Help with Nocturia (night time urination)

[PhilFreeToAsk]

Compared to others on this group, I have got off lightly with late side effects of Radiotherapy. But I still have some. I hope what I am posting does not seem trivial compared to what others are going through.

I had pelvic radiotherapy 45 years ago. I believe my nocturia started about 30 years ago. Not too bad at first and able to cope with. But as I have got older, it has become very disruptive. Along with that getting up at night so often is affecting my heart rhythm.

Some of the nocturia maybe age related but part I think is related to the type of cancer and where I was radiated. I am looking for an alternative to drugs or lifestyle changes that could reduce the night time visits. I do take Stinging Nettle supplements and that did reduce my visits by about 30%. Any opinions or advise would be welcome.

[Sarah_PRDA Partner]

Hi PhilFreeToAsk

Thanks for your post. I just wanted to jump on to say hello and that hopefully members will comment with their experiences.

Really interesting that Stinging Nettle supplements have helped reduce your nocturia by 30%, thanks for sharing that.

There is a really good resource for Nocturia on the Bladder & Bowel website you may find useful for self management tips: bladderandbowel.org/bladder...

I would recommend you see your GP if you haven't already and it's important to stress how much this is impacting your daily life. Please let me know if you'd like any help pursuing a referral to a specialist, we have a database of UK consultants/clinics that we can signpost you to.

All the best.

[PhilFreeToAsk in reply to Sarah_PRDA]

Thank you for your reply and the link.

Because my cancer was many years ago, it seems that I have been forgotten. I asked for a referall about 10 years ago to see a specialist gastroenterologist in late side effects at Royal Marsden to recommend that I should have regular colonoscopies and bone scans. I have talked about my bladder to my GP before but does not consider my history. If there is a lesson, push the doctors to help you.

This time, I asked to look at the bladder issues and where I was radiated. A younger GP this time but seems to have more awareness than older GPs.

Stinging nettles is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used for urinary problems. Even scientific studies show its efficacy. Never really understood why a harmless proven remedy is not recommended more.

[Whittlestone]

Hi.

Have you been checked for urine retention? I know that sounds counter intuitive as you have leakage but that's how I first presented. My bladder does not empty properly and so I used to leak, especially at night, and quite badly on many occassions. I now self catheter each day, and whilst this can sound daunting, it's something I quickly got used to and I now have no problems with leakage at all. Might be worth exploring.

Good luck.

[PhilFreeToAsk in reply to Whittlestone]

Thanks.

No I haven't not been checked for urine retention. I checked a website and looks like I have some of those symptoms. Especially emptying my bladder and then going again within minutes. I will ask the GP when I next see him. Fortunately, I don't have leakage but can get a strong urge especially in the morning.

[PhilFreeToAsk in reply to Whittlestone]

I have been mulling over your reply and I would like to ask about self catheter. I have thought about this at night. Was it your choice or recommended to you?

My concern had been infections and ease of use. I would be interested in your experience if that is OK.

[Whittlestone in reply to PhilFreeToAsk]

Because my bladder does not empty fully I need to self catheter up to 4 times a day.

It took some getting used to, over a period of several weeks for me I guess. But it is now just part of everyday life, no realproblem. I do try to be in a place where I feel it is hygenic ie not a public toilet, but appart from that it is no bother.

Regardless of whether I catheter or not, I am prone to infections, so it is difficult for me to say much about this side of things except that my gastrenterologis said to me that, as long as my hygene procedures are good around cathetering, then infections should not be a big problem.

Hope this helps.

Take care.