Lazy Bladder

[MaryTH]

Morning all, I am on MTX & HCQ with lots of other meds. Not a nice subject but over the past couple of weeks my bladder and bowel feel very lazy with no urgency (only way I can describe it) does anyone else have these symptoms. Hope everyone has a good day & weekend x

[earthwitch]

Please mention it as soon as you can to your rheumatology nurse and/or your GP. This isn't normal, and the sooner they figure out what is going on and what is causing it the better. If you end up not emptying your bladder properly (which is what happens when it gets "lazy"), then you are far more prone to kidney infections that can become chronic, and also if you have to strain to empty then it puts pressure on your kidneys that could lead to hydronephrosis. I'm one whose bladder problems got left far too long because GP didn't take it seriously, and I ended up in chronic retention where I couldn't pass urine at all. I don't think bladder retention is recognised as well as "incontinence" by GPs, but its just as bad a problem. If either the nurse or the GP don't seem to take it seriously, then try and refer yourself to your nearest continence advisory service (you can usually self refer) and they can do some simple testing to see if you are actually retaining urine (an ultrasound scan of the bladder after you have tried to empty yourself to see how much is left in). If there is a problem after the continence nurses have checked you out, then they should either be able to advise you on how to deal with it, or refer you for further testing.

FWIW, mine seems to have been caused by spinal nerve problems, but it can also be a result of meds or any number of other reasons.

[MaryTH in reply to earthwitch]

Thanks Earthwitch, I have an app on Monday with GP. Have a good weekend X