Can you ever be normal again?

[Archives1]

Approximately 7 months ago my story began. Several MRIs and one biopsy later the good news is no cancer was found.
The difficult part is the OAB and associated incontinence. I’ve tried several medications and modifying my diet. Some days I can wear one pad all day and a pull-up at night. I rarely if ever wet the bed, it’s the waking up and not getting there in time is the occasional problem.

Some days I feel urgency and just wear a pull up. I have good control still it’s just hard to get to the bathroom all the time when this hits.

Has anyone overcome these issues and been able to do away with the pads/pull-ups? 7 months into this and several accidents later I can’t imagine not wearing protection anymore. The day to day inconsistency is a struggle. I try to wear normal underwear and a pad as much as possible but other days pull-ups are the way to go. Sorry to ramble, I’m just frustrated. Thanks

 

[Archives1]

Hang in there! I’ve heard that Pumpkin Seed Extract pills can assist with both urgency and frequency. I did experience some mild relief when I tried them. Good Luck

 

[Archives1]

I know your frustration - unfortunately you are not going to like my answer - mine started around a year ago - wetting the bed at night occasionally - been to urologist several times and all he did was subscribe me OAB pills - two different prescriptions- none worked - I gave up and wear a diaper to bed for protection - accidents happen 1 or 2 times a week - during the day I wear a guard in case I leak before getting to the bathroom - I know it’s not much encouragement but I learned to deal with it to the point it’s another routine I now have to do to avoid making a mess - wearing a diaper to bed and waking up with dry sheets is a lot easier to throw away a wet diaper than washing sheets all the time.

Chad

 

[Archives1]

Has anyone overcome these issues and been able to do away with the pads/pull-ups? 7 months into this and several accidents later I can’t imagine not wearing protection anymore. The day to day inconsistency is a struggle. I try to wear normal underwear and a pad as much as possible but other days pull-ups are the way to go. Sorry to ramble, I’m just frustrated. Thanks

I have similar issues that were finally diagnosed as interstitial cystitis. I got an Interstim implant nearly a year ago, which has almost completely restored my continence. I also get Botox injections into my bladder wall, which help with the painful spasms that come with the interstitial cystitis.

By "almost completely," I mean that I no longer have to wear a pad or diaper on a regular basis. I will wear one of I know I'm going to be somewhere where I won't have access to a restroom - going shopping during the pandemic had been challenging because so many stores have either been closed or have their restrooms closed to the public. I've had a total of two accidents in the past eleven months since I got the Interstim, both at times that I simply wasn't able to find a restroom at all.

So yes, there can be solutions, but it's something you'll have to work with your doctor to figure out which ones work for you. I suspect that meds help the majority of people, but the people who are helped don't generally end up in online forums seeking support so you'll find a skewed sample here.

It sometimes requires being the squeaky wheel to get answers from your doctor, and it often requires changing doctors, even multiple times, to find one who's willing to do the work to really figure out what's going on and what works best. If you're getting brushed off, bug your doctor for answers or find another doctor!

 

[Archives1]

Hi AUG168,

of course it is frustrating when it is still not better after 7 months. Unfortunately, especially with OAB it is often not so easy to find the real cause. Diet and body weight are good starting points if no direct physical cause is found. If I were you, I would definitely continue to look at the diet. For me, this has brought a lot - however, I also needed a while to find out what I should better not eat and drink - that is often a very individual thing.

In addition, bladder training and pelvic floor training helped me a lot - in the end, much more than the medication.

So I wouldn't give up - the chance that it will get better again is definitely given - but that also means that you have to put yourself out there. Only with pills the peoblem unfortunately does not disappear again.

 

[Archives1]

Hey, I saw this thread hanging out there - but I resonated with this tonight.

Some days I'll be honest. I don't feel normal. I suppose normal isn't a feeling I've ever felt. Growing up feeling different than the other kids was something that hits home to myself more than ever nowadays. Especially since I'm now looking into Autism Centers in my area to get evaluated.

The bladder control issues are a constant fight to my self esteem. I don't want to bedwet or somedays leak urine having to constantly battle the floodgates. I've been struggling financially but found a good deal on attends briefs a while back and I have enough for nighttime for a good while, as well as enough for when times when daytime leakage is an issue. Ive found cloth briefs are discreet enough where nobody knows im wearing them.

The pain comes and goes unfortunately, it's a constant pressure that tells you "you need to always go to the bathroom". But why do I feel so pathetic having to rely on a diaper some days? I wish I had the control that I did several years ago - but I've been living like this for 2 years now so I might as well get used to it.

I hope you are doing okay @AUG168. Don't feel less. Feel equal. I definetly relate man. You're not alone. We're a part of a club nobody asked to be in. Praying that you are doing okay.

Blessings,
HC