incontinence

[27-359]

I am currently on third line chemo, weekly taxel. Chemo always affects my bladder to a certain extent,but this time itis driving me mad!

I can be fine one minute then I suddenly lose control and whoosh! At other times I spend the whole day with the urge to pass water, then the next day I am fine until my irritable bladder is back.

I have taken to wearing incontinence pads which I hate,and have also been investigated by a urologist,who could find nothing wrong.

I have not read about anybody elsehaving this issue, surely I'm not the only one?

[Guilane]

Hi, I became incontinent as soon as I had my first infusion of taxol/carbo. I wore Tena and then Always for a while. It’s just another lovely side effect but don’t worry, it does wear off. You can look forward to no nappies. Gill X

[Jayred in reply to Guilane]

I have it only at night although in the day I need to go more. Came when on carbo/taxol and back with Doxil. I think it might be linked with neuropathy.

[Lyndy2]

I wonder if this is linked to neuropathy…? I remember having it with taxel during first line… reassuringly it did disappear afterwards. I would mention it to your chemo team xx

[Teazles]

I had incontinence 2/3 days after each session of chemo, hopefully it will settle for you xx

[27-359]

Unfortunately mine is constant. Not every day, but four to five days a week. It comes, and then it goes!!

[meadowgirl]

I am so sorry to hear you are struggling with this issue. Have you spoken to a Continence advisor? Most health trusts have them and take a different approach, though may work alongside, a Urologist . You might be able to self-refer. Ask your cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist about the best way to contact one.

[27-359]

I know that my incontinence is caused by chemo. I don't think a continence advisor could help. For instance, I have been fine for the last two days although the previous two days I required pads. I never know when I will get an "attack' but need to be prepared.

[Tillymint61]

May help but try using a barrier cream. It took awhile for me to realise that slight leakage of 'chemo pee' was causing irritation sround my ureths and producing sll the symptoms you are experiencing. I only used it for sbout 4 to 5 days post chemo until the most toxic dribbles hsd stopped if you like and it cut out all the false toilet calls and soreness. It took several chemo treatments to work this out and msny negstive water ssmple tests. Hope this makes sense as It is really late and I should be a sleep able to 😏

[27-359]

Thanks for the suggestion. I already use a vaginal moisturiser for atrophy and my flow is worse than a dribble! I disgraced myself during a chemo session and had to continue the infusion in hospital pyjamas trousers, then make my way home in them!!!

[mizpurple]

I experienced a mild level of this during chemo. I don't have any advice for the incontinence itself, but I will mention that having an inexpensive cold water bidet installed on my home toilet was really helpful. It cut down on the irritation I was getting from all the wiping with paper (so many trips to the bathroom!) I did start taking D-mannose as a support for bladder health. And I kept my car seat covered with a folded towel just in case, and carried spare underwear at all times. Hope you soon get past this particular problem - it is pretty miserable to deal with. All the best! Deb in Colorado

[27-359]

Hi. I have tried D Mannose as well, and think it helped a bit. You're right, now I don't venture out without "protection" and it makes me feel a lot more confident.

Jenny