there pee and get out of the bathroom.Since I am in there so much as it is, I get tired of it.
:toilet:
I know the distention is gonna help with the frequency and urgency, it did before for almost 3 months.
I will definitely express my concerns with the uro himself before my distention.
Thanks! :)

[Dixiefireball]

i know its a no no to push when peeing but that is the only way i can get my urine to come out :( i don't want to push but if i don't i'm in more pain.
Maybe its a habit i'm not sure but i do know its hurt to push the urine out too.
please talk to your doctor about other medicine first.
sending you hugs and prayers
Rhonda

[CharAnn74]

Do you push with your finger or just strain?

[CharAnn74]

I talked to URO nurse, and she said they do dilate the urethra when they do a distention!?!?!

[ICLori]

Well, the urethra probably is naturally dilated just getting the cystoscope up there - the cystoscope is fairly big, like a big drinking straw, so it probably opens the urethra up nicely going in...

Blessings, Lori

[CharAnn74]

Thanks Lori!:kiss: