Hi all
Quick question about bladders and gabapentin. GP prescribed gabapentin for my allodynia (googled & found the proper name!), whilst I’m on neurology waiting list. I have to build the dose up gradually over 6 weeks. Unexpected result is that my over the top bladder urges have stopped. Can gabapentin do that? I developed this in my late 20’s & was told that ‘it happens’ (I’m in my 50s now). No other cause given, & I didn’t query it.
The other unexpected thing is that I’m still leaking urine. Only small amounts, but I have no awareness of it happening. I had assumed the leaks were caused by me not quite managing to control the urges, but they are maybe separate issues.
Are these things I should mention to neurologist? The overactive bladder is something that disappears for years randomly comes back again. I only want a list of symptoms that are relevant.
Ta
Mali
Bladder problems fall into the ‘potentially relevant’ category in anyone’s book.
Perhaps the more important point here is that it is not for us amateurs to decide what’s relevant and what isn’t: list the lot and leave it to the professionals to decide what’s relevant and what isn’t.
Might be worth seeing a Urologist; I would also mention to your Neurologist too so it can be on your records going forward in case of further changes. I wouldn’t worry about whether a symptom is relevant or not - let the docs figure that one out; I report anything that crops up between appointments with my Neuro - if anything ‘big’ happens then I drop them a note to let them know immediately.
@alison100 @TheresaB Thanks both. I’ve listed the lot for the neurologist. I’ve already been down the urology route, although I must admit that it was many years ago now. How did time go so quickly?
My current list is:
Pins and needles - both feet and up into lower legs
Burning pain with stroking - most of both legs
Burning pain with touch - hips
Overactive bladder - Comes and goes. Normally silent for a couple of years, then it comes back for 6 months or so. Back at the moment.
Occasional bad leaks that I don’t notice at the time
Silent reflux
Dry eyes
Dry mouth
Itch that doesn’t go away - right wrist
Reduced touch sensation - patches on both legs, big toes, and back
No touch sensation - patches on back
Weak right leg - becomes heavy with a lot of walking
Tripping - right toes catch when wearing shoes on carpets (but not all the time)
NO fatigue - Thank god. It made everything so hard to cope with last time round.
Taking: Asthma inhalers, lansoprazole, gabapentin. Not taking anything for OAB as tolterodine and its friends give me the most awful dry mouth, and I already have one. I’m a pro at freezing and focusing on not wetting myself until the urge passes.
GP has me building gabapentin up. I add one tablet every 2 weeks, and take them in the evening. Currently on 3 tablets (300mg ?), but it’s not touching the pain, and GP away on holiday. I’ve ordered some harem pants, but I’ve no idea how I’m going to ‘rock that look’. Too cold and windy for skirts where I live.
GP says referral waiting list 12 weeks. Spoke to hospital and they’ve said more like 20 weeks, assuming that they’ll accept me as an urgent referral. If they don’t it will be at least 18 months. I have absolutely no idea how I could last that long in this state. Maybe it will all magically disappear like my OAB does!
Mali