I have RRMS and have been taking solifenacin for years for overactive bladder, one in morning and one at night. I also have numbness and altered sensation issues down one side.
Recently, I have noticed that peeing has started to feel different in that I can’t feel it very much - I still have the sensation that I need to pee and it is with little warning (not very new) but I can mostly only really tell I am peeing because I can hear it. And it has started going in all random directions?
Similar yes, like you I can only tell by hearing - but not all the time. I also think I’ve finished and I wriggle and push and I start all over again and not just a little either!
When I was having issues of retention, not being able to feel bladder, slow stream and struggling to start. I was referred to urology. I was seen, taught how to self catheterise. Booked in for a cystoscopy, ultrasound of bladder, kidneys and urethras. CT and MRI of the bladder, kidneys and urethra. Was diagnosed with a neurogenic bladder. I now self catheterise 3 times daily, more if I go into retention. But this has reduced the amount of infections I’ve had. I hope this helps and you get the help you need.
I spoke to the MS nurse and have submitted the requisite urine sample to see if I have an infection, as per. It is helpful to know what the potential further tests could be, and what would be suggested, thank you for sharing your experience.
I hope you get sorted out, as know how much a UTI can throw a spanner in the works. for you. If it is an infection take a probiotic drink every day your on antibiotics as it’ll protect your gut bacteria.
Yes I have to agree with you, sometimes it feels like you’re going round in circles as no one wants to take ownership of the issues you’re dealing with! Hope things work out and it’s not too difficult for you.
No infection. I saw the MS nurse yesterday and I have the overactive bladder issue which is no longer controlled by the solifenacin so they have asked the GP to prescribe mirabegron which I will hopefully get next week and fingers crossed that will help. The effort needed and the split stream are because of hesitancy from my bladder not receiving the signal to relax when I am trying to wee but I can push and the bladder scans showed I can empty my bladder with the effort I put in, so she’s given me a Queens Square Bladder Stimulator. I’ve tried it and it does seem to help which is good. She also showed me the catheters which I can manage without because I can empty my bladder but I don’t really feel good about carrying the bladder stimulator everywhere (and spare batteries) or using it in public toilets!
That’s a relief for you not having an infection. Bladder issues are not nice, mine started just before diagnosis and was diagnosed with a neurogenic bladder. I self catheterise as I’m unable to feel my bladder and go into retention daily. I really hope it continues to ease your symptoms as that’s a relief for you. Tbh self catheterising isn’t that bad, personally it’s been the easiest issue to fix everything else seems to take forever to get anywhere.
I will hopefully get the new meds next week and then I can try the meds and the bladder stimulator for a little while so I can decide if I want the catheters or if I feel okay enough with what I have. I’m glad to hear the self catheterisation is not so bad, I suspect I will be doing it sooner or later.
I really hope the new meds will help to ease your symptoms
I’ve been self catheterising since August time, and have to say the urology department have been so helpful. I have an appointment in June for the neuro urology team because of the way MS has affected my bladder and bowel .
Good luck with your appointment next month, I hope it will give you what you need. I’m glad they’ve been so helpful so far. Have bladder/bowel problems can be so tiresome and debilitating, so workable solutions can be life changing.
for you. If it is an infection take a probiotic drink every day your on antibiotics as it’ll protect your gut bacteria.