Does anyone suffer with a weak bladder, urge incontinence etc. This has developed over the last 2 - 3 months, GP thinks it is down to ataxia but I haven't found any mention whilst rooting round the web.
Bladder control?: Does anyone suffer with a weak... - Ataxia UK
Bladder control?
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nana23
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10 Replies
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Yes, unfortunately. I think I have what is called bladder urgency. I am not too bad until I have a full bladder and when I am heading SLOWLY to the loo, that is when it is most difficult. I find a panty liner is enough to catch accidents most of the time.
At my annual check-up, a couple of years back, at the neurology hospital, I mentioned it and they referred me to the urologist (?) Unfortunately, they had a 6 months waiting list! Luckily, I see a wonderful neurophysio every 8 weeks (privately) and I mentioned the problem to her and she has a physio friend, Louise, who specialises in bladders. Louise also teaches pilates and pelvic floor exercise classes. I would ask your GP if you can be referred to one.
Louise has taught me a series of exercises which helped a lot to start with. I also got a pelvic floor educator. We discovered that when I think I am doing the exercises, a lot of the time I am not I also have a tendency to hold and so she has taught me to relax. Also, doing the quick exercises to 'wake' things up first, helps me.I am not cured but at least I have much more control and understanding. It has taken many weeks though
I got in the very bad habit of reducing the amount I drink too so be careful you do not. Having 2 big babies in the past didn't help matters either!
Hope this is not too much detail!
Good luck
Lit
FifaVolunteer
The bladder is muscle related and Ataxia affects the muscles therefore it follows the bladder will be affected.Not everyone, we are all different!
My friend who has Ataxia has bladder problems.
Panty liners are good and Tena make some good pads, they are good for accidents and both are unobtrusive.
Fifa
HarryBAdministrator
Hi nan23
As Lit and Fifa have both said, bladder problems are indeed associated with ataxia. Other common causes of bladder dysfunction are age, previous childbirth and infection. I would hope your GP has ruled the latter out. If you feel you require further advice on how to manage your bladder difficulties you could ask your GP to refer you to an incontinence nurse (not the nicest name, I know!)
Harriet
I agree with all that has been said - Dr Giunti said this to me too,- I find I can control myself for hours when out but as soon as I get in the front door, I cant wait!! {psychological!]
Sometimes I start and then stop and have to wait a while. Messages not getting through!!
yes panty pads do the trick and drink MORE not less to dilute your urine.
Patsy
Oh, just remembered something else that Louise said that helps sometimes. When you are attempting to 'rush' to the loo, start counting backwards from 100 (harder for some of us!), or recite a poem, anything to divert your mind.
I don't seem to have any major problems with my bladder but instead I have bowel problems. Instead of having to rush to the toilet I find it hard trying to do it. I think very unlikely but are men the opposite?
thanks everyone for all your replies, it really does help that people can answer questions. i asked gp and he wasnt sure but have a urology appt now. really glad i found this site, once again thank you all xx
Oh i have this also.
And sometimes almost ever time i think i have finished and stand up only to dribble all down my legs 
I wear pantie liners now.
I never thought it could be the cause untill i found this web site .
im slowly learning x
Hi NannyAlli
If you haven't been to your GP please do. I was so embarrassed as my GP is male but I am glad I finally told him. He referred me to a Urologist who put me on some tablets (tropium chloride) straight away and referred me for tests. The tablets started having an effect after only a couple of days and although i still have some accidents they are nowhere near as frequent.
Have also had ultrasound on my bladder and kidneys, that showed nothing abnormal, and this week i went for urodynamic testing.
Although the urodynamics are a little uncomfortable it did show that i have an unstable bladder which is possibly caused by nerve compression.
I now have to go back to my GP and ask for a refferal to the incontinence nurse so that they can advise me on how to cope, they evidently provide you with items such as panty liners, pads etc and simple exercises to help.
Please make sure you see your GP as there is help out there as i have just found out.
Moira (nana23)
