retraining the bladder

[Kohariks23]

Hello everyone, I've been taking Elmiron for almost 3 months and starting to notice a tiny difference. I think if I retrain my bladder I will feel so much better, but when my bladder is full I feel like my muscles are spasing and my bladder is trying to empty itself. Anyone else have this problem and what can I do to stop it? :toilet:

[ICNDonna]

Are you working with your physician on the bladder retraining? I do suggest you discuss it with him/her.

I'm glad the elmiron seems to be helping --- hopefully, it will continue to improve your frequency.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[Kohariks23]

Donna thank you for your responding, my Dr doesn't seem to know what to do. He just tells me I need to hold it 5 minites longer. So I don't know if I need to strenghthen those muscles and thats why it feels like they are spasming, or what'sgoing on. Any advice?
Pamela

[Sarojini]

Hmmm... let's see... I know the Interstitial Cystitis Association has some info on bladder retraining. It's at http://www.ichelp.org/TreatmentAndSelfHelp/BladderRetrainingProgram.html ... it also includes some other references which probably go into more detail than this page does.

I've never tried bladder retraining, so I don't know details. Maybe someone else who's done it will come along with more information for you. :)

Good luck :grouphug:

[Katrina]

are you taking an antispasmodic med? I know that going once an hour was recommended.....but to never try to hold it if you are still experiencing pain....I wish you luck in this and hope it works out ....I agree with Jen to look at the info on ICA and ICN.....

Very, very happy Elmiron seems to be helping you. Praise the Lord!

[ICNDonna]

Usually bladder retraining involves very gradually extending the time between urinating. The five minutes your doctor is suggestion is very likely a good way to begin. And five minutes doesn't seem like an eternity so it's possible. I do suggest you keep a record of your frequency so you'll know if you're making any gains. Even if it's only ten minutes longer between urinations in a two week period, that is a gain --- and if you don't write it down, you won't realize you're making any progress.

Sending warm encouraging hugs,
Donna

[Judith56]

Years ago I tried bladder retraining. I did it in conjunction with seeing someone. I had to keep a voiding diary. If I remember correctly, I had a starting goal and with each subsequent visit we tried to up my time by 15 minutes. I had to write down the time I urinated, what I was doing at the time and how I was feeling. I do not know how they do the retraining process these days. This was back in the '80's and I do want to stress it was under my doctors guidence, though I met with a therapist who was trained in doing this. If your doctor is not familiar with the process, maybe he/she can find someone for you to go to who is. Good luck, I hope it works for you. Judith

[crystilclear]

Just a question has the doctor checked for Pelvic Floor Dyfunction? Sometimes it can be the cause of the spasming down there. An antispasmodic could help. Maybe you could ask him about it. I don't know just a thought. You can see what PFD is if you look it up here if you want. Anyways I'm not a doctor just thought I'd throw that out there. Take care - Chris