"You Really Need to Re-Think That"

[CrazyCatWom]

Prior to the COVID19 Apocolypse, I'd attend monthly "Eat and Greet" lunches or the occasional dinner, usually sponsored by a pharma company, featuring a neurologist talking about MS. I loved these events because I would learn soooooo much about this mess I've dealt with for 20+ years!

However, I remember one neurologist talked about how there were questions he always asked his patients during an exam and what their general responses were. One question in particular has come slamming home to me recently:

Neuro--"Are you having any urinary problems?"

Patient--"Ummmmm, nope! No problems at all!"

The neuro said he would pause, then say, "You have MS. You mght want to re-think that."

Then. he neuro (who may very well been MY previous neurologist, come to think of it), would then explain what he meant by what he'd say to his patients: Over 80% of MS patients have urinary problems. He probably could have seen there was SOMETHING going on from the MRI, which is like a map for a neurologist. But more importantly, he said he needed his patients to tell him EVERYTHING! That was how he could treat his patients the best. So please don't be shy!

Anyway, the very first thing my new neurologists confronted me about was my "urinary problems I was having and she over-heard me talking to a nurse about when I was returning to the exam room.

I almost responded with the same knee-jerk response that neurologist would say, "You have MS. You might want to rethink that!"

Anyone ever heard of an "MS Blsdder"?

[twooldcrows]

good one ...i do to miss the meetings with all the people and would learn from them...haven't gone in years for i don't like them all they did was planning more doctors...to me it more for the people that are living with MS not all the doctors and next drug in the future...people need to talk to each other and to learn from them...anyway like your response ....ahhahha...

[hopeandgrace]

*raises hand* no lying to my doctor for me, I need all the help I can get, no shame

[falalalala]

Yes I have.

[jackiesj]

Very interesting..yip i miss those meetings too. i thought maybe my issues were due to age...yip rethinkn that! Thank you!

[CrazyCatWom in reply to jackiesj]

I remember my mom used to complain about it. And when I was working, my co-workers about my age would joke about the whole sneeze/laugh thing. There was just one thing that would gnaw away at the age theory--all those woman had given birth, I had not! So no muscle issue. But recently for me it is not just dribbling. Now, if my bladder feels a little full, I need Scotty to beam me to a toilet, or y'all need a mop!

[palomino27]

Every dam day!🙃

mines a spastic bladder

It even talks to me in my sleep

[hairbrain4]

Yep but haven't told my neuro yet cuz I haven't seen her since it started being a problem but will. As they say "knowledge is power" & I want to give my neuro as much power as she needs to keep me healthy as possible.

[Goldilockssearching]

My neuro suggested a bladder study but I had major appt fatigue at that time so I never went.

[CrazyCatWom in reply to Goldilockssearching]

I never really told my previous neuro because his nurse told me NOT to, saying he would then have to refer me to a gynecologist. And I wasn't able to go around the nurse as the COVID 19 Apocolypse struck.

[Goldilockssearching in reply to CrazyCatWom]

I have to pee all the time I’ve always had to pee all the time I figure it’s just who I am 😂 when they start poking around they find more problems that really usually are not problems because “there is nothing we can do” there’s only so much someone can take!

[mrsmike9]

I know I couldn't hold it until they put me on a med. I am Very careful to get everything out when I go.

I have a male neuro and I embarrassed him when I asked a question about sex. He stumbled around and "sort of" answered my question. I think he was surprised by the question! But, hey, he's a doctor and if I want/need to ask something, I do!

[CrazyCatWom in reply to mrsmike9]

Oh, goodness! I'm really surprised he would respond that way. My previous neuro actually asked ME about my sex life and if I was having any neurological problems in that regard. When you're dealing with MS, anything regarding nerves shouldn't embarass a neurologist!

[Sandydemop]

i do have bladder issues. i have a urology doc appt. tomorrow. maybe self cath? tired of being incontinent.