OAB driving me crazy!

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Hi Everyone,

I started noticing frequent and urgent urination about 2 years ago, but in the last 2 months it has become worse and much more apparent to other people (friends, coworkers). I also feel irritation in my urethra which is new (anyone else have this?). Since it has worsened, I think I have started obsessing on my OAB which of course is only making it worse. I feel like all I do is think about my OAB and the bathroom.

I'm fairly young, 39, so my friends and family simply do not understand my problem and I often get teased about it (and it does hurt my feelings because they don't see it as a real "problem" ), but they have no idea how badly it is affecting my life. The constant worry about an unexpected urge or always thinking about the bathroom when making plans or being stuck in long meetings (unfortunately I have a TON of them for my job) and having to excuse yourself 2-3 times for the bathroom while no one else has left the room once. It is embarrassing!

I'm already an anxious person which makes the OAB a vicious cycle and I'm getting depressed thinking about how my bladder is in total control of my life. I think about not being able to travel anymore (I took a trip to NYC last month and it was nightmare!) or even have the kind of social life I desire...I'm still single so I cringe at the thought of going on a date that I'll miss because I'll be in the bathroom half the date. I know I need to stop this kind of thinking, but I don't know how!

I started some herbal supplements about 3 weeks ago and so far no improvement from that. I also started acupuncture just last week as I've read quite a few articles stating this could be the best thing to help OAB. She recommended I start bladder training in addition so I've been doing that as well. I have also been doing kegel exercises, but half the time I don't know if I'm doing them right. Can anyone tell me that they've had success with bladder training???

Sorry this turned into kind of a rant, but I have no one who understands or can empathize and it's clear folks here can and do. Thank you for this site and for anyone who took the time to read this!

 

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Keiko,
First of all, the number of women living with OAB numbers in the MILLIONS. You are NOT alone. In the U.S., it is still a condition stigmatized, forcing anyone living with OAB into a covert sufferer status. I do think that there are quite a few things you can do to combat it. The bladder training, trite as it may sound, does help. Kegels can also contribute to more control. Staying away from caffeine, dark beverages in general, and trying to empty your bladder at all times when it IS convenient (and not so obvious) can all help.
Consulting a urologist is never a bad move. It can only help. Unfortunately, sometimes, at least in the beginning, taking some precautions from a product standpoint is necessary. I always urge people to make this their last option and also not to give up on regaining continence. If you need some counsel on the different products that can help conceal/address this situation, feel free to contact me. kne@abena.com

 

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I no how you fell I had a family member tell it was of my weight ionly way211 that I need to change my diet

 

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Welcome.

Visit any big box store; check out the shelves of incontinence supplies for adults and older adolescents. Shelf space is a valuable commodity; the products on it must earn the right to be there. Those shelves of incontinence supplies are full because there are tens of millions of us, in the USA alone, who buy those supplies because we need them. Although embarrassment is to be expected, try to put it in perspective. Learn to manage your incontinence while you work on it with a urologist. Good luck and keep us informed.

 

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I'm right there with you Keiko. I have OAB and Interstital cystitis. This means my bladder is always in a state of distress. I'm in the bathroom 20-30 times a day with bladder leaks in between visits. I have found adult diapers to be a lifesaver for the leaks. As far as the urinary frequency I have been using Foley catheters. Foley catheters are not a perfect solution but it has been the best thing for me for going on 2 years now. I began to have urinary issues in February/March 2014. In June of 2014 they got so bad I ended up in the ER getting a foley inserted. I was given a prescription shortly thereafter and have been using them ever since.

 

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Keiko: I once fell asleep on the sofa. I awoke just in time for a commercial for OAB.
I did not make it to the bathroom in time.

 

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I have tried every treatment for my OAB including Botox injections. Nothing helped. I am presently receiving Tibial Nerve Stimulation Therapy on a weekly basis. I have had 2 treatments out of 12. Hopefully, I will see results soon. I am at my wits end. For info on this therapy, go to U-Tube.

 

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See my post above. I suffer with OAB and interstitial cystitis. It has been life altering for me and my family. The Foley catheters (though sometimes a real pain) have also given me some reprieve from the symptoms. I have been using them for two years. It may be worth mentioning to your doctors. I can eat and drink what I want, I can ride in the car for more than an hour, and I can sleep through the night.