Hi everyone! Male, looking for some advice on my bladder issues. I've been diagnosed 14 years ago and the last few years my bladder issues have been getting worse. I was on Tadalafil, Alfuzosin and Sildosin. I'm retaining 600CCs before I go and my urologist suggested intermittent catheterization. I've been doing that 4x a day for the last two weeks and frankly it stinks. I like that I could be fully empty and not have to worry about bathrooms constantly but I always have soreness, UTIs is a concern (trying to be as clean as possible and use BZK wipes every time) and last night I had brown urine and clots for some reason which luckily cleared up this morning (I did check in with the doctor about it). I've sampled about 10 different catheter types and are using the two of the least irritating pre-lubricated ones. Just wanted to know if there were any tips and tricks from the more experienced or even any other medications I should ask my urologist about? He claims there is none stronger than Sildosin and would discuss Botox later on (which doesn't sound that wonderful either). I would appreciate any help!
Neurogenic bladder help!: Hi everyone... - My MSAA Community
Neurogenic bladder help!
I'm sorry; I can't help at all, but I didn't want your post to get buried. I hope someone has some suggestions for you.
I'm having that issue right now. I went to my primary care doctor today and she wrote me a prescription for a medication that men use for swollen prostate. I'm female. She said that we'll do it for a week at a low dose and it should help the muscles relax so I can go.
Sorry you are having these problems I have an overactive bladder & understand about UTI'S hope someone can help I am putting you on my prayer list. Mary
hey there. I use botox and self cath daily due to bladder issues caused by MS. I can share my experience with you if you would like. Send me an email at rory.davis@gmail.com if you want to set up time to chat - it's a bit too much to describe here.
I've been using Coloplast coude tipped catheters for about 5 years now, 3 times a day, and also using BZK wipes. It has helped me to enjoy life much more than always looking for the nearest rest room. In that time, I have had two UTI's, but both were cleared up quickly with medications.
i agree with the Botox idea, and assume you wear Nappies (protective underwear) and have done a lot of training on your bladder. I have found Kegel's to be very useful in strengthening bladder muscles. Pills are useful, but thinking outside the box maybe a good idea.
Tamsulosin may not be "stronger" than Silodosin but is more commonly prescribed, at least from what I have seen as a nurse. My neuro urologist said she would prescribe it for me but so far I am able to empty my bladder with some extra effort- pushing, leaning to the side, etc. Tamsulosin is more commonly prescribed to men but she said it helps females 50% of the time. Since you are male it may have better than 50% chance of helping.Good luck!
I worked for a Urologist for 18 years (billing not clinical) but I developed issues in my 30's with retention. I never self cathed but at times the doctor would relieve me by cathing me. I also had to get urethral dilatation that helped tremendously. I did not get diagnosed with MS until at least 12 years later. I am on generic Flomax to help with the urethral muscle since I was none too pleased with my current urologist's dilation. It was a little traumatic. I have not had any retention like I did years back.....sometimes I can "feel" it coming on but I take Uribel which helps with bladder spasms and it almost always passes. Sometimes a UTI develops but I'm sorta used to it. Good luck with the self caths, I do not do it so I have no insight to offer with that issue. Other than the Flomax and urethral dilatation for urethral stenosis and taking Uribel.
I was prescribed oxybutynin 5 mg twice a day for my bladder issues a few years ago Hope this works for you
msstarfish, Why won't you consider Botox? Everyone gets put off when they think of putting the poison into your system. But it is very effective and has been used in multiple places of the body including your bladder, brain for migraines, face for wrinkles. And I've even heard it used on the back for pain. I had my 1st Botox series of injections in my bladder for severe bladder incontinence about 6 months ago and I'm still going strong! I love it. Although I do not think that everyone is as lucky as me and gets 6 months or even more from an injection. I thoroughly and completely recommend you find a doctor who can talk to you about botox and check into using it on your bladder. . Using catheters can lead to infections and other problems that you have already discovered. Check into botox. You won't be sorry. Fancy59.
Thanks for your reply. My doctor was trying to control it with medication and the idea of Botox wasn't that appealing to me originally (due to it's application and possible complications) but I'm considering it more. Urologist mentioned it would be an option after I get used to the catheters.
The administration is no big deal. They numb your bladder before. Injecting the botox and all you feel is a slight bit of pressure no pain like an injection normally causes. Why in the world do you have to get used to catheters before he'll let you try botox? Seems you were having trouble with catheters, if I remember your original post so why continue and possibly cause infections. UTIs are no fun and I can imagine they're even worse for men than they are ladies. Fancy59.
Just to close the loop on my original question - I did see the urologist and it seems what I have is detrusor sphincter dyssynergia. There aren't a whole bunch of medications that help and the ones I've tried have not done much. The nerve stimulators he said he's done on some but the results were disappointing and Botox on the one muscle at the base of the bladder will likely lead to leaking with movement. So catheters it is for now I guess. If anyone hears anything otherwise, I would love to know about it!
I’m so sorry for your pain! I am not male but I strongly believe in exercising (kegal) and drinking ( what feels like) tons of water! Best wishes!
Stem cell treatment works (if you can find it).