Bladder urgencies

[Equinney]

This may be an odd question, but have been wondering lately. I know that we have issues with our bladders and having to go often (every 20-30 minutes for the last 4 hours tonight) and for the most part myself, it’s a full bladder amount expelled each time. If this is the case, then would that not mean our kidneys are working overtime also? There’s got to be an excessive amount going in the bladder for there to be the need for that much expulsion wouldn’t it? Thoughts on this?

[COwithAMN Administrator AMN EASIER Volunteer]

I am wondering how much urine you produce each time? It could be perhaps that it feels like a full bladder but that actually it isn't as much as a normal bladder that is working normally would hold.

I think the general understanding is that the AMN bladder starts to lose its ability to stretch, and so it feels full before a normal bladder would.

My experience with these things is to start measuring. Keep a measuring jug beside the toilet and pee into that. Keep a record over time.

Mirabegron will treat overactive bladder and will allow your bladder to hold more before it sends the full signal to your brain. Might be worth discussing with your doctor.

[Tim76]

I can go to the bathroom and feel like I’ve completely emptied my bladder then go self cath and realize it was still about half full. In my experience, I have to go so frequently because it never gets completely emptied. When I self cath, I know it’s completely emptied and can last for a few to several hours before having to go again.

[Cambridge_Chris]

I don't know about the kidneys; in my experience the urgency can be quite unrelated to the amount of peeing that I actually need to do!

I started getting urgency symptoms a few years ago, and started taking solifenacin, which I found very helpful. To begin with I tried to only use it before days where I wanted to not have to worry about the toilet, but now I take it regularly and I do think it helps me - during the day and preventing me having to get up in the night for the most part. It's certainly worth talking to a doctor about it though, because I think there are options for therapies.

[mariagno]

Your bladder may not be emptying and creating a sense to need to go all the time.

Urologist will do a bladder test. They will fill your bladder and then have you void.

If you void it all, then they deal with the spasticity with medication. If you don’t void it all, they will look at catheters. Simple and quick test.

With that said, an adult diaper may reassure you both in public or at night. There are lots of them that are no worse than wearing underwear.