I have been doing ISC for over a year now with no benefit at all. When I saw my continence nurse she regularly did bladder scans which showed I wasn’t emptying my bladder properly. Currently on Mirabegron which has made things slightly better but still no relief with ISC. Was suppose to have urodynamic studies last week but then urologist cancelled on day as said cos I have MS wouldn’t show enough evidence. Now she has recommended botox of the bladder, had anyone else had this? If so how was it did it help I just feel quite anxious about it especially as she didn’t explain anything about it.
I have Botox injected in to my bladder approx every 6 months. It’s used to treat urgency and the leaks that sometime accompany that. It’s done under a local anaesthetic and is a bit uncomfortable but not painful. It doesn’t take very long, takes me longer to get undressed and dressed again afterwards than the procedure takes!
As for urodynamics, I don’t understand your consultant. I’ve had it done and so have other people on the forum. After it I was offered a urethral sling operation which I declined at the time but may have in the future. I was told I would probably still have to do isc. My urologist has a particular interest in neuro urology.
Botox may be your answer and I recommend it but it depends if you have other problems too.
Feel free to send me a message if you want any further information,
Sarah
Hey Southern Softie,
I regularly ISC - which is great for me. As after I ISC I can drink lots of fluid which is so important in this weather. Then I ISC again when I need to go etc. On average maybe ISC 6 times a day. Before this my life revolved around going to the loo at home or when out constantly hunting for the public loos
I don’t really understand when you say ISC doesn’t work for you? ISC is a method of totally emptying your bladder. Are you saying you don’t pass any wee when you ISC?
I also have bladder Botox. I must be really tough as no local anaesthetic for me. Yes it is mildly painful but I just sing which distracts me.
I hope that you get resolution
Min xx
With me they put an anaesthetic gel down the tube before they start injecting. I understood this was the norm, are you saying they don’t do this for you?
Sarah x
Hi Sarah,
I don’t think they do - or if they do they are keeping it secret from me!!!
Next time I will ask
Min xx
Are you overdue your next lot yet? Mine was due last month but they’ve only just started doing them again after stopping in March. Really hope they catch up quickly and I don’t have to wait 6 months!
Sarah x
Hi Sarah - yes I was overdue by a couple of months which was annoying.
Min xx
I have Botox injected too, best thing ever,shame since covid it’s being but on hold
Thank you for your comments, massive help. I do do ISC twice a day and empty my bladder every time but still have urgency there. And I’ve been caught short a few times quite regularly to be honest. My confidence nurse did a bladder scan before and after ISC and my bladder still want emptied properly despite nothing else coming out of catheter. BOTOX just got mentioned out of blue. Mirabegron has improved things slightly to extent I pass more urine when I go to toilet but still have frequency there. I have telephone consultation with one of urology team week Thurs but feel a lot more comfortable about it now Thank you
Hi SS, Ilike the way you typed confident nurse.
You may find that if things dont improve, a catheter could be tried.
I`ve had a supra pubic type for 8 years. It is comfortable to wear/use and is about 90% successful.
Boudsx
I’ve been having Botox on my bladder for over two years now, and it has transformed my life. It’s done every six months, although the pandemic means I’m now overdue and have no idea how long I’ll have to wait. Any discomfort during the procedure is well worth it for the benefits. I find taking painkillers a couple of hours before helps.