Neurogenic bladder help!: Hi everyone... - My MSAA Community

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Neurogenic bladder help!

msstarfish profile image
23 Replies

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!

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23 Replies
NorasMom profile image
NorasMom

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.

Humbrd profile image
Humbrd

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.

kycmary profile image
kycmary

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

orionengineer profile image
orionengineer

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.

whwiechm profile image
whwiechm

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.

msstarfish profile image
msstarfish in reply towhwiechm

Thank you for the reply. I tried them originally and liked the totally covered tube and incognito packaging but after a few times the curved tip I found was poking me. I'm currently using the Coloplast Soft and Compact. I found these to be the least unpleasant.

RoyceNewton profile image
RoyceNewton

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.

msstarfish profile image
msstarfish in reply toRoyceNewton

I think my problem is that the muscle is stuck shut and I can't go until my bladder is just too full but I'll definitely work on the pelvic floor exercises.

RoyceNewton profile image
RoyceNewton in reply tomsstarfish

best of luck. I have seen an ad for Eurolift (I think) surgery lately would this be help?

msstarfish profile image
msstarfish in reply toRoyceNewton

I hadn't heard of this - thanks, I'll look into it.

ahrogers profile image
ahrogers

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!

msstarfish profile image
msstarfish in reply toahrogers

Thanks for this - maybe Tamsulosin will work better for me.

MoparMom profile image
MoparMom

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.

msstarfish profile image
msstarfish in reply toMoparMom

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I had never heard of Uribel and will look into it.

Ilovegreen profile image
Ilovegreen

I was prescribed oxybutynin 5 mg twice a day for my bladder issues a few years ago Hope this works for you

Fancy59 profile image
Fancy59CommunityAmbassador

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.

msstarfish profile image
msstarfish in reply toFancy59

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.

Fancy59 profile image
Fancy59CommunityAmbassador in reply tomsstarfish

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.

msstarfish profile image
msstarfish in reply toFancy59

I think the concern was that the bladder was so full that it might cause kidney issues and this was a way to reduce the pressure immediately. I am due for a follow up and Botox is definitely a consideration.

Fancy59 profile image
Fancy59CommunityAmbassador in reply tomsstarfish

👍😊

msstarfish profile image
msstarfish

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!

Xvettech profile image
Xvettech

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!

IFwczs profile image
IFwczs

Stem cell treatment works (if you can find it).

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